What to make for a bake sale: Cheap cakes and how much to sell them for

If you're planning on having a bake sale to raise some money for charity or the kids school is hosting one and you'd like to bake something for it then you've come to the right place...

Basic cupcakes
(Image credit: TI Media Limited)

If you're planning on having a bake sale to raise some money for charity or the kids school is hosting one and you'd like to bake something for it then you've come to the right place...

Find out what to make for a bake sale with our simple collection of recipes. If you're planning on having a bake sale to raise some money for charity or your kids' school is hosting one and you'd like to bake something for it then you've come to the right place.

We're here to help you make the most out of your bake sale - from cheap ingredients to making a profit, we're here to share our wise wisdom when it comes to bake sales so you really can make the most out of it and double your money on each of your bakes - after all it is about making a profit!

We've got plenty of delicious recipes to choose from and not only have we told you why they're a great choice for bake sales, we've also narrowed down how much it will cost you to make them and how much you should sell them for. We worked out how to double your money when selling the cakes but don't be afraid to charge even more than we've suggested if you think your cakes are worth it.

Basic cupcakes

(Image credit: TI Media Limited)

First on the list are these easy and cheap cupcakes. Cupcakes are the perfect treat to sell at your bake sale. You can keep them simple and delicious or jazz them up with buttercream, sugar strands... all sorts! You can make loads of cupcakes in one go too - get a conveyor belt technique going and you'll be done in no time!

Get the recipe: Basic cupcake mixture

To make 12 cupcakes you will need:

  • Butter = 41p
  • Caster sugar = 22p
  • Self-raising flour = 5p
  • Eggs = 50p
  • Milk = 4p
  • Vanilla extract = 21p
  • Paper cases = 7p
  • Total: £1.50

    Price per cupcake: 12p

    Price to sell (per cupcake): at least 24p to double your money. Sell them at maximum £1 when decorated.

    Cheap extras:

    • Icing sugar
    • Buttercream
    • Sugar strands
    • Chocolate sweets
    • Cookies

      Cookies

      (Image credit: TI Media Limited)

      Cookies are one of the simplest bakes to rustle up for a bake sale. Not only are they cheap to make, you can make lots in one go too which means you don't have to spend hours and hours in the kitchen. From chocolate chips to dried fruits, you can add all sorts of delicious extras to your cookies so you'll have plenty of variety too.

      Get the recipe: Chocolate chip cookies

      To make 20 cookies you will need:

      • Butter = 34p
      • Light brown sugar = 28p
      • Golden syrup = 6p
      • Vanilla essence = 11p
      • Self-raising flour = 5p
      • Chocolate chunks = 90p

      Total: £1.74

      Price per cookie: 8p

      Price to sell (per cookie): at least 16p per cookie to double your money. Sell them maximum 50p with extras.

      Cheap extras

      • Chocolate chips; milk, dark or white
      • Raisins
      • Nuts
      • Peanut butter

      Whoopie pies

      Whoopie pies

      (Image credit: TI Media Limited)

      Whoopie pies are a great treat when it comes to bake sales. Not only can you experiment with different flavours, you can top with different goodies like marshmallow, fresh fruits and chocolates too! They'll look great and stand out from the crowd which means you're more likely to sell them all.

      Get the recipe: Whoopie pies

      To make 20 whoopie pies you will need:

      • Plain flour = 21p
      • Baking powder = 18p
      • Bicarbonate of soda = 18p
      • Caster sugar = 25p
      • Butter (including filling) = 43p
      • Greek yogurt = 37p
      • Eggs = 33p
      • Vanilla extract = 11p

      Total: £2.06

      Price per whoopie pie: 10p

      Price to sell (per whoopie pie): at least 20p to double your money. Sell them at 75p-£1 maximum with extras.

      Cheap extras

      • Icing sugar
      • Raspberries
      • Other berries: strawberries, blueberries etc.
      • Raspberry puree
      • Marshmallows

      Brownies

      Brownies

      (Image credit: TI Media Limited)

      Brownies always go down a treat when it comes to bake sales. Rich, dark

      and gooey, everyone is tempted by these delicious bites and we can see

      why. You can make a large batch of brownies in one go and cut them into

      chunks ready to be bought.

      Get the recipe: Chocolate brownies

      To make 24 chocolate brownies you will need:

    • Dark chocolate = £2.00
    • Butter = 28p
    • Caster sugar = 37p
    • Eggs = 67p
    • Vanilla essence = 11p
    • Plain flour = 8p
    • Cocoa powder = 87p
    • Total: £4.38

      Price to sell per brownie: 18p

      Price to sell (per brownie): at least 36p per brownie to double your money. Sell them at 50p-£1 maximum if you’re adding different toppings to the mix.

