How to Package Brownies for a Bake Sale (And Keep Them Fresh and Appealing)

Packaging Brownies for Sale

Before participating in a bake sale, you need to know how to package your brownies and make your brand stand out. This is where creative packaging comes in.

Why Packaging Matters for Bake Sales

Since you’re competing with other brands selling similar products, you need to stand out from the competition. One way to do this is by learning how to pack brownies in a way that makes them presentable while boosting your brand.

The Impact of Presentation on Sales and Customer Appeal

Presentation can go a long way when it comes to your sales and your brand’s appeal. Over 70% of Americans agree that a product’s packaging design often influences their purchasing decisions, according to Ipsos.

If you learn how to present brownies with one-of-a-kind packaging, you can draw customers in even when competition is strong.

Choosing the Right Packaging for Brownies

Packaging also plays an important role in keeping your products in pristine condition. This is especially important for perishable goods like baked treats. 

Packaging made with the right materials can help preserve the freshness of baked goods, which is important to consider if you’re going to display them at a booth for hours.

But how do you know how to package brownies the right way? There are a few factors to consider.

Individual Wrapping vs. Bulk Packaging

Decide how you’ll be selling your brownie slices. Will you only be selling them in batches, or will you also sell them as individual pieces?

A bakery box, for example, would be a better option for bulk packaging for a brownie batch, but it’s not ideal if a customer wants to buy just one brownie. On the other hand, a food-safe plastic bag could work better for packing brownie pieces individually, but may not be as efficient for a brownie batch sold in bulk.

Material Choices

You also need to consider your options for packaging material, especially those that are reusable and sustainable. With the right material, you can keep your brownies fresh without compromising your budget and sustainability practices. When exploring how to package brownies, it helps to weigh the pros and cons of different options.

Plastic Wrap vs. Parchment Paper

If you want to save money on packaging, using plastic wrap secured with tape is an affordable option that can preserve freshness. The main downside is that it’s not environmentally friendly, so be careful with how often you use it for packaging.

Parchment wrapper, on the other hand, can preserve freshness while presenting brownies with a rustic touch. It’s also greaseproof.

Cellophane Bags vs. Bakery Boxes

Using a cellophane bag for packaging can work well if the customer is buying it as a gift or if you want to ship it safely. Cellophane bags can be an easy and cost-effective packaging solution, sealed with ribbons, ties, or stickers.

They’re moisture-resistant and oil-resistant, great for storing baked goods. Cellophane bags are made with plant cellulose, a naturally compostable material, making them a sustainable option.

A bakery box, usually made from kraft or white paperboard, is also a suitable container for holding layers of brownies with icing and frosting. Paperboard is a breathable material, so it can help prevent condensation and keep crusts and baked treats from going soggy.

A bakery box can also help protect the brownie pieces so they’re less likely to get crushed during handling. If there’s loose space in the box, add a layer of bubble wrap, parchment, or wax paper to make sure the brownie slices don’t get moved around or crushed in transit.

Whether you’re selling brownie pieces or searching for creative ideas for how to gift brownies, a bakery box is a classic and clean mail packaging choice. Bakery boxes are also customizable, so you can design the box to make it more appealing.

Eco-friendly packaging options

This year, one of the main factors driving change in the packaging industry is the increasing demand for sustainability. Over 90% of buyers say that sustainability is important when choosing a brand to patronize, according to NielsenIQ. 

Additionally, McKinsey & Company found that 43% of respondents said that environmental impact is important when evaluating packaging characteristics during purchasing decisions. 

In 2024, Our World in Data reported that 40% of the world’s plastic waste comes from packaging. If you want to make your brand more eco-friendly, we suggest investing in recyclable and compostable packaging options like cellophane bags and parchment wrappers.

Size Considerations

Another thing to consider when choosing how to wrap brownies for a bake sale is the serving sizes. Here are three sizes they’re usually sold in:

1. Standard brownie squares. The classic way to serve or sell brownies is by cutting them into perfect squares. If you’re selling standard brownie squares, you can pack them in a bakery box or wrap them individually in plastic or parchment.
2. Bite-sized portions. Tiny brownie pieces are great for free samples and customers who want to eat on the go. Great packaging ideas for bite-sized brownies include cellophane bags and stacking them in mason jars. 
3. Jumbo brownies. Bigger slices can be placed neatly in a bakery box to keep them protected during transport and handling. If you’re selling them per piece, you can wrap each one in plastic wrap or parchment.

Creative Wrapping Ideas

The next step in how to package brownies is exploring different wrapping ideas.

Classic Plastic Wrap with Ribbon or Twine

If you want to save money on brownie packaging, using a classic plastic bag tied with a ribbon or twine is a simple and cost-effective choice. These materials don’t cost much, so you can save on packaging expenses.

Parchment Wrap & Twine

Do you want to learn how to package brownies in a way that feels more homey or rustic? Using a parchment wrapper and twine as brownie packaging offers a handmade touch to your packaging design.

Cellophane Bags with Stickers or Labels

Packing brownie slices in a cellophane bag with a sticker or label showing your brand logo is a professional yet simple way to present your brownies and add a branded touch to your bake sale display. 

Mini Brownie Boxes with Windows

If you want to learn how to wrap brownies for a bake sale to keep them preserved while making them eye-catching, a mini brownie box with windows is a classic choice. Adding window patching to the box can boost visual appeal, showcasing the mouth-watering brownies.

