10 Ways To Make Money Baking

Do you want to learn? How to make money baking bread?

Baking is more than just a fun hobby. It’s also a great way to make extra money from home. From selling dog treats and cakes to starting a YouTube channel with baking tips, there are plenty of ways to turn your passion into revenue. By exploring these opportunities, you can find a side hustle or small business idea that fits your lifestyle and interests.

Whether you love making sweet treats or savory treats, there is a market for your baked goods. You don’t have to be a professional chef to make money baking. With a little creativity and effort, you can make money by creating delicious treats and sharing them with others.

The best way to make money baking bread

Here are some of the best ways to make money baking bread.

1. Sell dog treats

Selling dog treats is a fun way to make money. If you love dogs and baking, this is the perfect career for you. You can make treats at home and sell them online or at your local market, or even work in a dog treat bakery.

I’ve bought a lot of dog treats over the years and consider it a great business and side hustle to baking.

Start by finding an easy recipe, like this free peanut butter dog treat recipe. We recommend using ingredients that are safe for dogs, like peanut butter, pumpkin, and oatmeal (don’t forget to label the ingredients in case you have a dog with allergies), and you can find lots of easy-to-make recipes online.

When it comes to dog treats, packaging is also important – use cute bags or boxes to make the treats look special.

To gain customers, you can promote your treats on social media by posting photos and videos of the baking process.

For more information on this topic, check out How to Earn Up to $4,000 a Month Baking Dog Treats (With Zero Baking Experience!) Plus, you can sign up for a free training workshop that will teach you how to start a side business baking and selling dog treats.

2. Sell custom cakes

Selling custom cakes is a fun way to make money from home. People often order unique cakes for birthdays, weddings, and other special events. You can decorate cakes in a variety of designs, colors, and themes to suit any occasion.

To learn how to make custom cakes, you can start practicing your cake decorating skills by watching online tutorials or taking in-person classes (there’s probably a company near you that teaches this skill).

If your cake looks good, you will attract more customers, so trial and error and learning from tutorials and classes will go a long way.

To gain customers, start a social media account (for example, I’ve seen several custom cake accounts on TikTok and Instagram) and post in local Facebook groups (such as wedding groups or parent groups).

You can learn more about this in How to Start a Bakery at Home and Earn Extra Money.

3. Host a baking workshop

Hosting a bread baking workshop is a fun way to make money from baking. You can invite people to your home or rent a small space. Teach them how to make cakes, cookies or any other baked good you love. They will pay you to learn from you.

You can market workshops for beginners and experienced bakers and organize your classes based on what people want to learn. You could even focus on a theme, like holiday baking or gluten-free recipes, which will help you attract a wider range of students.

You can also share your workshop on social media and ask your friends to spread the word. You can also create flyers to place in local stores and cafes (be sure to add photos of your delicious baked goods to grab people’s attention).

Another idea is to host an online workshop on a site like Skillshare or Udemy. This way you can reach even more people who want to learn from the comfort of their own home. Instruct using a video call and send out a materials list in advance. You can even record the class so participants can rewatch it later.

4. Start a baking blog

Starting a baking blog is a fun way to share your passion for baking and make money at the same time.

A blog allows you to post recipes, share baking tips, talk about your favorite tools and ingredients, and more – it gives you a platform to connect with others who enjoy what you make (and recipes they can recreate).

First, you need to choose a niche (it can be broad or very specific, it’s up to you). For example, you could focus on gluten-free baking, cake decorating, family meals, healthy eating, meal ideas on a budget, bread recipes, etc.

Once you have launched your blog, you can start making money through affiliate marketing, ads, sponsored posts, and even selling your own products like e-books and online courses.

Building a blog takes time and effort, but it can be a rewarding way to turn your passion for baking into a steady source of income.

You can start a blog using my free course “How to Start a Blog”.

You can learn more about this in How to Make $110,000 a Year as a Food Blogger .

5. Become a food photographer

You can make money from home by working as a freelance food photographer, taking pictures of food for blogs, magazines, advertisements, etc.

Bloggers use professional photography to enhance their blog posts and often hire photographers to create and shoot recipes for their blogs.

