Do you want to learn how to make money baking?

Baking can be more than just a fun hobby; it can also be a great way to make extra money from home. From selling dog treats and cakes to starting a YouTube channel for baking tips, there are many ways to turn your passion into profit. By exploring these opportunities, you can find a side hustle or a small business idea that fits your lifestyle and interests.

Whether you enjoy creating sweet treats or savory goodies, there’s a market for your baked goods. You don’t have to be a professional chef to make money baking; with some creativity and effort, you can start earning and sharing your delicious creations with others.

Best Ways To Make Money Baking

Below are the best ways to make money baking.

1. Sell dog treats

Selling dog treats is a fun way to make money. If you love dogs and baking, this is a perfect match. You can make treats from home and sell them online, at local markets, or even work at a dog treat bakery.

I have bought many dog treats over the years, and I think it’s a wonderful business and baking side hustle!

You can start by finding easy recipes, such as this free peanut butter dog treat recipe. You’ll want to use ingredients safe for dogs like peanut butter, pumpkin, and oats (don’t forget to label the ingredients in case some dogs have allergies), and you can find many recipes online that are easy to follow.

Packaging is important too when it comes to dog treats. You may want to use cute bags or boxes to make your treats look special.

To get customers, you can advertise your treats on social media, such as by posting pictures and videos of your baking process.

You can learn more about this topic at How I Make Up to $4,000 Per Month Baking Dog Treats (With Zero Baking Experience!). Plus, you can sign up for this free training workshop that will teach you how to start your own side hustle baking and selling dog treats.

2. Sell custom cakes

Selling custom cakes is a fun way to make money from home. People love ordering unique cakes for birthdays, weddings, and other special events. You can decorate cakes with different designs, colors, and themes to match any occasion.

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

The better your cakes look, the more customers you’ll attract, so learning through trial and error and/or with tutorials and classes will go a long way.

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

You can learn more about this at How To Make Extra Money By Starting A Home Bakery.

3. Host baking workshops

Hosting baking workshops can be a fun way to make money baking. You can invite people to your home or rent a small space. Teach them how to make cakes, cookies, or whatever you love to bake. They will pay to learn from you.

You can sell workshops for beginner or experienced bakers, and make your classes based on what people want to learn. You could even focus on themes like holiday baking or gluten-free recipes. This way, you can get more students interested.

You can share your workshops on social media and tell your friends to spread the word. You can also make flyers and put them in local stores or cafes (make sure to add pictures of your tasty baked goods to grab people’s attention).

Another idea is to host online workshops on sites like Skillshare and Udemy. This way, you can reach even more people who want to learn from the comfort of their own homes. Use video calls to teach and send out ingredient lists beforehand. You can even record the classes so participants can rewatch them later.

4. Start a baking blog

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

With a blog, you can post recipes, share baking tips, and talk about your favorite tools and ingredients. This gives you a platform to connect with others who enjoy what you create (and recipes that they can recreate).

To begin, you’ll need to choose a niche (you can go wide or very specific – up to you). For example, you could focus on gluten-free baking, cake decorating, family meals, healthy meals, budget meal ideas, or bread recipes.

Once your blog is up and running, you can monetize it through affiliate marketing, ads, sponsored posts, and even selling your own products like ebooks or online courses.

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

You can start a blog by using my free How To Start a Blog course.

You can learn more about this at How I 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. This means taking pictures of food for things like blogs, magazines, and ads.

Bloggers often hire photographers to make and photograph recipes for their blogs, using professional photos to make their posts look great.

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

You can learn more about this at How To Become a Food Blog Photographer And Earn Over $50,000 Each Year.

6. Partner with local cafes and coffee shops

Partnering with local cafes can be a great way to make money with your baking. Cafes look for fresh, homemade treats to sell to their customers, and many times the treats are made by local bakers.

I have a friend who does this as her full-time business – she has a home bakery business and she makes the most delicious treats. She sells them on her website, but also to local restaurants near where she lives.

You can start by visiting local cafes and talking to the owners. Bring samples of your best baked goods. This way, they can taste your work and see the quality for themselves.

Once you have a few interested cafes, you can set up a supply schedule. Decide how often you’ll deliver baked goods and how much you’ll charge. Make sure to keep track of orders and deliveries to avoid mistakes.

Building a good relationship with cafe owners is important, so you will want to be reliable and deliver on time. Happy cafe owners are more likely to keep ordering from you and might even recommend you to other businesses.

7. Start a YouTube baking channel

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

I have watched many baking YouTube videos over the years so that I can learn how to make a recipe. Many people just love baking shows too!

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

You can start by choosing a specific niche for your channel – whether it’s cake decorating, gluten-free baking, or quick and easy desserts. This helps attract viewers who are interested in exactly what you have to offer.

High-quality videos are key, so invest in good lighting and a decent camera, but don’t stress – you don’t need to be a pro to get started. Many popular baking channels started with basic equipment like their cell phone and grew over time.

8. Create an Instagram baking account

I have a friend who has a baking side hustle where she shares the recipes she’s made on her Instagram. Her recipes always look so good too!

Starting an Instagram baking account can help you make money from your baking skills through sponsored partnerships, affiliate marketing, and even by selling baked goods.

Instagram is perfect for visual content, so your beautifully decorated cakes, cookies, and pastries can really shine. Plus, it’s a great platform to connect with potential customers and others who love to bake.

