29 Clever Baking Business Ideas (2024)
Are you interested in starting a baking business? Or looking for bakery business ideas that can be fun and profitable?
Researchers revealed that the global bakery market may reach $673 billion in the next few years.
That means there's a huge opportunity for bakery ideas!
If you'd love to turn your baking skills into a flourishing business, this could be the right time to get started.
From dessert business ideas, to cake business ideas, to cookie business ideas (and more) we found 29 profitable baking business ideas you can start today:
1. Start a gluten-free bakery
Gluten is a protein found in some grains such as wheat and barley, and it's responsible for binding bread, retaining moisture, and providing baked foods with a soft texture.
With the rising consumer interest in gluten-free products, the category has transitioned to a mainstream market segment.
Gluten-free pastries contain flour from gluten-free grains like brown rice, buckwheat, and sorghum. If you are interested in bakery business ideas, you may consider venturing into the gluten-free pastries market.
How much you can make: $25,000 — $90,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $6,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
ChipMonk co-founders built a mail-order bakery selling low carb, gluten-free desserts, making around $25,000 a month with growth through e-commerce, and plans to tighten budgets and conserve cash in challenging times.
2. Start a french pastries bakery
Do you adore French delicacies? There is no denying that French desserts are appreciated, celebrated, and intimated around the world, thanks to their light and fluffy texture.
Some popular French pastries include: Mille Feuille, Éclair, Madeleine, Cannele, and Kouign Amann.
The French pastry industry has grown considerably in the last few years, being the 3rd largest exporter of bread and bakery products. If you open a French bakery, you will have plenty of people looking for your goods.
How much you can make: $25,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $7,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
French chef and founder of online bakery Pastreez, Anthony Rosemond, shares keys to success including validating ideas with the market, focusing on SEO and organic growth, building customer relationships through email and SMS, never offering discounts but offering freebies, and diversifying the business with new products and content on social media.
3. Start a baking supplies store
Every bakery requires a constant supply of baking tools and ingredients to run effectively.
A bakery supplies store is a sweet spot for entrepreneurs who are passionate about bakery business ideas but do not want to sell baked products. They sell bakeware, ingredients, sprinkles and toppings, cake boards and drums, clamshell boxes, icing supplies, decorating tips, and other candy supplies.
How much you can make: $20,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
How Linda Gonzalez Turned Around Gloria's Cake & Candy Supplies, increasing revenues by 60% within 6 months and going from 1-2 star reviews on Google & Yelp to 4-5 star reviews through focusing on customer service and modern marketing techniques.
4. Start a bakery
Everyone loves baked goods, be it sweet items like cakes, muffins, and cookies or savory baked food like pizzas, buns, bread, and puff pastry. Baking takes a lot of effort and patience, which is why many people buy baked items from stores or restaurants instead of baking them at home.
Starting a bakery can be a rewarding business opportunity if you have a passion for baking. If you plan to start a bakery, consider that happy customers often become repeat customers. Therefore, always focus on quality and work on customer satisfaction.
To start a bakery , pick an ideal format. Some options include:
- Counter-style bakery
- A hybrid bakery with a cafe,
- Food truck with a bakery
- Home bakery.
Write a suitable business plan and choose the correct location.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $25,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
French chef and founder of online bakery Pastreez, Anthony Rosemond, shares keys to success including validating ideas with the market, focusing on SEO and organic growth, building customer relationships through email and SMS, never offering discounts but offering freebies, and diversifying the business with new products and content on social media.
5. Become a cake decorator
Becoming a cake decorator can be an enjoyable and uncomplicated venture to embark on, particularly if you have a passion for baking and creativity. It enables you to explore the thriving bakery and wedding industries while showcasing your artistic abilities.
This business involves designing and hand-decorating specialty cakes for various events and occasions, using your artistic abilities to create beautiful, custom-edible works of art.
To start a successful cake decorating company, learn proper cake decorating techniques, purchase quality ingredients and equipment, build a portfolio to showcase your skills, and implement good marketing tactics to attract potential clients like wedding planners, event companies, bakeries, and direct consumers.
How much you can make: $4,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $300 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
From pastry chef to owner of a successful bakery, learn how Bradford Bakery achieved a 550% increase in SEO in just a few months through community outreach, building a website, and utilizing social media and advertising on platforms like Facebook and Groupon.
6. Start a vegan bakery
More people are becoming aware of the benefits that vegan food products offer to their health. Therefore, vegan food establishments and vegan bakeries are increasing at an unprecedented rate.
Vegan bakeries use plant-based ingredients to produce and sell sweet and savory products made in compliance with the strict requirements of a vegan diet.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,675 (?)
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
DIY Lifestyle blog owner, Theresa, turned her passion for crafting and writing into a side income source, attracting hundreds of thousands of global visitors, with her blog generating $400-$500 a month and her online Etsy store bringing in an additional $200-$300 a month, showcasing her unique, all-natural, one-of-a-kind polymer clay earrings, home decor, and huts inspired by Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, reading and home decorating.
