29 Clever Baking Business Ideas (2023)
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.
Hi there! My name is David Downing and I’m co-founder & CEO of ChipMonk, a specialty mail-order bakery based in Houston. We make low carb, gluten-free desserts, and ship them all across the country. Our mission is to help people indulge mindfully and make better nutritional choices.
As an early-stage company, we’ve remained focused on growing via e-commerce before we attempt to tackle wholesale or get into grocery stores. Right now, we sell around $25,000 a month, with most of that coming directly from our website.
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.
Bonjour! My name is Anthony Rosemond. I'm a Parisian chef & founder of Pastreez, an online French bakery.
We’ve sold over 1 million macarons to this date, with only a team of two.
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.
Hi! I’m Linda Gonzalez, and I own and operate a third-generation family-owned business - Gloria’s Cake & Candy Supplies. We are NOT a bakery, we sell everything you need to make-bake-decorate-transport your cakes-cupcakes-cookies-candies and chocolates.
Within 6 months we went from 1-2 star reviews on Google & Yelp to 4-5 star reviews. Since buying the shop I’ve increased revenues by about 60% and am looking at the possibility of franchising. My stress level going from the corporate world to meeting-greeting-helping real people every day is so different. Someone thanks me every day for keeping the shop going and being here! You don’t always get that in the corporate world.
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.
Bonjour! My name is Anthony Rosemond. I'm a Parisian chef & founder of Pastreez, an online French bakery.
We’ve sold over 1 million macarons to this date, with only a team of two.
5. Become a cake decorator
Cake decorators order baked cakes and decorate them for birthdays, weddings, and other special occasions.
The primary role of a cake decorator is designing the graphics and using cake molds and other decorating elements to create a unique appearance.
My name is Amanda Bradford and I own Bradford Bakery. I started in the culinary industry 15 years ago and have done everything from restaurants to the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday cake and celebrity catering events.
Our customers reach out to us because they know they are getting quality products that will meet the needs of their event and their dietary restrictions if they have any! We are a favorite of our local community and love that people are spreading the word about our business to their friends which we are seeing in our growing client list! Even in the past few months we have seen a 550% increase in our SEO on google and filled more orders for the community just by them recommending us and searching us on the web!
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.
Hey guys! I’m Heather Saffer, Founder and CEO of Dollop Gourmet. We make better-for-you gourmet frostings that contain half as much sugar as conventional frostings and twice as much flavor!
I’ve been fortunate enough to be featured as a winner on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, Shark Tank, QVC, in Forbes, Oprah.com, Huffington Post, among others. As a business, we’re currently doing about $30,000 a month.
7. Start a specialty bakery
Specialty bakeries sell products that go above and beyond the call of regular baked goods such as handmade fondant pieces, flowers, tiered cakes, and customized wedding cakes.
Hi there! My name is David Downing and I’m co-founder & CEO of ChipMonk, a specialty mail-order bakery based in Houston. We make low carb, gluten-free desserts, and ship them all across the country. Our mission is to help people indulge mindfully and make better nutritional choices.
As an early-stage company, we’ve remained focused on growing via e-commerce before we attempt to tackle wholesale or get into grocery stores. Right now, we sell around $25,000 a month, with most of that coming directly from our website.
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.
Hi! My name is Kristin Larsen. I’m the founder of Diva Dog Bakery™, a program that teaches students how to start a thriving dog treat bakery business that earns $500 to $1,000+ per month.
Since launching the program in November 2020 to mostly my existing audience (which consists of people looking to start their own business, whether it’s a side hustle or a replacement for their full-time job), it has consistently brought in five figures a month.
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.
Hey, I’m Samantha, one of the three founders of DessertBoxes.com.au - an online Dessert Gift Giving store which is here to innovate and disrupt the gift giving industry! We ship these gift boxes all around Sydney & Melbourne. Everything is made fresh every morning and delivered to the recipient by 3pm that day.
We launched just last Valentines Day, and in our first year, have turned over more than one million in sales and now have a presence in Sydney & Melbourne.
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.
My name is Amanda Bradford and I own Bradford Bakery. I started in the culinary industry 15 years ago and have done everything from restaurants to the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday cake and celebrity catering events.
Our customers reach out to us because they know they are getting quality products that will meet the needs of their event and their dietary restrictions if they have any! We are a favorite of our local community and love that people are spreading the word about our business to their friends which we are seeing in our growing client list! Even in the past few months we have seen a 550% increase in our SEO on google and filled more orders for the community just by them recommending us and searching us on the web!
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.
Hi, I'm Ashley Drummonds, and I am the creator of the ABS Protein Pancakes High Protein-Low Carb meal replacement line! The ABS Protein Pancakes is an All Natural, High Protein, Low Carb Meal Replacement that allows people to enjoy pancakes and waffles every day while sticking to a healthy nutrition program.
We have three flavors of ABS Protein Pancakes: Chocolate Chip, Vanilla Cake Batter, and Cinnamon Roll. It's great for fitness enthusiasts, those who follow a low carb nutrition program, on a weight loss program, or anyone who just wants to enjoy a healthier option for pancakes and waffles. It's also great for individuals on a low sugar or gluten-free diet, or if you're just looking to get more protein on a daily basis!
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!
Hey, my name is Brandon Nolte, and I am one of the cofounders of Stello. After +8 years and +$10 million in sales in the CBD space, I decided to create a new company: Stello -- stress diffusing mint that helps you get calm and clear-minded, no matter what’s getting in your way.
13. Start an allergy friendly bakery
14. Start an organic bakery
My name is Amanda Bradford and I own Bradford Bakery. I started in the culinary industry 15 years ago and have done everything from restaurants to the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday cake and celebrity catering events.
Our customers reach out to us because they know they are getting quality products that will meet the needs of their event and their dietary restrictions if they have any! We are a favorite of our local community and love that people are spreading the word about our business to their friends which we are seeing in our growing client list! Even in the past few months we have seen a 550% increase in our SEO on google and filled more orders for the community just by them recommending us and searching us on the web!
15. Start a baking online course
Hi, I’m Monika Reti, owner, and founder of Hipcooks! Hipcooks Cooking Schools are known for measurement-free cooking, delighting in the process, and inventing along the way. Every class ends a dinner party with new friends.
Hipcooks is proud to be counted among the top 25 Cooking schools in America, and the only other beside Sur La Table with more than one location.
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.
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
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.
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
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
Hey! 👋 I'm Pat Walls, the founder of Starter Story.
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