9. Sell baked goods at farmers markets

Selling baked goods at farmers markets is a great way to make money. You can meet your customers face-to-face, which helps build a loyal customer base.

You can start by finding a local farmers market. You’ll need to know the rules and fees, which can usually be found on their website. Some markets may have special requirements for food sellers.

You could sell baked goods like cookies, muffins, bread, pies, and more.

There’s a small farmers market near where I live, and I try to go at least once a month to specifically buy bread from a home bakery that I love. They also sell dips and different kinds of butter for the bread too.

10. Sell baking ebooks

Selling baking ebooks is a great way to make money from your baking skills. With ebooks, you can share your favorite recipes and tips with a wide audience.

Creating an ebook takes some time. You’ll need to write down your recipes, take photos, and maybe even make some videos. Once it’s ready, you can sell it online.

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing is a popular platform where you can sell your ebook. It’s easy to use, and many people have had success with it.

Another option is to sell your ebook on your own website. This way, you keep more of the money from each sale. You can also create a blog to attract readers who might be interested in your ebook.

Even though it takes some work to create an ebook, it can be a good source of income. Once it’s done, you can keep selling it without much extra effort.

I have personally bought several books with recipes from “normal” people like you and me. They are personally my favorite ways to get new recipes. In fact, one of the things I like to do on my travels is buy a cooking book from a local author so that I can recreate local meals when I’m at home!

Getting Started With a Baking Business

Now that we have gone over 10 different ways to make money baking, I also wanted to talk about how you can get started with a new baking business.

When starting a baking business, you need to find your unique style, make your kitchen ready for baking, and get the equipment you need. These steps will help you turn your love for baking into a way to actually make money.

Note: The below won’t be everything that you need to do (or it may not be applicable to the bakery business idea that you are wanting), but it is a good start.

1. Finding your niche

Finding your baking niche means deciding what type of baked goods you want to specialize in. You could focus on cupcakes, bread, cookies, or even custom cakes for special events. Think about what you love to bake and what you’re best at.

If you enjoy making gluten-free or vegan desserts, that could be your niche. Selling something unique will make your business stand out, and it will also attract customers looking for specific types of baked goods.

2. Setting up your kitchen

The equipment you need will depend on what you plan on selling. But, overall, here are some tips to get started.

• Clean your kitchen thoroughly to meet health standards.
• Dedicate a section of your kitchen for baking supplies. This includes ingredients, baking pans, and mixing bowls. Labeling the shelves can help you quickly find what you need. If you’re limited on space, consider adding shelves or storage bins.
• You may also need cooling racks, spatulas, and piping bags for decorating your baked goods.
• Invest in quality items that will last. If new equipment costs too much, consider buying secondhand items in good condition.
• Extra things like display cases and packaging materials are important. They help you present your baked goods attractively to customers. Good packaging also keeps your baked items fresh during delivery or pickup.

3. Marketing your baked goods

Marketing your bakery business can go a long way and help you to make more money.

Your brand is your bakery’s personality so I recommend that you make a catchy name and logo. Think of colors and fonts that match the feel of your baked goods.

Social media can help you reach many people fast too. Start with platforms like Instagram and Facebook, and post pictures of your baked goods.

4. Managing finances

When you run a baking business, handling your money well is key. You must price your products right, keep track of your expenses, and understand tax rules.

To make a profit, you need to set your prices carefully. Start by figuring out the cost of ingredients, packaging, and any special tools. Then, add in your labor costs.

A simple way to price is to use this formula:

(Cost of Ingredients + Labor + Overhead) x Markup = Sale Price

For example, if it costs $5 to make a baked good and you want a 50% profit, your markup might be 2x. So, the baked good should be $10.

5. Legal things to think about

There are some legal things that you will want to think about, such as:

• Check if you need a business license in your area.
• Keep records of all sales and expenses throughout the year. This will make it easier when tax time comes.
• Taxes can be tricky, so hiring an accountant or using tax software can help you stay on track.

If you feel that this is over your head, I highly recommend finding a professional/expert in your local area to help you further.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about how to make money baking.

What can I bake to make money?

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

Can baking be profitable?

Yes, baking can be profitable. By marking up your prices for profit and finding your niche, you can make a good income from your baked goods.

How to make passive income as a baker?

You can create a YouTube channel, start a baking blog, or sell baking ebooks. These options allow you to earn money even when you’re not actively baking.

Can you make a living from baking?

Yes, it’s possible to make a living from baking. Many home bakers turn their passion into a full-time business by consistently selling high-quality products and building a loyal customer base.

How much does a bakery make per month?

The amount of money that a bakery makes per month varies widely, just like with any business. Factors like location, pricing, and customer base influence earnings. Some small bakeries might make a few hundred dollars a month, while others can make thousands.

Do I need special permission or a license to sell my 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 certifications might also be necessary.

How can I turn my cake decorating skills into a profitable business?

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

Is it possible for kids to make money by baking and selling treats?

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

How To Make Money Baking – Summary

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

Baking can be a rewarding way to make extra income while doing something you love. Whether you’re selling dog treats, custom cakes, or starting a baking blog, there are many opportunities to turn your passion into a profitable side hustle or business.

I have many friends who have baking businesses, and it looks like so much fun. I have a friend who makes dog treats, a friend who sells baked goods online and in local cafes, a friend who decorates the most amazing cookies, and a friend who makes custom birthday cakes. They all seem to really love what they do, and it’s a skill that they learned over the years.

Are you interested in making money baking? Which baking business idea above do you think you’ll try?