Bake Sale Ideas for Fundraiser?

[Loves Vintage]

In a few weeks, I''ll be participating in a fundraising event and will be running the bake sale table. I''d like to bake a few different things, but am very interested in baking items that will sell!!!! I was thinking of making these Martha Stewart Chocoloate Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies, but not sure if I should if there will be a concern from people with peanut allergies. We already have someone making brownies. What about these: Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies?

Does anyone have any successful bake sale ideas?

 

[Haven]

I''ll tell you what always tempts my DH:
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Banana chocolate chip cake or bread or loaf
- Rice Krispies treats
- Brownies

I think if you stick with the basics you''ll sell a lot.

This is my favorite (well, DH''s favorite) chocolate chip cookie recipe. I cut the salt to 1/4 tsp, and I take the eggs out and let them get to room temp before I use them. I also use a bit less chocolate chips, 2 cups is way too much.

 

[Loves Vintage]

Thanks, Haven. I think you are probably right about keeping things simple. I was thinking that if I went with the more complicated recipes, then people would be more likely to buy, because they don''t often have more decadent treats, like the PB Surprise cookies, but sometimes people just want a chocolate chip cookie! I will probably try your recipe for a change from the classic Nestle Tollhouse back of the bag recipe, which is what I''ve always made.

It is funny that you mention the Rice Krispie treats too. I read, on some random blog, that they sell well at bake sales and that adults really love them. I was so surprised by this, but I will definitely add them to my list. They seem super-easy to make too.

 

[AprilBaby]

I would buy BROWNIES of any type from anyone!!!

 

[Skippy123]

I would make

rice crispy treats
chocolate chip cookies
brownies

I agree w/the others, the favorites are what sell. I worked a bake sale and I had to explain the things people didn''t know what they were and they were wishy washy over if they wanted to buy them, so simple is better.

 

[Luckyeshe]

Add M&M cookies to that list!!!

 

[crown1]

during this season, i think, pumpkin cookies with white or dark chocolate chips and pumpkin rolls are pretty popular. fudge, either chocolate or peanut butter, is a good seller also. anyone who follows the cupcake thread knows those are always good. good luck!

 

[Loves Vintage]

AprilBaby and Skippy, Thank you! Simple treats are so much easier to bake too!!! Especially bar items like brownies and rice krispy treats!! Seriously, I am so relieved that I will not be making those cookies that had multiple steps any longer!! And, you''re right Skippy, no need to explain chocolate chip cookies to anyone!! Less time = happier baker!!

Luckyeshe, I will add those to the list!! Now that you mention it, people do love those too!

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 9/16/2009 1:20:32 PM
Author: Skippy123
I would make

rice crispy treats
chocolate chip cookies
brownies

I agree w/the others, the favorites are what sell. I worked a bake sale and I had to explain the things people didn''t know what they were and they were wishy washy over if they wanted to buy them, so simple is better.

Ditto!!

 

[fleur-de-lis]

2009 is the year where people go NUTS when they see red velvet anything.

For ease in transport, have you considered Red Velvet Whoopie Pies?

Perhaps it's the recent nostalgic press, perhaps it's the standout color, and perhaps it's exactly the type of thing that the casual person would never have the verve to try out at home if they have no childhood association with them, but red velvet items sell irrationally well at the boutique cupcake shops/cookie shops/farmer's markets around here. My guess is that they're still uncommon enough for most people that a "buy it now!" compulsion arises when people see them-- which is the ideal response in a bake sale situation, isn't it?

 

[lucyandroger]

Date: 9/16/2009 2:01:20 PM
Author: fleur-de-lis
2009 is the year where people go NUTS when they see red velvet anything.

Perhaps it''s the recent nostalgic press, perhaps it''s the standout color, and perhaps it''s exactly the type of thing that the casual person would never have the verve to try out at home if they have no childhood association with them, but red velvet items sell irrationally well at the boutique cupcake shops/cookie shops/farmer''s markets around here. My guess is that they''re still uncommon enough for most people that a ''buy it now!'' compulsion arises when people see them-- which is the ideal response in a bake sale situation, isn''t it?

I have to agree with this! I could go for a red velvet cupcake right about now

Really any type of homemade cupcake is what I would go for.

 

[Camille]

Great news LVingate, you already have good advice!
I'd talk to the organization/school/coordinator about health code in your state, if you are running the table you might end up re-wrapping/tagging e-v-e-r-y single item yourself, not fun. Allergies are a big concern among parents, I'd stay away from any nuts, strawberries, dry fruit including coconut.
It's nice to give volunteers 1st & 2nd choice as what to bring....that way you'll get variety, I wouldn't ask them for this but getting inexpensive rulled stickers to wirte the name of the item and main ingredients may help you move the item out of the table faster, dults def buy more; Banana loaves & Rolls fly fast, best of luck

 

[Loves Vintage]

Crown1, Thank you. I'll look into some pumpkin recipes! Maybe I'll even make some pumpkin doggie treats for the doggie treat side of the table. (It's a greyhound event!

