How to Make the Best Bakery Menu

Your bakery’s secret weapon might be right in front of you. Imagine a pop song versus a classic hit. The pop song is catchy and exciting for a while, but the classic hit keeps people coming back for years. Think of your bakery menu in the same way: it’s not just about having the trendiest new item but about the overall menu that keeps customers returning. In this post, we’ll talk about how to make the best bakery menu. We’ll also look at some bakery menu inspiration and ideas to help you. 

How to Create a Bakery Menu

1. Write out everything you’ll sell.
2. Categorize your menu items.
3. Highlight specials.
4. Create your descriptions.
5. Use the best photos.
6. Set the prices.
7. Design your bakery menu.
8. Proofread your menu.
9. Print your bakery menu.
10. Go digital.

Whether it’s in-person or online, every choice you make when putting your menu together matters. Many elements affect your sales, from eye-catching photos that highlight your best bakery products to easy-to-find add-ons. 

Menus might seem like a small detail because they’re so common. However, how you create and present your menu is crucial. If you don’t know where to start, we got your back. Here’s how to create a bakery menu that’ll make your customers come back for more: 

1. Write out everything you’ll sell. 

First, list down everything you plan to sell.

Just like you need ingredients to bake, you need a complete list of items for your menu. Write down all the goodies your customers can buy. Think beyond just chocolate chip cookies and fruit cakes. Will you sell bread like sourdough, baguettes, or focaccia? How about pastries like croissants, danishes, or bear claws? Don’t forget the extras― will you offer butter or jam to go with your fresh bread? Think about having combo deals or specials, too.

For example, you can offer a breakfast combo with a croissant and a Danish or a bread bundle with a loaf of sourdough and a jar of jam. Customers can’t buy what they don’t know you have, so make sure your list includes every possible item to boost your bakery’s profits. 

2. Categorize your menu items.

Once you know what items you’re selling, organize them into categories, such as pastries, bread, sandwiches, daily specials, and add-ons.

Next, decide how you want them to appear on your menu. For instance, you can start with pastries like croissants, danishes, and muffins. Then, move on to bread such as sourdough, baguettes, and focaccia. Follow with sandwiches like ham and cheese croissants, veggie wraps, and turkey clubs. You can also include a section for daily specials like quiche or seasonal pies and add-ons like butter, jam, or dipping sauces.

Think about an order that makes sense to your customers. For instance, you can begin with pastries, then breakfast items, and lunch items after that. You should also consider how to arrange items within each category. Put your most popular or highest-priced items at the top, and make sure it’s easy for your customers to find what they want and discover new items.

3. Highlight specials.

Highlighting specials encourages customers to try your bestsellers and new items. Whether it’s freshly baked cinnamon rolls that melt in your mouth or savory options like ham and cheese bread rolls, emphasizing these items in your menu draws customers’ attention. 

Use eye-catching displays or digital boards to highlight these items. Customers who see what’s special are more likely to indulge in something they love or try something new. This strategy enhances the appeal of your bakery and encourages repeat visits as customers look forward to discovering what’s new each time they stop by. 

4. Create your descriptions.

Now, let’s have fun naming and describing your menu items!

Think about the vibe you want to create for your customers. Do you want your descriptions to be light-hearted with bakery puns and humor? Imagine naming your breakfast sandwiches after local landmarks or favorite movie characters. Will your cupcakes feature creative titles inspired by pop culture? Or perhaps you prefer a more classic approach?

How will you tell the story behind each item? From what inspired it to the carefully selected ingredients, think about how you’ll convey this story, whether it varies by product or category. Will you list out every ingredient for transparency? And how will you address allergies or dietary preferences? Clearly labeling them gluten-free or vegan can be very effective.

Put yourself in your customers’ shoes. What details would you want to know about what you’re eating? If your menu descriptions cover all these aspects, you’ll delight your customers with every visit. Keep it engaging and clear to keep them coming back for more.

5. Use the best photos.

When we hear about a new bakery, our first instinct is to hop onto Instagram or TikTok to look for irresistible cupcakes and other treats that everyone’s buzzing about. So, using photos in your menu is a savvy move.

While your bakery likely showcases most of its products in-store, having photos on your printed menu gives potential online customers visual references. For instance, using images of your signature red velvet cake or artisan banana muffins can encourage customers to browse your website or social media pages.

Remember, quality matters when it comes to photos. Make sure the images are well-shot and edited to showcase your treats in the best light possible. High-quality photos entice customers, build trust, and show your commitment to giving them a top-notch customer experience. For example, a close-up shot of freshly baked marbled cream cheese brownies with vibrant colors and textures can make mouths water.

Maintaining a social media presence, such as an Instagram account linked to your website, is also invaluable. It allows customers to browse through a gallery of your delectable offerings, encouraging orders and excitement about your bakery. If you need more help, check out our Filipino food photography guide.  

When capturing photos of your products, hiring a professional photographer is a must for polished results. However, if you’re on a budget, well-taken photos with a smartphone can be enough, provided they are well-lit and edited properly.

By leveraging photos— through printed menus or social media— you can enhance customer engagement, attract new business, and create a buzz around your bakery. 

