The Best Carriers to Transport Your Cupcakes
Much like a piece of cake, cupcakes provide an instant party boost whether you're hosting for fifty or just for yourself. The one issue that we come across time and again is the fact that, unlike sheet cakes, it's a bit of a hassle to store and transport cupcakes. That's why we're obsessing over these cupcake carriers. Specifically designed to make it less stressful and easier to transport cupcakes, with these carriers, there is little no danger of ruining frosting or smooshing cake bits. Simply pop each cupcake in its designated compartment, close the top, and carry on. Here are a few of our favorite carriers.
Katgely Individual Cupcake Container
One and done
When you are looking for one single cupcake container, this is an ideal solution. With the aim of keeping its contents completely sturdy, the top fastens securely to keep air out and freshness in. Thanks to its see-through material, it’s also ideal for keeping pretty cupcakes on display. It’s made from durable plastic, so it can be reused numerous times before breaking down. Plus, it’s easy to clean, which is certainly a plus if you’re hoping to reuse it. Additional features include a deep cavity, a back hinge on the top, and a lock bar to keep the lid from flying open when you least expect it to.
Pros:
- Helps to preserve one single cupcake
- Options for 50, 100, and 324 single cupcake container sets
- BPA-free and recycling friendly
Cons:
- The lid is spiraled and not the most convenient for labeling
- Although we like that these lids stayed closed, they were a bit of a hassle to open
Supellectilem Disposable High Dome Cupcake Carrier
Eat and toss
Made of highly durable polystyrene, this disposable plastic cupcake carrier is ideal for giving away when you don’t expect the containers to be returned back to you. Ideal for bringing to office parties, holiday gatherings, and other festive events, each container holds up to six cupcakes. We especially love the deep well. These carriers really do make transporting easy with virtually zero risk of cupcakes topping during transport. A secure dome lid rounds out the benefits of this disposable carrier.
Pros:
- Convenience and portability reign with this design
- Ribbed base to securely hold each cupcake in place
- Water- and oxygen-resistant, keeping its contents totally fresh
Cons:
- Really only meant for transporting cupcakes and muffins
- Meant to be disposable, not reusable, which isn’t ideal if you’re trying to reduce your single-use plastic consumption
Snapware Snap ‘N Stack 2-Layer Carrier
Bringin' the party
Whether you’re the one bringing the sweets or simply storing cupcakes away for leftovers, we think you’ll agree: this is one handy little carrying case. Completely convertible, this carrier not only works for cupcakes and muffins, but also cookies, mini cakes, and sheet cakes. The top snaps on tight for an airtight fit, and the removable tray system allows for multiple types of sweets to be carried at one time.
Pros:
- Durable plastic construction that can easily be washed in the dishwasher
- Removable tray system with built-in cupcake indents
- Compact design fits on most refrigerator shelves
Cons:
- We wish the cupcake indents were just a little bit deeper
- The handle isn’t the strongest, so be sure to carry from the bottom of the carrier with extra-heavy loads
Sweet Creations 3-Tier Collapsible Cupcake Carrier
Three-tier fun
Serving not just as a cupcake carrier but a display stand as well, this is the ultimate pack-and-go container for when you’re bringing the sweets with you. We love that we can bake the cupcakes, assemble them directly for display, and then carry them to the venue. This makes them ideal for bridal showers and similar events, Holding up to two dozen cupcakes, this tray also features cake pop stick holes.
Pros:
- 3-tier display
- Carrier completely flattens for easy, compact storage
- BPA-free and dishwasher-safe for safety and convenience
Cons:
- The indents are a bit shallow
- The plastic isn’t the most durable
Smirly Bakery Cupcake Boxes and Cake Carrier
This handy set of cardboard carrying boxes holds up to a dozen cupcakes each. We love the clean lines, sturdy white paperboard, and inserts that keep each mini cake from sliding about on the inside. They’re ideal for housewarming, holiday gatherings, or birthday parties, too. The thoughtful addition of a clear window display on top makes for a truly lovely presentation. Add in a bow or use the included ribbon and you’ve got a complete gift.
Pros:
- Includes a ribbon for wrapping, 48 baking cups, and inserts for stability
- Durable, thick paperboard resists dents and keeps contents fresh
- Easy to store when not in use
Cons:
- Not for repeated, indefinite use, as the paperboard will eventually break down
- For added stability, use additional tape at the corners
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do cupcakes keep in a container?
Provided you keep your cupcakes in a container that’s either on the counter or in the refrigerator, you’ll likely get up to a week, although eating them by the third or fourth day is ideal for texture and taste.
What’s the best way to keep your cupcakes fresh?
One of the most important factors to remember is that you should never put hot – or even just slightly warm – cupcakes into a carrier. That’s because cupcake carriers are designed to keep the air out. Of course, this means that moisture stays locked in, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, except that condensation will ruin cupcakes rather quickly. If you put cupcakes away when they’re too warm, they’ll become soggy and won’t last long at all. Wait until they’re completely cool, use a proper storage container, and then store for up to one week either on the counter or in the refrigerator. You can also keep cupcakes in a freezer for up to three months, provided they’re stored properly.