      Cheap extras

    • Different chocolate: white, dark, milk etc.
    • Mixed nuts
    • Raisins
    • Chocolate chips
    • Marshmallows
    • Rocky road

      Rocky road

      (Image credit: TI Media Limited)

      Rocky road is one of the easiest recipes to make for a bake sale. You

      just need plenty of chocolate and a variety of sweet treats to melt it

      over. You can feed so many people with one batch of rocky road.

      Get the recipe: Rocky road

      To make 16 rocky roads you will need:

      • Butter = 28p
      • Plain chocolate = £2.50
      • Golden syrup = 8p
      • Maltesers = £1.11
      • Chocolate chips = 84p
      • Marshmallows = 59p
      • Ginger biscuits = 15p

      Total: £5.55

      Price per rocky road: 35p

      Price to sell (per rocky road): at least 70p to double your money. Sell them at maximum £1 depending on how big you cut them.

      Loaf cake

      Loaf cake

      You can't beat a classic loaf cake. From banana bread to tea loaf, sometimes the classics are the best. A loaf can feed a lot of people too, slice them up or serve them whole - loaf cakes are great if you want to create lots of different flavoured sponges in a short period of time.

      To make 1 loaf cake serving 8 you will need:

      • Butter = 17p
      • Brown sugar = 28p
      • Egg = 17p
      • Bananas = 42p
      • Self-raising flour = 7p
      • Allspice = 7p
      • Dried fruit = 3p

      Total: £1.21

      Price per slice: 15p

      Price to sell (per slice): at least 30p to double your money. Sell them at maximum 50p per slice or £4 for the whole loaf.

      Get the recipe: Banana bread

      Fudge

      Fudge

      Keep it classic when it comes to fudge. You can make loads of little pieces all in one go, which means fudge is pretty cheap to make. Sell in see-through bags with little tags - they'll look fancy but won't break the bank!

      Get the recipe: Creamy vanilla fudge

      To make 36 pieces of fudge you will need:

      • Granulated sugar = 58p
      • Butter = 24p
      • Milk = 13p
      • Evaporated milk = 42p
      • Vanilla extract = 21p
      • Bags = 13p

      Total: £1.71

      Price per bag of 6: 28p

      Price to sell (per bag of 6): At least 56p per bag to make double your money. Sell them at maximum £1 with ribbon and bag.

      Cereal cakes

      Cereal cakes

      Buying cereal in bulk can be pretty cheap so if you're looking for a cost-efficient recipe than cereal cakes are the way to go. From Cornflakes to Rice Krispies, just add melted chocolate and let the fridge do the rest of the hard work - simple!

      Get the recipe: Chocolate cornflake nests

      To make 12 chocolate cornflake cakes you will need:

      • Milk chocolate = £1.13
      • Butter = 14p
      • Golden syrup =4p
      • Cornflakes = 27p

      Total: £1.58

      Price per cake: 13p

      Price to sell (per cake): at least 26p to double your money. Sell them at 50p per cake with chocolate extras like Mini Eggs or Smarties.

      Cheap extras

      • Mini Eggs
      • Smarties
      • Maltesers
      • Different chocolate: milk, white, dark etc.

      Muffins

      Muffins

      (Image credit: TI Media Limited)

      Muffins are an all round favourite - you can spin them as healthy for any buyers who are trying to be good or you can pack them with chocolate chips for naughty treats too. They're great for any time of day so if you're having a bake sale in the morning, make sure muffins are on the menu.

      Get the recipe: Blueberry muffins

      To make 12 blueberry muffins you will need:

      • Blueberries = £1.17
      • Caster sugar = 15p
      • Butter = 28p
      • Self-raising flour = 9p
      • Baking powder = 18p
      • Egg = 33p
      • Vanilla extract = 11p
      • Milk = 13p

      Total: £2.44

      Price per muffin: 20p

      Price to sell (per muffin): at least 40p to make double your money. Sell them at 50p-£1 maximum with blueberries or with more expensive fruits.

      Cheap extras

      • Mixed fruits: strawberries, blackberries etc.
      • Chocolate chips
      • Nuts and seeds
      • Oats

      Squares

      Squares

      (Image credit: TI Media Limited)

      Squares are great for bake sales. You can make a large tray of your chosen recipe and then cut them up into bite-sized pieces. Squares are great for experimenting with different flavour combinations too - from caramel fudge bars to berry cake bars, you'll be spoilt for choice and so will your buyers!

      Get the recipe: Jammy coconut squares

      To make 18 squares you will need:

      • Milk = 2p
      • Butter = 69p
      • Golden caster sugar = 50p
      • Eggs = 50p
      • Vanilla extract = 11p
      • Self-raising flour = 41p
      • Strawberry jam = 7p
      • Coconut = 12p
      • Potato = 42p

      Total: £2.84

      Price per square: 16p

      Price to sell (per square): at least 32p per square to double your money. Sell them at 50p maximum if selling with extras or up to £1 with gift bags.

