Super Easy Bake Sale Treats That Are Guaranteed to Sell!
Bake sales are a classic fundraising staple, perfect for schools, community groups, and charities. But in a sea of cookies and brownies, how do you make your treats stand out and fly off the table? The secret lies in simplicity and deliciousness. You need treats that are easy to make, visually appealing, and, most importantly, taste amazing. Forget complicated recipes and finicky techniques. We’re focusing on foolproof, crowd-pleasing options that even the most novice baker can whip up with confidence. Get ready to impress with these super easy bake sale treats that are guaranteed to sell!
Why Easy Bake Sale Treats Are the Best
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why prioritizing ease is crucial for a successful bake sale contribution:
* **Time Savings:** Bake sales often involve baking multiple items, and let’s be honest, life is busy! Simple recipes save you valuable time and energy, allowing you to contribute without feeling overwhelmed.
* **Reduced Stress:** Complicated recipes can lead to stress and frustration, especially when baking in large quantities. Easy recipes minimize the chance of errors and ensure a more enjoyable baking experience.
* **Consistency:** Simpler recipes are easier to replicate, leading to more consistent results. This is important when you’re making multiple batches of the same treat.
* **Inclusivity:** Easy recipes encourage more people to participate in the bake sale. Even those who are intimidated by baking can contribute delicious treats.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Many of these recipes are simple enough for kids to help with, making it a fun family activity.
Essential Tips for Bake Sale Success
Before you start baking, keep these essential tips in mind to maximize your bake sale success:
* **Presentation is Key:** Make your treats look as appealing as possible. Use colorful sprinkles, frosting, or decorations to catch people’s eyes. Arrange your treats attractively on the table using tiered stands or platters.
* **Packaging Matters:** Individually wrap your treats in clear cellophane bags or containers. This not only looks professional but also protects the treats and makes them easy to handle. Consider adding a ribbon or sticker for an extra touch.
* **Label Everything Clearly:** Clearly label each item with its name and ingredients. This is especially important for people with allergies. List any potential allergens, such as nuts, gluten, or dairy.
* **Price Strategically:** Research the prices of similar items at other bake sales or bakeries in your area. Price your treats competitively to attract buyers. Consider offering deals, such as “3 for $5.” or “6 for $10”.
* **Offer Variety:** Provide a variety of treats to appeal to different tastes. Include options for chocolate lovers, fruit lovers, and those who prefer savory snacks.
* **Bake Fresh:** Bake your treats as close to the bake sale as possible to ensure maximum freshness. No one wants a stale cookie!
* **Spread the Word:** Promote the bake sale in advance through social media, flyers, or word of mouth. Let people know what delicious treats will be available.
* **Smile and Be Friendly:** A friendly smile and enthusiastic attitude can go a long way in attracting customers. Be ready to answer questions about your treats and offer recommendations.
* **Accept Multiple Payment Methods:** If possible, accept both cash and electronic payments (e.g., Venmo, PayPal). This makes it easier for people to purchase your treats.
* **Consider Dietary Restrictions:** Offer some gluten-free, vegan, or nut-free options to cater to a wider range of customers. Clearly label these items.
Super Easy Bake Sale Recipes
Now for the fun part – the recipes! These recipes are designed to be quick, easy, and delicious. They use simple ingredients and require minimal baking experience.
1. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are a bake sale staple for a reason. They’re universally loved, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is foolproof and delivers perfectly chewy cookies every time.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* ¾ cup packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 cups chocolate chips (milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or a combination)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips.
7. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Package individually in cellophane bags or small containers.
**Tips for Success:**
* Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor.
* Don’t overbake the cookies, as they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
* For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking.
* Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
2. Easy Peanut Butter Blossoms
Peanut butter blossoms are another bake sale favorite. The combination of peanut butter cookies and a Hershey’s Kiss is simply irresistible. These are simple and fun to make, especially with kids.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* ¾ cup peanut butter
* ½ cup granulated sugar
* ½ cup packed brown sugar
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt
* Granulated sugar, for rolling
* Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar.
7. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
9. Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Package individually in cellophane bags or small containers.
**Tips for Success:**
* Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture.
* Make sure the Hershey’s Kisses are unwrapped before you start baking.
* If the Kisses melt too much, you can chill the cookies in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm them up.