6. Set the prices. 

Now that you’ve listed, grouped, described, and taken photos of your delicious bakery items, it’s time to figure out their prices.

Setting your bakery menu prices isn’t just about choosing numbers randomly. It’s about making sure your prices are fair for your customers while making a profit. 

Start by calculating all your costs, like rent, ingredients for specialties like ensaymadas and ube cheese pandesals, wages, and expenses for maintaining a clean and safe bakery.

It is also important to research what similar bakeries in your area are charging. Compare the quality of your products and the experience you offer with theirs. If you have trained at top culinary schools or use premium local ingredients, you can charge slightly higher prices. 

Remember, transparency is key. If your prices are higher, explain why. Whether you use fresh local ingredients, offer health benefits to employees, or help local farmers, customers appreciate knowing the reasons behind your pricing strategy.

For more tips on creating a successful bakery pricing, check this guide. 

7. Design your bakery menu. 

Okay, now that you’ve sorted your menu items, categories, prices, photos, descriptions, and prices, it’s time to create your bakery menu.

If you have a graphic designer on board, share all the details you’ve gathered so far and let them run with it to come up with different concepts for your menu design. If you’re doing the design yourself, that’s awesome too! You can check out bakery menu templates or use sites like Canva or Pinterest for bakery menu inspiration and ideas.

When putting your menu together, simplicity is key. Instead of overwhelming your customers with too many options, aim to make it clear and stick to one or two pages.

Think about fonts, spacing, and layout as you design— whether for print or digital. Menu templates are handy for experimenting with different setups until you find what suits your bakery’s vibe best. If you need a pro touch, consider hiring a menu designer who knows their stuff.

Remember, your menu should evolve with your bakery. Stay flexible so you can update it as your offerings change. Freshen things up to keep customers coming back for more.

Once you’ve nailed the design, gather feedback from friends, family, and trusted advisors. Their insights can help fine-tune your menu before it hits the printer. Take your time— once it’s printed, it’s set, so make sure it’s spot-on before you finalize it.

8. Proofread your menu.

Don’t forget to edit or proofread your menu. Even the tiniest errors can impact your bakery’s image and customer satisfaction. 

Take a moment to carefully review it for typos or mistakes. Don’t hesitate to ask for help— get others to give it a once-over with fresh eyes, whether it’s a professional, a family member, or a friend. 

9. Print your bakery menu.

When printing your bakery menu, use high-quality paper. Opt for heavy matte or glossy paper for a durable and polished look. 

Alternatively, professionals can print your menus to ensure precision and quality in every detail. Investing in good materials and printing services reflects your bakery’s commitment to making customers happy. This attention to detail also gives them a positive dining experience and reinforces your bakery’s branding. 

10. Go digital.

In today’s digital world, having your menu available online and easy to navigate is crucial. Customers on their phones, tablets, or laptops should find your menu easy to access with just a few taps or clicks. 

Create a user-friendly layout that showcases your products smoothly. Your website or social media pages are perfect platforms to display your menu. Going digital caters to tech-savvy customers and expands your reach, making ordering convenient. 

Bakery Menu Inspiration and Ideas

Congratulations on finishing the guide! If you need more bakery menu inspiration and ideas, we have you covered! Here are some menu inspiration and ideas to help you get started. 

Bakery Menu Idea 1

This bakery menu inspiration and idea has a minimalist brown theme with a clean and inviting background. Each item is showcased with a high-quality photo. The straightforward design features easy-to-read text in a modern font that complements the photos.

Bakery Menu Idea 2

This bakery menu inspiration and idea bursts with fun and charm. It has a playful pink-and-white theme. The vibrant backdrop sets the stage for showcasing delicious treats. Each item is also highlighted with beautiful photos. The design is also lively and inviting, with easy-to-read fonts and stylish layouts that make browsing a delightful experience. 

Bakery Menu Idea 3

This bakery menu inspiration and idea features a cozy mix of pink and beige tones. The soft colors highlight the beauty of each cake on display. With clear, tasteful photos showing the details and layers of the cakes, this menu provides a great browsing experience. 

Bakery Menu Idea 4

This bakery menu template features a clean white background that lets our donuts shine. Each section showcases mouthwatering photos of our delicious donuts, highlighting their flavors and toppings. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Having a well-crafted bakery menu is like having a golden ticket to boosting sales – it guides customers to your best offerings, highlights specials that tempt their taste buds, and tells the story behind each delicious treat. 

Whether you’re using mouthwatering photos or describing your goodies with humor and charm, a thoughtfully designed menu can make all the difference. So, what are you waiting for? Start creating yours today!

About HICAPS

Over the years, HICAPS has helped bakers and businesses make delicious products by offering ingredients like ChiffonAide Cake Oil, Magic Whizk Whipping Cream, Red Velvet Flavor Emulco, and Instabake Brownie Mix. 

HICAPS also provides tools and resources to valued partners, such as the free “How to Increase Your Sales Amidst the Pandemic” E-book and free dealer locator that helps look for baking ingredients near me. 

Want more free tips and tutorials? Follow us on Facebook at Hicaps Mktg. Corp. and on YouTube at HicapsTV. 

Want to be one of our valued partners? Fill out this form. Looking forward to talking to you soon!