Bake sale fundraisers are a delicious and effective way to raise money for various causes, from school projects to sports. So, I've put together this list of ideas for bake sale fundraisers to make your life easier when it's time to plan your next bake sale.
From classic cookies to extravagant cakes, the possibilities are endless when it comes to what can be sold.
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Why Host A Bake Sale
I've found that bake sales are successful for several reasons. They are easy to plan and execute, plus, you can offer a variety of baked goods and treats so there is something for everyone.
Who can resist a cookie or brownie? I know I can't! They are a great way to make money for your local sports team, religious organization, or school.
Tips for the most profitable fundraiser
- Select a date and location that will bring a lot of traffic to your tables. Weekends, and before and after events at your local community center are always popular times.
- Make it a community event by inviting local businesses or organizations to participate in the bake sale. This can not only bring more people but also help promote your cause.
- Use social media to advertise your bake sale and reach a larger audience. Create graphics and share them on all of your social media platforms. Don't forget to make a bake sale flyer as well.
- Offer preorders for larger items like cakes or pies. This will ensure that you have guaranteed sales and can prevent any leftovers.
- Consider offering a variety of options for dietary restrictions such as gluten-free or vegan items. That way everyone is included!
FAQ's
The most popular items at bake sales tend to be individually packaged treats such as cookies, brownies, and cupcakes.
I recommend comparing the prices at your local bakery, and then setting your prices similar to theirs. I like to price in even dollar amounts.
Over the years and many bake sales, I've learned that the best way to draw attention is to make your table festive and colorful. Use colors to suit your theme, holiday, or even sports theme. Beautiful tablecloths and ribbons work great.
Cookies
Cookies are always a favorite at bake sales because they can be eaten on the go. I get the best results when I make a variety of flavors and types. So, here are a few ideas that you can use to add some extra flavor to your table instead of just the traditional chocolate chip and sugar cookies.
- Gumdrop Cookies - a tried and true recipe that is bursting with coconut, oatmeal, and gumdrops. You can't go wrong with these.
2. 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms - are always a fan favorite and only require a few simple ingredients which makes them a great way to maximize profits.
3. Snickers Chocolate Chip Cookies - only require two ingredients and less than 30 minutes in the kitchen. These are great for busy parents to make for the table.
4. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies - soft, chewy, and super simple to make, these will be a favorite.
5. Pumpkin Spice Cookies - chewy on the inside with crisp edges all rolled in a sweet cinnamon sugar topping make these cookies a crowd-favorite.
6. Crispy Peanut Butter Oatmeal - crispy edges and a chewy center give these cookies the perfect texture.
7. Brown Sugar Cookies - soft and chewy cookies that are stuffed full of sweet jam or jelly.
8. French Palmier Cookies - are gourmet cookies that look hard to make, but are so easy to make that beginners can make them!
9. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies - these chewy chocolate cookies are always a popular choice when it comes to bake sale items.
- Peanut Butter M&M Cookies - the BEST combination!
- Cake Mix Snickerdoodle Cookies - so easy & good.
- Raspberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies - a classic cookie treat.
- Cotton Candy Cookies - perfect for the bake sale.
- Cherry Cookies - packed full of cherry flavor.
Brownies and bars
You can't have a traditional bake sale without some homemade brownies and bars. These bar recipes will satisfy any sweet tooth and are sure to fly right off your table!
15. Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars - peanut buttery, chewy, and crunchy all at the same time!
16. Ooey Gooey Banana Bars - a twist on the classic banana bread, these bars are topped with a rich caramel frosting.
17. Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars - a fun and easy way to make bars for a bake sale. Just cut them into squares and top with colorful frosting for a festive treat.
18. Chocolate Banana Bars - fudgy, decadent, and made with ripe bananas and chocolate chips, you can't go wrong.
19. Turtle Caramel Pecan Bars - a tasty shortbread crust topped with gooey caramel, pecans, and chocolate. So, these bars are sure to be a hit at any bake sale.
20. Oh Henry Bars - are similar to granola bars that are topped with a peanut butter chocolate layer to make them extra delicious.
21. Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie - the perfect combination of red velvet cake and rich chocolate brownies, these are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your bake sale.
22. Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars - the perfect copycat recipe for the popular holiday treat from Starbucks, these bars are easy to make and a guaranteed hit at your bake sale.
23. Homemade Twix Bars - these homemade candy bars have a shortbread crust, and a caramel layer, and are finished with chocolate and a sprinkle of salt.
- Strawberry Oat Bars - the perfect bake sale treat.
- Apple Crisp Bars - the streusel topping takes them over-the-top!
- Lemon Blondies - sweet, moist, and topped with a finger-licking glaze.
- M&M Chocolate Oat Bars - addictively delicious.
- Samoa Brownies - rich and chewy. Everyone's favorite!
Cupcakes
Cupcakes are the perfect treat for bake sales, they are individual-sized and the variety of options is endless. Here are just a few of my best sellers.
29. Minnie Mouse Cupcakes - these beautiful cupcakes are topped with creamy buttercream frosting, Oreo cookies, and a candy nose to make a fun treat.
30. Pink Lemonade Cupcakes - these tender cupcakes are bursting with fresh lemon flavor and topped with a pretty pink frosting.
31. White Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting - decedent and fluffy cupcakes that are flavored with almond and vanilla. They will sell out fast. So elegant!
32. S'mores Cupcakes - delicious chocolate cupcakes, marshmallow frosting, and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers make up this camping-inspired dessert.
33. Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes - moist chocolate cupcakes topped with a light and fluffy cherry buttercream frosting make these taste like chocolate-covered cherries.
34. Banana Pudding Cupcakes - a fun twist on the classic dessert, these cupcakes are filled with banana pudding and topped with chantilly cream and vanilla wafers.
35. Watermelon Cupcakes - vibrant green cupcakes and pink frosting are both filled with sweet watermelon flavor topped with chocolate chip "seeds" and sprinkled with sanding sugar.
- Pink Velvet Cupcakes - these will be a hit at the bake sale!
- Copycat Little Debbie Cakes - so popular.
- Cinnamon Cupcakes - soft, sweet and buttery.
- Lemon Curd Cupcakes - So lemony, with a lemon curd center!
- Carrot Cupcakes - the cream cheese frosting is drool-worthy.
Candy and sweets
From brittle to fudge there are so many different types of candy and sweets that can be for your next fundraiser. While the options are endless I'm going to share a few of my favorites with you.
41. Microwave Peanut Brittle -there's no need to stand over the stove and constantly stir this easy-to-make peanut brittle.
42. Strawberry Fudge Recipe - while it may be called a bake sale, there is no baking required to make this melt-in-your-mouth fudge.
43. Toffee Saltine Cracker - a salty, sweet treat that is addictive and easy to make.
44. Homemade Buckeyes - these no-bake treats are always a hit, especially during the holiday season.
45. Butterscotch Haystacks - a classic no-bake treat that is perfect for any bake sale.
46. Caramel Popcorn - crunchy, sweet, loaded with M&M's, so it is always a favorite for fundraisers.
47. Chocolate Covered Cashews - a simple and delicious treat that will have chocolate lovers rejoicing.
- Peanut Butter Snowballs - melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
- Cotton Candy Fudge - tastes just like cotton candy at the fair.
- Rolo Turtle Pretzels - the perfect salty/sweet treat.
- Homemade Peanut Butter Cups - vegan, and gluten-free!
- Pretzel M&M Hugs - customize for your school colors!
Quick breads and muffins
These muffins and quick breads can add a little variety to your bake sale lineup. They are easy to make and a little healthier than most treats, which makes them a crowd-pleaser.
53. Zucchini Bread Recipe - a delicious and moist quick bread that sneaks in so veggies to picky eaters.
54. Easy Pancake Mix Muffins - an easy, customizable recipe using pancake mix as the base, that results in the perfect muffins every time.
55. Macadamia Coconut Bread - a tropical and nutty twist on a traditional quick bread recipe.
56. Lemon Blueberry Muffins - a bright and refreshing flavor combination that is perfect for bake sales.
57. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread - a fall favorite that is the perfect blend of tender quick bread, and rich chocolate flavor.
58. Banana Nut Muffins - these jumbo-sized muffins are the perfect bakery-style copycat. And, they taste amazing!
- Chocolate Marble Zucchini Bread - Zucchini bread with a twist!