* For a festive touch, use different flavors of Hershey’s Kisses, such as dark chocolate or caramel.
3. Simple Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies are a blank canvas for creativity. You can decorate them with frosting, sprinkles, or edible glitter to make them extra special. This recipe is easy to roll out and cut into any shape you like.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* ½ teaspoon salt
**Instructions:**
1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough should be smooth and not sticky.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
8. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
9. Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.
10. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Decorate with frosting, sprinkles, or edible glitter.
13. Package individually in cellophane bags or small containers.
**Tips for Success:**
* Chill the dough thoroughly before rolling it out. This will prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
* Use a light touch when rolling out the dough to avoid making the cookies tough.
* If the dough becomes too soft, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes.
* Get creative with your decorations! Use different colors of frosting, sprinkles, and edible glitter to make your cookies stand out.
4. No-Bake Rice Krispie Treats
For a truly effortless bake sale treat, you can’t beat Rice Krispie Treats. These are quick, easy, and require no baking at all. Plus, they’re always a hit with kids (and adults!).
**Ingredients:**
* 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
* 10 ounces marshmallows
* ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter
**Instructions:**
1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the Rice Krispies cereal until well coated.
4. Press the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
5. Let the treats cool completely before cutting them into squares.
6. Package individually in cellophane bags or small containers.
**Tips for Success:**
* Use fresh marshmallows for the best texture.
* Don’t overcook the marshmallows, as they will become hard and brittle.
* Press the mixture firmly into the pan to create a compact treat.
* For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to the melted marshmallows.
* Drizzle with melted chocolate or add sprinkles for a decorative touch.
5. Cake Pops (Easy Version!)
Cake pops look impressive but can be simplified for a bake sale. This version uses store-bought cake mix and frosting to save time and effort.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box cake mix (any flavor)
* 1 can frosting (any flavor that complements the cake)
* Candy melts or chocolate, for coating
* Lollipop sticks
* Sprinkles or other decorations (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Bake the cake according to the package directions.
2. Let the cake cool completely.
3. Crumble the cake into a large bowl.
4. Add the frosting to the crumbled cake and mix until well combined. The mixture should be moist enough to hold its shape.
5. Roll the mixture into small balls.
6. Melt the candy melts or chocolate according to the package directions.
7. Dip the tip of a lollipop stick into the melted candy and insert it into a cake ball. Repeat with all the cake balls.
8. Chill the cake pops in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm them up.
9. Dip each cake pop into the melted candy, coating it completely. Tap off any excess candy.
10. Immediately decorate with sprinkles or other decorations.
11. Place the cake pops in a styrofoam block or stand until the candy coating is set.
12. Package individually in cellophane bags or small containers.
**Tips for Success:**
* Use a good quality cake mix and frosting for the best flavor.
* Don’t add too much frosting to the cake crumbs, as the cake pops will become too sticky.
* Make sure the cake pops are chilled thoroughly before dipping them in the melted candy.
* Use a double boiler or microwave to melt the candy melts or chocolate slowly and evenly.
* Work quickly when decorating the cake pops, as the candy coating will set quickly.
6. Mini Muffins
Muffins are a portable and satisfying treat that are perfect for bake sales. Mini muffins are especially popular because they’re easy to eat and portion-controlled. Use a basic muffin recipe and add your favorite mix-ins.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* ⅓ cup vegetable oil
* 1 large egg
* ⅔ cup milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Mix-ins of your choice (chocolate chips, blueberries, nuts, etc.)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, egg, milk, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Gently fold in your favorite mix-ins.
6. Fill the mini muffin liners about ¾ full.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the muffins cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Package in small bags (3-4 muffins per bag) or small containers.
**Tips for Success:**
* Don’t overmix the batter, as this will make the muffins tough.
* Use a measuring spoon or ice cream scoop to fill the muffin liners evenly.
* Bake the muffins at a high temperature for a quick rise and a golden brown top.
* Add a streusel topping for extra flavor and texture.
7. Brownie Bites
Who can resist a fudgy brownie? Brownie bites are the perfect bite-sized indulgence for a bake sale. Use a box mix for convenience or make your favorite homemade brownie recipe.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box brownie mix (or your favorite homemade brownie recipe)
* Ingredients called for on the brownie mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
* Optional: Chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to the temperature specified on the brownie mix box.