Mason Jars with Stacked Brownies

If you want something different, a mason jar container can be a more unique packaging idea. Fill a mason jar with stacks of brownies and add finishing touches like a ribbon or custom label for a neat gift-style presentation.

Wax Paper with Customizable Stickers

Wax paper is normally used in baking, but it can also work as a packaging material for preserving brownie moisture. If you’re careful in sealing the paper with custom stickers displaying your brand logo, it offers a simple way to boost your brand.

Bake Sale Display Tips

Now that we’ve covered how to package brownies and some creative packaging ideas, let’s talk about how to present brownies in your booth display. 

Creative and unique packaging is great for branding, but how you display your products at your booth can also impact the impression customers will have of your brand. Remember: presentation is key.

Using Tiered Trays and Cake Stands

Tiered trays and cake stands can make your brownies more inviting to customers. Stacking brownies on tiered trays or cake stands can help maximize space in your booth while boosting the display’s visual appeal.

Themed or Seasonal Display Setups

If the bake sale is for a special occasion or has a particular theme, planning out your display setup to match the theme or season can add personality to your display. 

For instance, if it’s a Christmas bake sale, matching the look of your products and your booth display to the festive theme can create a cohesive look and make your booth more memorable.

Incorporating Banners and Labels

Having a banner at your booth is great for advertising your brand. Whether you’re selling various types of baked treats or different brownie flavors, having labels for each makes your booth look more organized. Labeling your baked products also makes it easier for customers to spot their prices and identify which product is which.

Using Chalkboard or Wooden Signs for a Handmade Touch

Using a chalkboard or wooden signs to show your brand logo or a menu of the baked goods you’re selling can add a handmade touch to your display. 

You can let your creativity run wild here. With a chalkboard, for example, you can use colorful chalks for pops of color and create fun illustrations!

Keeping Samples Available

Curious customers would appreciate being able to try your product first and have an idea of the taste before they decide to buy. Setting aside some bite-sized brownie pieces they can eat is a great way to keep free samples, especially if you’re selling different flavors. 

Branding and Personalization Ideas

Adding Custom Labels and Tags

Putting custom labels and tags on your brownie package is a great way to reinforce your brand and share important information like ingredients. Being honest about what ingredients you use can help keep your customers safe, especially if they have food allergies. 

Stamping or Stenciling on Paper Bags or Wrappers

If you want to DIY your brownie packaging, you can add a personal touch by decorating the package material with stamps or stencils. By decorating the wrapper yourself, you’re making your customers’ purchases feel more special and personalized.

Personalized Notes or Thank You Cards

Saying “thank you” after a customer buys from your brand is a kind gesture. However, adding a personalized note or a “Thank You” card adds another layer of thoughtfulness that can leave a lasting impression on your customers.

QR Codes Linking to Social Media or Recipes

Another way to boost brand recognition is to encourage customers to engage with your brand. As you plan how to package brownies, try adding a QR code linking to your brand’s social media page or a simple recipe to encourage online engagement and repeat customers.

Packaging for Special Occasions & Gifts

If the bake sale is for a special event, matching your packaging design to the theme or occasion can make your brand stick in the minds of your customers, especially for customers shopping for gifts.

Holiday-Themed Packaging

Christmas is the season of gift-giving. If you’re selling baked treats during the Christmas season, you can show that your brand is joining the festivities by sprinkling some holiday cheer into your packaging design. You can add personalized touches like using ribbons, holiday-themed stickers, or custom tags with cheerful messages.

Gifting Brownies in Decorative Tins or Boxes

Packing your brownies or other baked goods in gift-style containers like a decorative tin or box makes your treats ready for gifting. Adding tissue paper, shredded paper, or a small note can enhance the presentation.

DIY Brownie Kits

DIY brownie kits can be a fun, interactive option that lets customers bake brownies at home. Alternatively, they can mail these kits to their friends. It can include ingredients and a simple recipe, creating an engaging experience that connects customers to your brand.

FAQs

How Do I Package Brownies for a Bake Sale?

Packaging brownies for selling is about balancing freshness and appeal. Choose packing material like paperboard and parchment to protect the brownies without trapping excess moisture that could affect their texture.

How Do I Wrap Brownies Individually?

When your brownie batch has been removed from the pan and is completely cool, cut it into smaller pieces, then wrap each piece separately with plastic or cellophane to preserve freshness. Make sure the wrap clings tightly around the brownie to keep air and moisture out.

How Do I Display Brownies Attractively?

Using trays or stands to display your brownies in layers can help maximize space while making them look appealing. If your bake sale has a theme, plan your booth display and decoration to match the theme.

How Can I Make My Bake Sale Brownies Stand Out?

You can make them stand out by focusing on how to package brownies in unique ways that showcase both your products and your brand. Presentation is also a key factor, so experiment with different ways to display your brownies, like using tiered trays or custom packaging.

What’s the Best Way to Package Brownies for Gifts?

Use a unique container like a decorative box or tin. Attaching a personalized note also adds a handmade touch, perfect for a gift-style presentation.

How Do I Keep Brownies Fresh in Their Packaging?

Choose packaging materials that protect the brownies while preventing excessive moisture. Leaving the brownie uncut is the best way to preserve it—just wrap the whole slab in plastic wrap and add an extra layer of aluminum foil to protect it. If it’s already been cut, wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap or store them in an air-tight container.

A brownie batch only requires refrigeration or placing it in the freezer if you want to preserve it for up to a week, during hot weather, or when it contains perishable ingredients.