      Cheap extras

      • Different jam or marmalade
      • Grated chocolate
      • Sweet potato
      • Butternut squash

      Flapjacks

      Flapjacks

      Who would've thought oats could be so tasty? Flapjacks are ideal for bake sales as you can buy oats in bulk to cut down on the costs. Flapjacks are simple, quick and cheap to make too - they're also a good bake to tempt the healthy eaters too!

      Get the recipe: Crunchy peanut butter flapjack

      To make 20 flapjacks you will need:

      • Butter = 83p
      • Demerara sugar = 40p
      • Golden syrup = 22p
      • Crunchy peanut butter = 79p
      • Porridge oats = 34p
      • Vanilla extract=11p

      Total: £2.69

      Price per flapjack: 13p

      Price to sell (per flapjack): at least 26p to double your money. Sell them at maximum 50p per flajack with added treats like chocolate chips.

      Cheap extras

      • Chocolate chips
      • Raisins
      • Nuts

      Scones

      Scones

      (Image credit: TI Media Limited)

      You might think scones are a little bit too posh for bake sales but think again. Sweet or savoury, scones are perfect for selling at a bake sale. Your buyers will feel like they're getting a right treat, especially if they're served with fresh cream and jam. Don't worry though, you'll make a sweet profit with these baked goods as they're super cheap to make.

      Get the recipe: Scones

      To make 9 scones you will need:

      • Self-raising flour = 8p
      • Baking powder = 18p
      • Butter = 13p
      • Caster sugar = 7p
      • Sultanas = 8p
      • Egg = 17p
      • Milk = 9p

      Total: 80p

      Price per scone: 8p

      Price to serve (per scone): at least 16p to make double your money. Sell them at maximum 50p-£1 if you add fresh cream and jam.

      Cheap extras

      • Clotted cream
      • Jam
      • Chocolate chips
      • Dried fruit

      Florentines

      Florentines

      (Image credit: TI Media Limited)

      Florentines are much easier to make than you may think and you can make plenty in one go too. They look good, taste good and are sure to be a big hit at your bake sale.

      Get the recipe: Chocolate florentines

      To make 16 florentines you will need:

      • Butter = 14p
      • Demerara sugar = 11p
      • Honey = 13p
      • Plain flour = 2p
      • Glace cherries = 13p
      • Candied peel = 18p
      • Flaked almonds = 47p
      • Dark chocolate = £1.70

      Total: £2.88

      Price per florentine: 18p

      Price to sell (per florentine): at least 36p to double your money. Sell them for a maximum 50p if you decide to sell them individually wrapped.

      Cheap extras

      • Other chocolate: white, milk
      • Dried fruits
      • Gift bags

      Marshmallows

      Marshmallows

      You might not associate marshmallow with bake sales but they seem to be all the rage in America. These easy to make treats are so cheap - just buy a multi-pack and cover them in chocolate and sugar strands - simple!

      Get the recipe: Marshmallow swizzle sticks

      To make 10 marshmallow sticks you will need:

      • Milk chocolate = £1.13
      • Marshmallows = £1.17
      • Sugar strands = £1.28
      • Skewers = £1.07

      Total: £4.65

      Price per marshmallow stick: 46p

      Price to sell (per marshmallow stick): at least 92p to double your money. Sell them at maximum £1 per stick.

      Cheap extras

      • Different chocolates: milk, dark, white etc.
      • Sugar strands: chocolate, multi-coloured

      Millionaire's shortbread

      Millionaire's shortbread

      (Image credit: TI Media Limited)

      Everyone loves a classic millionaire's shortbread - layer upon layer of biscuits, caramel and chocolate, what's not to love? You can cut your shortbread into small chunks and sell them in see-through bags - they'll go down a storm!

      Get the recipe: Millionaire's shortbread

      To make 8 shortbreads you will need:Butter = 41p Caster sugar = 12p Plain flour = 18p Ready-made caramel = £2.10 Dark chocolate = £2.80

      Total: £5.61

      Price per shortbread: 70p

      Price to sell (per shortbread): £1.40 to double your money. Sell them maximum £2 depending how big you cut them.

      Cheap extrasHomemade caramel

      • Golden caster sugar = 35p
      • Butter = 80p
      • Syrup = 19p
      • Condensed milk = £1.00

      Tarts

      Tarts

      (Image credit: TI Media Limited)

      There are plenty of reasons why you should make tarts for you bake sale - they're easy to make, you can make lots in a batch and they'll make you a good profit too! Top with whatever tickles your fancy or opt for these cheap jam tarts!

      Get the recipe: Jam tarts

      To make 12 jam tarts you will need:

      • Plain flour = 12p
      • Butter = 15p
      • Caster sugar = 8p
      • Egg = 17p
      • Jam = 29p

      Total: 81p

      Price per tart: 6p

      Price to sell (per tart): at least 12p to double your money. Sell them maximum 50p with icing sugar or marmalade varieties.