- Strawberry Muffin Recipe - the perfect cozy bite.
- Amish Pumpkin Bread - perfectly moist every time.
- Banana Nut Bread - Grandma's recipe is always the best.
- Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins - just like Costco!
Holiday treats
From Halloween to Christmas there are so many festive and fun treats that you can to your fundraiser. The fun and bright colors are certain to draw attention and have them flying off the table.
64. Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups - sugar cookie cups filled with hazelnut chocolate ganache and finished off with pretzel handles and marshmallow bits. So cute!
65. Halloween Rice Krispie Treats - more fun than scary these rice krispie treats are perfect for your Halloween bake sale.
66. Jack Skellington Reese's Cups - white chocolate peanut butter cups are decorated and made to look like Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas.
67. Graham Cracker Gingerbread House - these simple gingerbread houses are made from graham crackers and they are also fun for kids to decorate.
68. Nutter Butter Mummies - these spooky treats are made with Nutter Butter cookies and white chocolate. The perfect Halloween treat!
69. Ice Cream Cone Christmas Tree - these festive cones make a delicious and creative holiday treat, they also look great on your holiday table.
70. Melted Snowman Oreos - these adorable cookies are made with Oreos, white chocolate, and candy. They are a great addition to any holiday bake sale.
71. Graveyard Dirt Cake - this rich and moist cake is a spooky and delicious Halloween dessert. Decorated with tombstones and gummy worms, it's sure to be a hit at your bake sale or cake walk.
72. Christmas Wreath Cupcakes - no special decorating skills are needed to make this fun Christmas cupcakes.
73. Caramel Apples - no Halloween or fall bake sale is complete without these classic treats so don't skip this recipe.
74. Christmas Muddy Buddies - also known as "puppy chow", this sweet and crunchy snack is a perfect addition to any bake sale.
75. Halloween Pretzel Ghosts - another easy and fun treat for Halloween, made with pretzels, white chocolate, and candy eyeballs.
76. White Chocolate Dipped Oreos - are always a crowd-pleaser at bake sales. They can also be decorated with sprinkles or crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
- White Chocolate Covered Pretzels - super easy, sweet and salty.
- Halloween Oreo Cake Bars - so rich and delicious.
- Sugar Cookie Fudge - cream and sweet.
- Monster Cookies - nom, nom, rich and chewy!
- Santa Bag Marshmallow Pops - festive and fun!
How to package the treats
Packaging the treats is just as important as baking them. I recommend that you add a label that includes allegerns to all your baked goods before you sale them.
Cookies
I like to package cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon or twine. You can also stack them in a small paper box and tie it with a bow. I have the best lunch when I sell them in packages of one or two cookies.
Brownies and bars
These can be cut into individual servings and wrapped in plastic wrap before placing them in a container or bag. To add some flair, you can wrap the plastic wrap with decorative tape or washi tape.
Cupcakes
Use cupcake boxes with a clear lid and decorate them with a ribbon and label or place them in a small plastic cup and then wrap them in a cellophane bag and tie them with a ribbon.
Candy and sweets
Consider using small, resealable bags or plastic boxes. As this will allow the customers to see what's inside and show off the festive and delicious textures.
Quick breads and muffins
Muffins work well in a cellophane bag or plastic cup. However, for the quick breads, I like to slice them and place them on a decorated plastic plate, or wrap them in plastic wrap to keep them fresh.
Holiday treats
These treats come in so many different shapes and sizes so try using pretty or clear bags and ribbons to help show off the show-stopping colors of these festive desserts.
Essential tools for this recipe
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- Label maker
- Cellophane bags with twist ties
- Self-sealing cellophane bags
- Washi tape
- Cupcake holders
- Clear plastic plates
- Paper craft boxes with window
Click link below to grab your free bakesale checklist and
volunteer signup sheet!
Bake sale checklist
Volunteer sign-up sheet
No matter which of these recipes that you choose to make for your next bake sell, they will fly right off your tables and help you make the funs that you need for your cause.
If you make any of these recipes for your next fundraiser, I would love for you to leave me a comment and let me know which one that you made!
Angela says
Thanks for all the great tips here! I can't wait to try some of these yummy recipes 🙂
Debra Clark says
You're so welcome, I hope your fundraiser is super successful!!