Profiting From Pan-Baked Brownies

Whether you're selling brownies at a bake sale or from a storefront, there are a few things to consider when pricing your brownies. First, don't price anything under $1—you'll have to sell a lot more to reach your fundraising goal. Try to keep items priced at even dollar amounts, like $2, $5, or more, instead of pricing at $1.50.

Next, calculate about twice the cost of the ingredients. If your brownies are very fancy, you can charge more. Try not to charge too much more than competitors, nor too much less. For example, if you're making Triple Chocolate Plus Brownies that are chocolate brownies with chocolate chips, covered in chocolate ganache, and drizzled with white chocolate, you might charge $1.50 for a 2x2 square. For a more premium brownie, you can cut off the edges and sell them separately at a discount, while selling generously sized, edge-free brownies at a premium price.

To give you an idea, here are some prices that people have charged for their brownies:

- $0.60 each

- $1.50 each for a 2x2 brownie

- $30 for a 1/4 sheet (not cut)

- $2.25 each for a 3 1/4 square

- $0.75 each for brownie bites topped with a swirl of cream cheese frosting and sprinkled with crushed chocolate cookies

- $3 each for a 9x13 pan cut into 16 pieces

Brownie pricing

Once the cost of ingredients is established, it is recommended to price brownies at around twice the cost of ingredients. This allows for a reasonable profit margin while remaining competitive with other brownie sellers. It is important not to price brownies too high or too low in comparison to similar products in the market.

Another factor to consider is the size of the brownies. Larger brownies or those with additional toppings or mix-ins can be priced higher than simpler, smaller brownies. For example, a "Triple Chocolate Plus Brownie" with chocolate chips, covered in chocolate ganache, and drizzled with white chocolate may command a higher price than a basic brownie recipe.

It is also worth noting that presentation and packaging can influence the price of brownies. Individually wrapped brownies or those presented in attractive packaging, such as sandwich bags tied with ribbons, may warrant a higher price. Additionally, selling brownies in sets or bundles can be a strategic pricing approach, as customers often perceive greater value in purchasing multiple items together.

Finally, it is generally recommended to avoid pricing brownies at amounts ending in $.50, such as $1.50. Instead, opt for even dollar amounts like $1, $2, or $5. This simplifies transactions and can also be more appealing to customers.

Brownie presentation

Hello everyone! Today I'm going to be talking about selling brownies. I'll be covering how much to sell them for, how to present them, and some tips and tricks to make your brownies stand out.

First of all, let's talk about pricing. It's important to consider the cost of ingredients when deciding on a price for your brownies. You want to make sure you're covering your costs and ideally making a profit. A good rule of thumb is to calculate about twice the cost of the ingredients. For context, it costs around $3.65 to make 30 brownies from scratch, which works out at about 12 cents per brownie. Of course, this doesn't include things like labour, equipment, and power costs, so you'll need to factor those in too.

When it comes to setting a price, don't go too low. It's recommended not to price anything under $1, as you'll have to sell a lot more to reach your goals. Instead, try to keep prices at even dollar amounts like $2, $5, or more. And don't be afraid to charge a premium for your delicious brownies! People are often willing to pay a little extra for a treat.

Now, let's discuss presentation. Brownies are typically sold in pans, and there are a few ways to cut and present them. One option is to cut them into squares, with prices ranging from $1.50 to $2.25 per square, depending on size and decoration. You can also sell them as "brownie bites" or "brownie pops", which are smaller portions that can be sold for around $0.60 to $0.75 each. These are great for kids and can be decorated with themes for parties.

If you're selling brownies in a pan, a unique way to present them is to cut off all the edges, creating thin slices, and then cut the remainder into equal-sized pieces. This ensures that every piece looks like a centre piece, as some people prefer not to have the edge or corner pieces. You can sell these for around $3 each.

To keep your brownies fresh, it's best to wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in sandwich bags tied with a ribbon. This will also make them more appealing to customers.

Finally, here are some extra tips to make your brownies stand out:

• Add some extra ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or a swirl of cream cheese frosting.
• Decorate your brownies with themes to match parties or events.
• Offer gluten-free or vegan options to cater to a wider range of customers.
• Experiment with different flavours like white chocolate, peanut butter, or caramel.

Thank you for listening! I hope these tips help you with selling your delicious brownies.

Brownie popularity

Brownies are a very popular baked treat. They are so popular, in fact, that there are entire businesses dedicated to selling brownies and brownie mixes. People love brownies for their rich, chocolate flavour and their dense, fudgy texture.

