14 Most Profitable Baked Goods for Bakeries
Parnell Dean / Foodservice Tips, Restaurant Tips / October 6

Just like any other business, a bakery needs to be profitable. Although minimizing startup costs and maximizing employee retention are important, selling easy-to-make, in-demand items is critical, too. If you’re not sure what products to offer, this list of the 14 most profitable baked goods for bakeries will help you design a menu that’s good for your bottom line.
1. Cookies
It should be no surprise that a BakeMag.com survey found that cookies account for 12% of all bakery sales. Old-fashioned favorites like chocolate chip and peanut butter have few ingredients and are loved by many, so they’re a good product to sell if you want to make money. Be sure to put some cookies in your display case to encourage impulse buys.
2. Cakes
Cakes make up 24% of all bakery sales. Customers want something that both looks good and tastes good, so they’re willing to pay for it. Whether it’s carrot cake for Mother’s Day, sheet cake for birthdays or tiered cake for weddings, well-known bakeries that offer beautiful, delicious cakes often charge more than you might expect, especially if the cakes are customized.
3. Cheesecake
Entire restaurant chains have been built on cheesecake, so there’s plenty of demand for this dessert. Most consumers see cheesecake as a decadent, extra-special dessert, so you can mark up the final product a bit more than usual. Also, if your cheesecake is really outstanding, you could sell to other businesses since many restaurant dessert menus lack good options.
4. Pies
From apple to pumpkin and lemon meringue to maple pecan, there’s an almost endless variety of pies your bakery could sell. Some of your customers will have a craving but won’t need a whole pie, so consider serving individual slices or mini pies, too. If you really want to sell a lot of pies, offer customers a slight discount if they buy 2 or 3 pies at a time.

Easy-to-make and always in-demand, selling brownies is sure to be profitable for any bakery.
5. Brownies
Relatively easy-to-make and always in-demand, brownies are one of the most profitable baked goods for bakeries. Since they’re small, thick and relatively dry, they’re easy to handle, store and ship, making them perfect for an online bakery. If you use plenty of oil or butter, your brownies will stay moist and fresh-tasting for a long time, too.
6. Cupcakes
Cupcakes are one of the most profitable baked goods. Not only is their price per ounce usually higher than that of cakes, but their small size also makes them perfect for impulse purchases and people looking for portion control. Additionally, cupcakes are usually made in disposable cups, so the production process takes less time and energy than for other baked goods.
7. Muffins
If your bakery is near a train station or office park, consider selling muffins. Soft and slightly sweet, muffins are perfect for people who want a treat that isn’t too sweet. Blueberry consistently ranks as the most popular muffin flavor, so make sure it’s on your menu along with chocolate, banana nut and others.
8. Donuts
Whether strawberry glazed or apple cider, donuts never disappoint. If you really want to make a lot of money, be sure to have fresh donuts and hot coffee in the morning so you can increase your restaurant’s revenue by cross promoting products. Besides, the combination of caffeine and sugar is irresistible: once customers buy from you, they’ll keep coming back for their morning fix.

Selling hot, fresh muffins in the morning is sure to be a money-maker.
9. Cinnamon Rolls
There’s nothing quite like warm cinnamon rolls with plenty of cream cheese glaze. However, they’re time and labor-intensive, so it’s more profitable to sell large rolls at a high markup. Giant, plate-sized rolls are very eye-catching, so expect customers to take photos and share them on social media, promoting your bakery for free.
10. Breads
There’s nothing like a fresh baguette or warm biscuit. In fact, an Irish study found that the smell of fresh bread makes 89% of people happy and brings back happy memories in 63% of those surveyed. Considering these numbers, it’s clear that fresh, high-quality breads are likely to be some of the most profitable baked goods for bakeries.
11. Bagels
People like bagels not only for the flavor but also the texture. Not only are they a savory counterbalance to morning sweets like muffins, but they’re also easy to eat on the run. Toppings are the real money-makers, so be sure to keep a variety of single-serving jam, jelly and cream cheese packets on hand.
12. Tortillas
Although often overlooked, tortillas have the potential to be very profitable for your bakery. Both corn and flour tortillas have few ingredients and cook quickly, two very desirable characteristics for any food product. Customers who’ve had fresh tortillas know there’s no comparison with packaged ones at the supermarket, so don’t be surprised if tortillas become your best seller.
13. Sandwiches & Wraps
Although baked goods like cookies and muffins taste good, they don’t have much nutritional value. If you want to appeal to customers looking for something healthier and more satisfying, use some of your fresh bread to make sandwiches and tortillas to make wraps. Deli meats and cheeses are good sandwich fillings, but be sure to include vegetarian and vegan options, too.
14. Gluten-Free & Vegan
Offering gluten-free and vegan options is a great way to increase your bakery’s income. Customers know that making these treats requires special ingredients, so you can charge a slightly higher markup. Since there are few competitors selling these in-demand desserts, people will have no choice but to buy from you, making these products even more profitable.