A bake sale is a classic fundraising favorite — and for good reason. It’s simple to plan, easy to scale, and brings people together around something everyone loves: sweet treats. Whether you’re raising money for a school, nonprofit, or community cause, the right selection of baked goods can turn a simple table into a big win.
Here are some easy bake sale ideas for fundraising that are crowd-pleasers and budget-friendly.
1. Cupcake Bar 🧁
Cupcakes are always a hit because they’re portable, easy to decorate, and great for kids and adults alike.
Pro Tip: Offer classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and red velvet, but let buyers add toppings like sprinkles, icing drizzle, or candy bits for a fun interactive twist.
2. Brownies & Blondies 🍫
Brownies are one of the easiest desserts to bake in bulk — and they sell fast. Cut them into neat squares, wrap them individually, and display them in baskets or trays.
Pro Tip: Add variety with fudge brownies, salted caramel blondies, or mint chocolate versions to keep things interesting.
3. Cookies by the Bag 🍪
Cookies are a bake sale staple because they’re easy to package and perfect for impulse buys.
Popular options include:
- Chocolate chip (always the best-seller)
- Oatmeal raisin or oatmeal chocolate chip
- Sugar cookies with frosting designs
- Peanut butter cookies
Pro Tip: Bundle 3–4 cookies per bag and tie with a ribbon for a ready-to-go treat.
4. Loaves & Muffins 🍞
Not everyone wants sugar overload — some prefer breakfast-style baked goods like banana bread, pumpkin loaves, or blueberry muffins.
Pro Tip: Offer slices for $1 or whole loaves for a higher donation. This gives donors more options to give at different levels.
5. Seasonal Treats 🎃☕️❄️
Bake sales tied to a holiday or season tend to draw bigger crowds.
- Fall: Pumpkin spice cupcakes, caramel apples, cinnamon rolls
- Winter: Sugar cookies, gingerbread, peppermint bark
- Spring: Lemon bars, pastel-colored cupcakes
- Summer: Fruit pies, shortcakes, mini cheesecakes
Pro Tip: Use seasonal decorations to make your table more eye-catching.
6. Specialty & Allergy-Friendly Options 🌾🥛
Offering gluten-free, dairy-free, or nut-free options helps you include everyone — and often boosts sales.
Pro Tip: Clearly label these items to build trust with buyers and make it easy for them to choose.
7. Raffle + Bake Combo 🎟️
Turn your bake sale into a mini event by pairing it with a small raffle or auction. People will stop for a treat and may stay to give more.
Final Thought
A successful bake sale doesn’t have to be complicated. With easy bake sale ideas for fundraising, a little variety and thoughtful presentation can go a long way. Keep your menu simple, make it fun, and watch those donations add up — one cookie at a time.
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Tom Kelly, TEDx speaker and CEO of CharityAuctions.com, helps nonprofits raise millions through auctions and AI. He hosts The Million Dollar Nonprofit podcast and inspires leaders to live their legacy, not just leave it.
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