The ideal brownie has crispy edges and a crackly top, with a moist and gooey centre. This can be achieved by using a combination of granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, salt, chocolate chips, eggs, water, powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, oil, and vanilla extract. The key to achieving the perfect texture is to err on the side of caution and remove the brownies from the oven before they are fully cooked, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.

Another factor that contributes to the popularity of brownies is their versatility. They can be made with various mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or other sweet treats. They can also be decorated or frosted to add an extra touch of indulgence.

Some people prefer their brownies to be simple and classic, while others enjoy experimenting with different flavours and mix-ins. There are countless recipes available online and in cookbooks, so it is easy for home bakers to find a recipe that suits their taste preferences.

In addition to their delicious flavour and texture, brownies are also a popular choice for bakers because they are relatively easy to make. They typically require basic pantry ingredients and simple instructions, making them an accessible treat for beginners and experienced bakers alike.

The popularity of brownies has led to the creation of various products specifically designed for making brownies, such as special brownie pans and mixes. This further contributes to the accessibility and popularity of this beloved dessert.

Brownie history

The chocolate brownie, or simply brownie, is a baked confection that originated in the United States at the end of the 19th century and was popularised in the first half of the 20th century. They are typically eaten by hand and are classified as finger food or cookie bars, as opposed to cakes, which are eaten with utensils.

The first brownie recipe to appear in print was in the 1896 Boston Cooking-School Cook Book, written by Fannie Farmer. However, these brownies did not contain chocolate and were more like molasses cakes baked in tin moulds. The earliest-known published recipes for a modern-style chocolate brownie appeared in Home Cookery (1904, Laconia, NH), the Service Club Cook Book (1904, Chicago, IL), The Boston Globe (April 2, 1905 p. 34), and the 1906 edition of Fannie Farmer's cookbook. These recipes produced a relatively mild and cake-like brownie.

There are several legends surrounding the origin of the brownie. One popular myth, cited in Betty Crocker's Baking Classics and John Mariani’s The Encyclopedia of American Food and Drink, tells of a housewife in Bangor, Maine, who was making a chocolate cake but forgot to add baking powder. When her cake didn’t rise, instead of throwing it away, she cut and served the flat pieces. Another legend attributes the creation of brownies to Bertha Palmer, a prominent Chicago socialite whose husband owned the Palmer House Hotel. In 1893, Palmer requested a pastry chef to create a dessert suitable for ladies attending the Chicago World's Columbian Exposition. The result was the Palmer House Brownie, made of chocolate with walnuts and an apricot glaze.

Over the years, brownies have become increasingly chocolatey, and today, there are thousands of brownie recipes available, with various ingredients and methods producing different textures and flavours. Brownies can be fudgy or cakey, and they often have a glossy "skin" on their upper crust. They may also include nuts, frosting, chocolate chips, or other ingredients. A variation made with brown sugar and vanilla instead of chocolate in the batter is called a blond brownie or blondie.

Brownie venues

When it comes to venues for selling brownies, there are a few options to consider. One idea is to sell brownies at a concert or music venue. For example, in New York City, there was once a famous rock club called Brownies that hosted a variety of musical acts and attracted a dedicated fanbase. This could be a unique and memorable way to sell your brownies, tapping into the energy and atmosphere of live music events.

Another option is to sell brownies at a bakery or cafe. This could be your own shop or a collaboration with an existing business. For instance, you could sell brownies over the counter in your own bakery, as mentioned by a user on CakeCentral.com. Alternatively, you could partner with cafes or coffee shops to sell your brownies as part of their menu offerings.

If you're looking for a more casual or pop-up style venue, consider local markets or street food events. These gatherings often attract a diverse range of customers and can be a great way to introduce your brownies to a wider audience. You can also set up a stand or table at community events, festivals, or fairs. These venues provide an opportunity to engage directly with customers, showcase your product, and build a loyal following.

Lastly, don't underestimate the power of online venues. You can sell your brownies through your website, social media platforms, or even collaborate with food delivery apps or online marketplaces. This option allows you to reach a broader customer base and can be especially useful if you don't have a physical store or want to expand your sales beyond your local area.

When considering venues, it's important to think about your target audience, the atmosphere you want to create, and the logistics of selling your brownies. Each venue has its advantages and can contribute to the success and growth of your brownie business.

Frequently asked questions