      Cheap extra

      • Icing sugar
      • Marmalade
      • Raspberry jam
      • Fresh berries

      Chocolate truffles

      Chocolate truffles

      (Image credit: TI Media Limited)

      Chocolate truffles will work wonders at a bake sale. You can make so many in one go and all you have to do is leave them to chill whilst you prepare other baked goodies for the sale. You can sell them in gift boxes as an extra special treat or in see-through bags.

      Get the recipe: Gordon Ramsay's mint chocolate truffles

      To make 80 chocolate truffles you will need:

      • Double cream = 75p
      • Single cream = 53p
      • Mint = £1.00
      • Dark chocolate = £5.00
      • Butter = 30p
      • Honey = 31p

      Total: £7.89

      Price per bag: 49p

      Price to sell (per 5 in a bag): at least 98p per bag to double your money. Sell them at maximum £1.50 with extras.

      Cheap extra

      • Different chocolates: milk, dark, white etc.
      • Coconut
      • Mixed nuts
      • Cocoa powder
      • Crushed chocolate flake bars
      • Crushed amaretti biscuits
      • Ribbons and gift boxes

      Cake pops

      Cake pops

      Cake pops are much easier to make than you may think. They look fancy but really don't break the bank and with a basic recipe like ours, you'll be able to make loads in one go. Candy melts can be bought online to save the pennies.

      Get the recipe: Basic cake pops

      To make 20 cake pops you will need:

      • Butter = 55p
      • Caster sugar = 22p
      • Vanilla extract = 21p
      • Eggs = 33p
      • Self-raising flour = 14p
      • Milk = 8p
      • Cream cheese = 18p
      • Icing sugar = 38p
      • Candy melts = £2.90
      • Lollipop sticks = £1.07

      Total: £6.06

      Price per cake pop: 30p

      Price to sell (per cake pop): at least 60p to double your money. Sell them maximum £1 with extras.

      Cheap extras

      • Sugar strands
      • Chocolate chips
      • Fondant to decorate

      Blondies

      Blondies

      If brownies work, blondies will too! These white chocolate classics are really simple and they taste delicious too. You can pack them with fresh berries and dust with icing sugar - they're perfect for tempting someone to try something new!

      Get the recipe: White chocolate and raspberry blondies

      To make 12 blondies you will need:

      • White chocolate = £2.26
      • Butter = 28p
      • Eggs = 50p
      • Caster sugar = 8p
      • Vanilla essence = 11p
      • Self-raising flour = 16p
      • Baking powder = 18p
      • Raspberries = £2.25

      Total: £5.82

      Price per blondie: 48p

      Price to sell (per blondie): at least 96p per blondie to double your money. Sell them at maximum £1-£1.20 with extras or gift bags.

      Cheap extras

      • Different chocolate: milk, dark, white etc.
      • Mixed berries: blackberries, strawberries

      Doughnuts

      Doughnuts

      (Image credit: TI Media Limited)

      Impress your buyers by rustling up a batch of homemade doughnuts. Not only will they smell delicious, encouraging bake sale goers to buy, they'll look good too - especially if you present them on sticks or piled sky high!

      Get the recipe: Cinnamon ring doughnuts

      To make 20 doughnuts you will need:

      • Self-raising flour = 40p
      • Baking powder = 18p
      • Caster sugar = 30p
      • Eggs = 33p
      • Sunflower oil = 4p
      • Milk = 9p
      • Cinnamon = 18p

      Total: £1.43

      Price per doughnut: 7p

      Price to sell (per doughnut): at least 14p per doughnut to double your money. Sell them at 50p maximum with extras like on sticks or coated in other toppings like chocolate.

      Cheap extras

      • Skewers/sticks
      • Different chocolate: dark, milk, white etc.
      • Sugar strands
      • Mixed nuts

      Where to next?

      Cake recipes

      40 easy tray bake recipes

      What to bake for a school fete

Jessica Dady
Food Editor

Jessica Dady is Food Editor at GoodtoKnow and has over 11 years of experience as a digital editor, specialising in all things food, recipes, and SEO. From the must-buy seasonal food hampers and advent calendars for Christmas to the family-friendly air fryers that’ll make dinner time a breeze, Jessica loves trying and testing various food products to find the best of the best for the busy parents among us. Over the years of working with GoodtoKnow, Jessica has had the privilege of working alongside Future’s Test Kitchen to create exclusive videos - as well as writing, testing, and shooting her own recipes. When she’s not embracing the great outdoors with her family at the weekends, Jessica enjoys baking up a storm in the kitchen with her favourite bakes being chocolate chip cookies, cupcakes, and a tray of gooey chocolate brownies