How to Grow Your Cottage Food Bakery Without Losing the Joy of Baking

A pie ready for oven

Starting a cottage food bakery is a dream for many, but as orders start rolling in, scaling up can feel overwhelming. The good news? It doesn’t have to be. With a few smart tweaks, you can scale your business without losing the charm (or your sanity). Here’s how.

1. Work Smarter, Not Harder

As orders increase, it’s time to streamline your process:

  • Batch Baking: Make larger batches of your best-sellers to save time.
  • Simplify Your Menu: Focus on the items that sell the best to keep things manageable.
  • Invest in Tools: Tools like dough portioners or a larger mixer can be crucial to scale your business efficiently without compromising quality.

2. Upgrade Your Packaging and Shipping

More orders mean more packaging and, if you ship, figuring out how to get your goods safely to customers, which is vital when scaling your business.

  • Bulk Buy Packaging: It saves money and keeps your brand looking sharp.
  • Eco-Friendly Options: People appreciate sustainable choices—plus, it can justify a slight price increase.

3. Stay on Top of Ingredients

Running out of flour mid-bake? Not an option when you’re scaling up.

  • Track Your Inventory: Simple software can help avoid ingredient shortages and let you scale effectively.
  • Build Supplier Relationships: Good suppliers are key to smooth scaling, so nurture those relationships.

4. Market Like a Pro

To scale, you need to reach more people, but that doesn’t mean expensive ads.

  • Leverage Social Media: Show off your creations on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok. People love seeing the process!
  • Create a Simple Website: A clean, easy-to-navigate site makes online ordering simple.
  • Partner with Local Shops: Offer your baked goods at local cafes or stores for a steady sales boost and to help scale your business locally.

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Growing your business doesn’t mean doing everything yourself.

  • Admin Support: If paperwork is eating up your time, a virtual assistant can help.
  • Extra Hands in the Kitchen: Bring in part-time or seasonal help during busy periods to keep up with demand, allowing you to scale your business more effectively.

6. Think Bigger: Wholesale and Retail

Selling to individual customers is great, but bigger partnerships can mean steady income and help scale your business.

  • Local Shops & Cafes: Approach them to carry your baked goods.
  • Farmers Markets: These are a great way to meet new customers and sell more in bulk.
  • Corporate Orders: Businesses love to give local gifts—reach out to them for larger, recurring orders.

7. Stay Compliant

As you grow, make sure you’re still following cottage food laws in your area. You may need additional licenses or insurance as your business grows, ensuring you can scale properly.

8. Adjust Your Pricing

More orders mean higher costs. Keep an eye on ingredient prices, packaging, and labor, and don’t hesitate to raise your prices when needed. People will pay for quality, especially as you scale your business and maintain high standards.


Final Thoughts

Scaling your cottage bakery doesn’t have to be stressful. Focus on efficiency, market smartly, and ask for help when needed. Keep the love for baking at the heart of your business, and enjoy the journey! Crafted Kitchen is here to help. Ready to scale your recipes? Here’s how. Schedule a call today!

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