7. Start a specialty bakery
Specialty bakeries are renowned for their exceptional quality baked goods, crafted with an unparalleled level of skill and precision.
These bakeries offer a diverse range of unique products that go beyond the usual fare found in regular bakeries.
From handcrafted fondant pieces and edible flowers to elaborately tiered cakes and custom-made wedding cakes, specialty bakeries are experts in creating a variety of one-of-a-kind baked goods that are guaranteed to please any palate.
These bakeries are committed to providing their customers with an extensive selection of options that cater to their individual preferences, dietary requirements, and special occasions.
Whether you're searching for a stunning cake for a special event or simply want to indulge in some luxurious treats, specialty bakeries are the perfect choice for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
How much you can make: $30,000 — $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
ChipMonk co-founders built a mail-order bakery selling low carb, gluten-free desserts, making around $25,000 a month with growth through e-commerce, and plans to tighten budgets and conserve cash in challenging times.
8. Start a pet bakery
Pet bakeries use the highest quality human-grade ingredients to produce quality dog cakes and other treats. With the growing demand for pet food treats, starting a pet bakery can be a promising venture.
How much you can make: $33,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
Kristin Larsen's Diva Dog Bakery program teaches students how to start their own successful dog treat bakery business that has consistently brought in five figures a month since launching in November 2020.
9. Start a dessert boxes store
Gifting is a culture that cements how we relate to those close to us. Consumer goods stores have innovated various gifting methods and dessert boxes happen to be one of them.
If you love baking and you have a passion for entrepreneurship, starting a dessert boxes store can be a highly rewarding venture.
Here are some ideas for your inspiration.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Dick At Your Door is an e-commerce shop that grew almost 10x within the last eight months by selling anonymous pranks such as 5 oz chocolate penises, and its founder shares his journey that started as a joke to becoming a professional chocolatier.
10. Become a pastry chef
A pastry chef is a culinary artist who specializes in creating cakes, candy, pies, and other baked products.
As a pastry chef, you may establish your home-based bakery, seek some freelancing opportunities such as starting baking lessons, recording videos, or even write recipes for chefs.
How much you can make: $4,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
From pastry chef to owner of a successful bakery, learn how Bradford Bakery achieved a 550% increase in SEO in just a few months through community outreach, building a website, and utilizing social media and advertising on platforms like Facebook and Groupon.
11. Start a healthy bake shop
Pastries aren't known for being a healthy cooking choice. However, with various ingredients, you can start a healthy bake shop.
Baked goods businesses have been around for many years. However, over that period, people have realized that baking is not a heart-friendly cooking method.
Starting a healthy bake shop can be profitable and satisfying. To start, find a good location and market your business. In addition, you should ensure compliance with your state's health department.
How much you can make: $25,000 — $80,000/month
ABS Protein Pancakes founder, Ashley Drummonds, tells the story behind the growth of her business from making her pancake recipe in her apartment kitchen to an appearance on the US TV show Shark Tank and how social media has played a crucial role in her marketing.
12. Start a candy making business
You will need a few essential ingredients and equipment to start a candy-making business. These include sugar, corn syrup, food coloring, flavoring extracts, and tools like a candy thermometer and a silicone candy mold. You will also need a kitchen or workspace to prepare and store candy.
To operate your candy-making business, you must develop various tasty candy recipes. The candy may require trial and error, as well as research on popular flavors and techniques. Once you have a solid selection of recipes, you can start taking orders from customers and creating candy to their specifications.
To market your candy-making business, you can set up an online store or sell your products at local markets and events. You can also consider partnering with local companies, such as coffee shops or gift stores, to sell your candy on their premises.
Starting a candy-making business requires creativity, dedication, and attention to detail. With suitable recipes and marketing strategies, you can turn your love of candy into a successful and sweet business!
How much you can make: $3,000/month
How long does it take to build: 450 days (?)
Brandon Nolte, the co-founder of Stello, a stress diffusing mint company, shares his journey of launching a new company after +8 years and +$10 million in sales in the CBD space, including the challenges and opportunities of product development, branding, and marketing strategies in the CBD industry.
13. Start an allergy friendly bakery
Concerned about rising food allergies? An allergy-friendly bakery could be a practical and rewarding venture. This business idea involves creating a bakery dedicated to producing delicious, allergen-free baked goods.
By focusing on products free from gluten, dairy, nuts, and other common allergens, this bakery would cater to a growing community eager for safe, tasty alternatives.
The demand for allergy-friendly options is on the rise, making this a timely opportunity. Crafting a strong menu and sourcing safe, high-quality ingredients will be key challenges, but the potential to make a meaningful impact and build a loyal customer base is significant.