2. Grease and flour a mini muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
3. Prepare the brownie batter according to the box instructions.
4. If desired, stir in chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins.
5. Fill the mini muffin cups about ¾ full.
6. Bake for the time specified on the brownie mix box, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
7. Let the brownie bites cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Package in small bags (2-3 brownie bites per bag) or small containers.
**Tips for Success:**
* Don’t overbake the brownies, as they will become dry and crumbly.
* Add a dollop of frosting or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
* Use a variety of brownie mixes (e.g., chocolate, fudge, peanut butter) to offer different flavors.
8. Pretzel Rods Dipped in Chocolate
This is a super simple and fun treat that requires minimal effort. The combination of salty pretzels and sweet chocolate is a crowd-pleaser. This option is also great to make with kids.
**Ingredients:**
* Pretzel rods
* Chocolate chips or candy melts
* Sprinkles, chopped nuts, or other decorations
**Instructions:**
1. Melt the chocolate chips or candy melts according to the package directions.
2. Dip each pretzel rod into the melted chocolate, coating it about ¾ of the way up.
3. Immediately sprinkle with decorations of your choice.
4. Place the pretzel rods on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let the chocolate set completely.
5. Package individually in cellophane bags or small containers.
**Tips for Success:**
* Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
* Melt the chocolate slowly and evenly to prevent it from burning.
* Get creative with your decorations! Use different colors of sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even crushed candies.
* For a festive touch, dip the pretzel rods in different colors of chocolate.
9. Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)
This no-bake treat is addictive and incredibly easy to make. Puppy Chow, also known as Muddy Buddies, is a mix of Chex cereal, peanut butter, chocolate, powdered sugar, and butter. It’s the perfect sweet and crunchy snack for a bake sale.
**Ingredients:**
* 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
* 1 cup (16 tablespoons) unsalted butter
* 1 cup creamy peanut butter
* 12 ounces chocolate chips
* 4 cups powdered sugar
**Instructions:**
1. In a large bowl, measure out the Chex cereal and set aside.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, melt the butter, peanut butter, and chocolate chips together. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. If using a saucepan, melt over low heat, stirring constantly.
3. Pour the melted mixture over the Chex cereal and gently stir until all the cereal is evenly coated.
4. Place the powdered sugar in a large resealable bag. Pour the coated cereal into the bag and seal tightly.
5. Shake the bag vigorously until all the cereal is well coated with powdered sugar.
6. Spread the Puppy Chow out on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool completely.
7. Store in an airtight container.
8. Package in small bags or containers for the bake sale.
**Tips for Success:**
* Make sure to use fresh cereal for the best texture.
* Don’t overcook the chocolate and peanut butter mixture, as it can become hard.
* Shake the bag well to ensure all the cereal is coated with powdered sugar.
* Store the Puppy Chow in an airtight container to prevent it from becoming stale.
* Add some mini M&Ms for a pop of color.
10. Fruit Skewers with Yogurt Dip
Offer a healthy option alongside the sweets by making fruit skewers. They’re colorful, refreshing, and a welcome change from the other sugary treats. Provide a creamy yogurt dip for an extra touch.
**Ingredients:**
* Assorted fresh fruit (strawberries, grapes, blueberries, melon, pineapple, etc.)
* Wooden skewers
**For the Yogurt Dip:**
* 1 cup Greek yogurt
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. Wash and dry all the fruit thoroughly. Cut the larger fruits into bite-sized pieces.
2. Thread the fruit onto the wooden skewers, alternating colors and textures for an appealing look.
3. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Arrange the fruit skewers on a platter and serve with the yogurt dip on the side.
5. Wrap each skewer individually or place several in a container. Include a small cup of dip with each set if possible.
**Tips for Success:**
* Use fruits that are in season for the best flavor and price.
* Choose a variety of colors and textures to make the skewers visually appealing.
* For the yogurt dip, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
* Keep the fruit skewers refrigerated until ready to serve.
* For easier eating, consider offering shorter skewers with fewer pieces of fruit.
Final Thoughts
With these super easy bake sale treats, you’re sure to impress and raise money for your cause. Remember to focus on presentation, packaging, and pricing to maximize your sales. And most importantly, have fun baking! By choosing these simple and delicious recipes, you’ll be a bake sale hero in no time. Good luck, and happy baking!