Some food photographers can make $50,000 a year, and some can even earn over $100,000 by working with bloggers.

You can learn more about this in How to Become a Food Blog Photographer and Earn Over $50,000 a Year .

6. Partner with local cafes and coffee shops

Partnering with a local cafe is a great way to make money baking. Cafes are looking for fresh, homemade treats to sell to their customers, and often those treats are made by local bakers.

I have a friend who does this as a full-time job. She runs a bakery from her home and makes the most delicious treats. Not only do she sell them on her website, but she also sells to local restaurants near where she lives.

Start by visiting a local cafe and talking to the owner. Bring along samples of your tastiest baked goods so the owner can taste your creations and see the quality for themselves.

Once you’ve found a few interesting cafes, you can set up a supply schedule. Decide how often you want to deliver baked goods and how much you want to charge. Make sure to record your orders and deliveries to avoid mistakes.

It’s important to have a good relationship with the cafe owners, so you need to be reliable and deliver on time – if the cafe owners are happy, they’re more likely to continue ordering from you and may even recommend you to their other businesses.

7. Start a baking channel on YouTube

Creating a YouTube baking channel is an exciting way to share your passion for baking while making some money.

Over the years, I’ve watched a lot of baking videos on YouTube to learn how to make recipes, and a lot of people love baking shows.

With video content, you can teach others how to bake, share fun recipes, and build a community of baking enthusiasts who love your style.

Start by choosing a specific niche for your channel, like cake decorating, gluten-free baking, or quick and easy desserts, so you can attract an audience that is interested in exactly what you have to offer.

High-quality video is key, so invest in good lighting and a decent camera. But don’t worry, you don’t need to be a pro to get started. Many popular baking channels started with basic equipment like a mobile phone and grew over time.

8. Create an Instagram baking account

I have a friend who has a side hustle baking and shares the recipes she makes on Instagram, and her recipes always look so delicious!

Starting an Instagram baking account allows you to make money from your baking skills through sponsorship partnerships, affiliate marketing, and even selling baked goods.

Instagram is perfect for visual content and beautifully decorated cakes, cookies, and pastries really stand out. Plus, it’s a great platform to connect with potential customers and people who love baking.

9. Sell baked goods at farmers’ markets

Selling baked goods at a farmers market is a great way to make extra cash, and it allows you to meet your customers face-to-face, helping you build a loyal customer base.

Start by finding your local farmers market. You’ll need to know their rules and fees, which you can usually find on their website. Some markets may have special requirements for food vendors.

You can sell baked goods such as cookies, muffins, breads, and pies.

There is a small farmers market near where I live that I go to at least once a month to buy my favorite bread for my home bakery. They also sell dips to go with bread and different kinds of butter.

10. Sell a baking e-book

Selling a baking e-book is a great way to make money with your baking skills. An e-book allows you to share your favorite recipes and tips with a wide readership.

Creating an eBook takes time — you have to write down your recipes, take photos, and maybe even create a video — and once it’s finished, you can sell it online.

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing is a popular platform for selling e-books that is easy to use and has proven successful for many people.

Another option is to sell your e-book on your own website, which can allow you to earn more from each sale. You can also create a blog to attract readers who might be interested in your e-book.

Creating an eBook takes some effort, but it can be a good source of income, and once you’ve created it, you can keep selling it without too much extra effort.

I have personally purchased several books with recipes from “normal” people like you and me. Personally, it’s my favorite way to get new recipes. In fact, one of the things I like to do when I travel is to buy cookbooks written by local authors so that I can recreate local dishes when I get home.

Start a baking business

Now that we’ve covered 10 different ways to make money baking bread, we also want to talk about how to start a new baking business.

When starting a bread baking business, you’ll need to find your own style, prepare your kitchen for baking, and stock up on the necessary equipment. These steps will help you turn your love of baking into a way to actually make money.

Note: The following is not everything you need to do (or may not apply to your desired bakery business idea), but it will give you a good start.

1. Find your niche

Finding the right baking for you means deciding what type of baked goods you want to specialize in — whether that’s cupcakes, bread, cookies, or custom cakes for special events. Think about what you love to bake and what you’re good at.