) Don't anyone worry, though, the bake table will be far away from all the doggies!

Kaleigh, Thank you!

FDL and lucyandroger, I think I can handle the red-velvet whoopie pies, but not talented enough for the actual cupcakes!! How much for one whoopie pie though? Is $2 too much? I'll still have the rice krispy treats, brownies and choc chip cookies, but think the red velvet would create some interest too.

Camille, You make great points! I am going to ask everyone to bring their items individually wrapped in cellophane. I will pre-print ingredients on address labels and stick on the reverse. I also have pretty ribbon that I'm going to put on each item, just before the event. I picked up a pretty cake stand at an antique shop and will display items on there as well as on pretty plates on the table.

I also have little cello bags with paw prints on them for the doggie treats!

Now, I just have to figure out how to get enough people there to buy all of this stuff! It's in a fairly rural area, with not a lot of parking.

But, the event will be for several hours, so hopefully lots of hungry, greyhound-loving folks will stream through!!

 

[Octavia]

I usually make cinnamon rolls -- LadyPirate posted a DELICIOUS recipe on here quite awhile ago, but I think you can still find it if you search for it. They''re a little more involved than brownies or cookies, but they''re not as common as those things so they''ve always practically evaporated off the bake-sale table and the organizers have been able to charge a premium for them.

 

[Elmorton]

Rice Krispies! I always go for those. Or cupcakes. Or puppy chow. Or lemon bars! Seriously, I think the key to a bake sale is to go with things that are classics, comfort-type stuff.

 

[upgrade]

I used to make caramel apples for bake sales and they were always the first thing to sell out. So easy and cheap to make- you can buy the little kit with the caramel wraps and sticks in the produce dept of most grocery stores and we sold them for $2.50-$3.00 each. They were a big hit.

 

[ladypirate]

I was going to say Lemon Bars--sometimes people are in the mood for something a little bit fruity.

Date: 9/16/2009 3:41:38 PM
Author: Octavia
I usually make cinnamon rolls -- LadyPirate posted a DELICIOUS recipe on here quite awhile ago, but I think you can still find it if you search for it. They''re a little more involved than brownies or cookies, but they''re not as common as those things so they''ve always practically evaporated off the bake-sale table and the organizers have been able to charge a premium for them.

Aww, thanks for remembering Octavia!

Here''s the recipe I use:

Dough:
1 cup whole milk
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 1/2 cups (or more) unbleached all purpose flour, divided
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg
2 1/4 teaspoons rapid-rise yeast (from 2 envelopes yeast)
1 teaspoon salt
Nonstick vegetable oil spray

Filling:
3/4 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

Glaze:
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
preparation

For dough:
Combine milk and butter in glass measuring cup. Microwave on high until butter melts and mixture is just warmed to 120°F to 130°F, 30 to 45 seconds. Pour into bowl of stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment. Add 1 cup flour, sugar, egg, yeast, and salt. Beat on low speed 3 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape down sides of bowl. Add 21/2 cups flour. Beat on low until flour is absorbed and dough is sticky, scraping down sides of bowl. If dough is very sticky, add more flour by tablespoonfuls until dough begins to form ball and pulls away from sides of bowl. Turn dough out onto lightly floured work surface. Knead until smooth and elastic, adding more flour if sticky, about 8 minutes. Form into ball.

Lightly oil large bowl with nonstick spray. Transfer dough to bowl, turning to coat. Cover bowl with plastic wrap, then kitchen towel. Let dough rise in warm draft-free area until doubled in volume, about 2 hours.

For filling:
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in medium bowl.

Punch down dough. Transfer to floured work surface. Roll out to 15x11-inch rectangle. Spread butter over dough, leaving 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly over butter. Starting at 1 long side, roll dough into log, pinching gently to keep it rolled up. With seam side down, cut dough crosswise with thin sharp knife into 18 equal slices (each about 1/2 to 3/4 inch wide).

Spray two 9-inch square glass baking dishes with nonstick spray. Divide rolls between baking dishes, arranging cut side up (there will be almost no space between rolls). Cover baking dishes with plastic wrap, then kitchen towel. Let dough rise in warm draft-free area until almost doubled in volume, 40 to 45 minutes.

Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 375°F. Bake rolls until tops are golden, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and invert immediately onto rack. Cool 10 minutes. Turn rolls right side up.

For glaze:
Combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla in medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat until smooth. Spread glaze on rolls. Serve warm or at room temperature.

 

[Camille]

Just wondering if you have a firehouse/sheriff''s near by? T-h-e-y can eat! Just let 1-2 know

You got a great roll recipe above, yummers!