If you're passionate about baking and mindful of dietary restrictions, starting an allergy-friendly bakery could be both a fulfilling and profitable venture.
How much you can make: $1,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $350 (?)
How long does it take to build: 10 days (?)
DIY Lifestyle blog owner, Theresa, turned her passion for crafting and writing into a side income source, attracting hundreds of thousands of global visitors, with her blog generating $400-$500 a month and her online Etsy store bringing in an additional $200-$300 a month, showcasing her unique, all-natural, one-of-a-kind polymer clay earrings, home decor, and huts inspired by Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, reading and home decorating.
14. Start an organic bakery
Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly baked bread made from the finest organic ingredients. An organic bakery focuses on crafting breads, pastries, and other baked goods using only 100% organic, non-GMO ingredients. This concept appeals to health-conscious consumers seeking high-quality, environmentally friendly products without artificial additives or pesticides.
Starting an organic bakery involves sourcing local, organic suppliers, mastering recipes that meet organic standards, and establishing a brick-and-mortar shop or online store. You’ll need to invest in high-quality kitchen equipment and possibly undergo organic certification to build trust with your clientele.
The organic market is growing, driven by increased consumer awareness about health and sustainability. This business wouldn't just fill a niche; it would cater to a dedicated community that values both taste and ethics. If you're passionate about baking and committed to an organic lifestyle, this could be the ideal venture for you.
How much you can make: $4,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
From pastry chef to owner of a successful bakery, learn how Bradford Bakery achieved a 550% increase in SEO in just a few months through community outreach, building a website, and utilizing social media and advertising on platforms like Facebook and Groupon.
15. Start a baking online course
Want to turn your love of baking into a profitable venture? Consider creating an online baking course. An online baking course involves designing and delivering structured lessons that teach people how to bake, right from the comfort of their homes.
You’ll need to invest time in planning comprehensive curriculums, shooting high-quality video tutorials, and setting up a user-friendly platform for your students. It's a great way to share your passion while generating income on your terms. There’s a growing demand for online learning, especially in niche markets like baking.
Intrigued? Picture yourself nurturing a community of aspiring bakers, guiding them through dough, pastries, and cakes, all via engaging online content. Starting this business could be a fulfilling way to showcase your expertise and create a steady revenue stream. Ready to mix things up? This could be the business idea for you.
How much you can make: $100,000/month
Hipcooks is a 7-location cooking school business that has grown organically to reach $100k/month in revenue, and attracts and retains customers through their communal approach, vibrant online presence, and updated Google and Yelp business pages.
16. Start a cake delivery business
The global cake market size has been growing tremendously. The increased popularity results from celebrating various occasions like birthdays, weddings, and personal achievements.
A popular trend within the cake industry is the delivery of cakes. People opt to order cakes online as it allows them to try different options.
Therefore, starting a cake delivery business can be a fulfilling business idea. To start your cake delivery business, identify a niche, and define your cake recipe.
How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)
17. Start a pie bakery
18. Start a baking YouTube channel
Do you have a passion for baking? Do you know that you can create a baking channel and earn money selling your recipes and videos online?
Ideally, a baking YouTube channel involves recording the process of preparing baked foods, teaching your audience how to mix the ingredients, and also taking them through the entire process.
When you gain subscribers and watch hours on your channel, you can monetize the videos or allow YouTube to put ads on them. With the baking videos channel, your potential to earn money depends on the ad format, the ads appearing while content is playing and price of the advert featured, and other YouTube set factors.
To create a successful baking video sales business, you need to work on some skills before you can launch the channel:
- Basic baking techniques
- Teaching skills
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Filming and video editing skills
Once you have acquired those skills and you are set to start, follow these steps to start your baking video sales business:
- Watch example YouTube cooking shows
- Figure out the best approach that works for your schedule
- Create recipes, film and edit
- Create a storyboard for each show before filming
- Create a social media profile to promote the channel
How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)
19. Start a bread bakery
You’ve heard the term “breadwinner”, but did you know there is a growing market to bake bread, which could potentially make you a “breadmaker?” If you love baking but want to make extra money, consider a bread making business. The industry is flourishing and has tons of growing potential. On average, the typical U.S. resident consumes 37.4 pounds of bread annually. It is a small scale manufacturing business that can be started with little investment & from the comfort of your home.
How much you can make: $30,000/month
Learn how Maurizio Leo turned a passion for sourdough bread into a successful business, with nearly 100,000 email subscribers and an impressive 72 percent open rate, generating an average of $30K per month and $360K per year in revenue.
20. Organize a baking competition
21. Start a baking product reviews and blog
22. Become a manufacturing cake molds
23. Build a baking app
24. Start a wedding cake bakery
How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)
25. Start a bakery ingredients store
26. Start a cake sales business
27. Become a cookie wholesaler
28. Start an artisan donut shop
29. Become a cookie cutter manufacturer
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