If you love making gluten-free or vegan desserts, that could be your niche. Selling something unique can help your business stand out and attract customers who are looking for a specific type of baked goods.

2. Preparing the kitchen

The equipment you need will vary depending on what you plan to sell, but overall, here are some tips to get you started:

• Clean the kitchen thoroughly to meet hygiene standards.
• Dedicate a section of your kitchen to baking supplies – including ingredients, baking pans, mixing bowls, etc. Label the shelves so you can quickly find what you need. If you’re limited on space, consider adding additional shelves or storage boxes.
• You may also need a cooling rack, spatula, and piping bag for decorating baked goods.
• Invest in quality items that will last, and if the cost of new equipment is too high, consider buying used items in good condition.
• Additional elements like display cases and packaging are also important as they help present your baked goods attractively to customers, and the right packaging will keep your baked goods fresh during delivery and pickup.

3. Marketing baked goods

Marketing your bakery business can go a long way and lead to increased revenue.

Your brand is the personality of your bakery, so we encourage you to create a catchy name and logo. Think about the colors and fonts that fit the vibe of your baked goods.

Social media can also help you reach a lot of people quickly. Start on platforms like Instagram and Facebook and post photos of your baked goods.

4. Financial Management

Managing your money well is important when running a bakery: you need to price your products properly, keep track of your expenses, and understand tax laws.

To make a profit, you need to set your prices carefully. First, calculate the cost of ingredients, packaging, and special tools. Then add in the cost of labor.

A simple way to determine your price is to use this formula:

(Cost of raw materials + labor costs + overhead) x markup = selling price

For example, if it costs $5 to make a baked good and you want a 50% profit, your markup could be 2x, so your baked good would cost $10.

5. Legal Considerations

Some legal issues to consider include:

• Check to see if a business license is required in your area.
• Keep track of all your sales and expenses throughout the year, this will make things easier when tax time comes.
• Taxes can be tricky, so hiring an accountant or using tax software can help you handle them properly.

If this feels unmanageable, we highly recommend finding a local professional or expert to help you further.

FAQ

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about how to make money baking bread.

What can you bake to make money?

To make money, you can bake custom cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and breads. Many people have had success with unique items like decorated sugar cookies and themed cupcakes. Dog treats are also popular.

Is baking bread profitable?

Yes, bread baking can be profitable, and by marking up your prices and finding a niche market for profit, you can make a good income from bread baking.

How can you make passive income as a baker?

You can create a YouTube channel, start a baking blog, sell a baking e-book, etc. These options allow you to make money even when you’re not actively baking.

Can you make a living by baking bread?

Yes, it is possible to make a living from baking bread, and many home bakers have turned their passion into a full-time job by consistently selling a quality product and building a loyal customer base.

How much profit does a bakery make per month?

The amount of money a bakery makes each month, like any other business, varies greatly. Factors like location, price, customer base, and more affect revenue. Some small bakeries make a few hundred dollars a month, while others make thousands.

Do I need any special permits or licenses to sell homemade baked goods?

Yes, you usually need a license or permit to sell homemade goods. Check your local government regulations for specific requirements. Food safety certification may also be required.

How can you turn your cake decorating skills into a profitable business?

You can sell custom cake services for special occasions like birthdays and weddings.

Can kids bake and sell sweets to make money?

Yes, kids can earn money by baking and selling treats, and they can start small by selling to friends, family and neighbors.

How to make money baking bread – Summary

I hope you enjoyed this article on how to make money baking bread.

Baking is a rewarding way to earn extra money while doing what you love. Whether you sell dog treats or custom cakes or start a baking blog, there are plenty of opportunities to turn your passion into a profitable side hustle or business.

I have so many friends who have baking businesses that seem to be a lot of fun: one who makes dog treats, one who sells baked goods online and at local cafes, one who decorates the most amazing cookies, one who makes custom birthday cakes… They all love what they do and it seems like it’s a skill they’ve mastered over the years.

Are you interested in making money baking bread? Which of the above bread baking business ideas would you like to try?