When you spend hours mixing, baking, and decorating the perfect cupcakes. The last thing you want to deal with is the cupcakes getting damaged before they can be eaten.
Luckily, there is a simple solution. A cupcake carrier can help reduce the chance of your pastries falling over or getting messy during the transportation process. There are many different cupcake carriers on the market.
In this post, we will look at the 10 best cupcake carrier options, but after all of our research, we agree that the VonShef Snap and Stack Cupcake Storage Carrier is the best of the best. Plus, we will discuss exactly what you need to think about when deciding which cupcake holder is right for you!
Our Top Picks
What is the Best Cupcake Carrier? The Top 10 Reviewed
Let’s dive into the 10 best cupcake carriers on the market. These all have slight differences, which we will cover. But you really can’t go wrong with any of the options on this list.
Prepworks Collapsible Cupcake & Cake Carrier
This is our top choice because it’s been owned and used for many years by our editor-in-chief. Two dozen cupcakes have been transported to many school parties in this cupcake carrier and it still looks as new as the day it was purchased. We love how it stores and breaks down so easily. A winner!
This collapsible cupcake carrier is easy to store and can hold up to 24 cupcakes or a 10-inch round cake. This is a 2-tiered carrier so you can easily keep cupcake flavors from mixing. The holes are deep so you don’t have to worry about the cupcakes tipping over. The layers are also extra tall, so you can store cupcakes that are decorated with plenty of icing.
PROS
- Collapsible
- Blue or Red options
- Extra tall 2-tiered carrier
- Deep holes to keep cupcakes from tipping over
- Convenient handle
- Very durable
- Enough space so the cupcakes don’t touch
- Can hold up to 24 cupcakes
CONS
- Not 100% airtight
Snapware Snap ‘N Stack Large 2-Layer Cookie and Cupcake Carrier
The Snapware Snap ‘N Stack Carrier is a 2-tiered holder that can store up to 24 cupcakes. You can also customize the carrier by adding additional tiers. This is a BPA-free carrier that is dishwasher and freezer safe.
PROS
- 2-tiers but can be customized to add more
- Stores up to 24-cupcakes
- BPA-free
- Dishwasher safe
CONS
- Not 100% airtight
- Snaps are not sturdy
Agvvt 11 Inch Portable Square Cake Carrier with Handle and Cupcake Holder Tray
This airtight cupcake carrier is made with food-safe materials. You can use it to transport a variety of baked goods, including cupcakes, cake, cookies, and brownies. The handle is secure and makes it easy to carry this cupcake holder.
PROS
- Made with food-safe materials
- Can be used to transport many types of baked goods
- Secure handle
- Airtight
CONS
- Single tier
- Smaller than many on the market
Click here to learn more on Amazon.
PL8 Cupcake Carrier & Display
The PL8 Cupcake Carrier & Display is a dishwasher-safe carrier that can hold up to 24 cupcakes. It is a 3-tiered carrier that helps separate flavors and works as a display for your beautiful desserts. This carrier also collapses, which makes it convenient for storage.
PROS
- 3-tiers which allows for a beautiful display
- Collapsable
- Can store up to 24 cupcakes
- BPA-free
CONS
- Not 100% airtight
- Cupcake holes are shallow
Click here to learn more on Amazon.
Cupcake Courier Cupcake Carrier
The Cupcake Courier holder is made with BPA-free clear plastic that is non-toxic and easy to clean. This cupcake carrier can easily transport 36 cupcakes or three sheet cakes. The locking mechanism works well to close the container and keep the cupcakes fresh.
PROS
- 3-tiers
- Can store 36 cupcakes or 3 sheet cakes
- BPA-free
- Secure latches seal in freshness
CONS
- The tiers are too short for tall cupcakes
- Cupcake holes are too deep
Click here to learn more on Amazon.
Wilton Ultimate 3-in-1 Cupcake Caddy and Carrier
The Wilton Ultimate 3-In-1 Carrier is a great cake and cupcake carrier. You can transport a 9x13in cake, 12 standard cupcakes, or 24 mini cupcakes. The carrier is dishwasher safe but it is best to handwash it in order to preserve the finish. The snaps work well to keep the pastries fresh.
PROS
- Cake and cupcake carrier
- Dishwasher safe
- Snaps seals in freshness
- Great option for mini cupcakes
CONS
- Single tier
- Regular-sized cupcakes easily fall out of holes
Click here to learn more on Amazon.
Buddeez Cake and Cupcake Carrier
The Buddeez Cake and Cupcake Carrier can hold 12 cupcakes or a 9x13in cake. You can also purchase multiple carriers and stack them if you want to transport more cupcakes. This carrier is dishwasher safe and includes a cut-and-serve tool.
PROS
- Dishwasher safe
- Multiple carriers can snap and stack together
- Comes with a cut and serve tool
- Made in the USA
CONS
- Must purchase multiple carriers to transport more than 12 cupcakes
- Snapping clamps can fall off easily
Click here to learn more on Amazon.
Sweet Creations 3-Tier Collapsible Cupcake and Cakepop Display Carrier with Handle
The Sweet Creations Cupcake 3 Tier Collapsible Cupcake and Cakepop Display Carrier with Handle is an all-in-one cupcake and cake pop carrier. This carrier features a 3-tier display tower so you can beautifully display your cupcakes. You can display up to 24 cupcakes and 40 cake pops at the same time with this carrier.
PROS
- Stand and lid are dishwasher safe
- Includes a 3-tier cupcake stand
- Can display cupcakes and cake pops
- Collapsible for easy storage
- BPA-free
CONS
- Not 100% airtight
Click here to learn more on Amazon.
Fox Run 6910 Cupcake Carousel
The Fox Run Cupcake Carousel is a unique and stylish way to transport cupcakes. This carrier includes three removable tiers and can hold up to 24 cupcakes. The tiers can be stacked and used as a convenient serving display. This carrier is made from BPA-free food-safe plastic.
PROS
- 3 tiers
- Can hold 24 cupcakes
- Removable tiers can be used as a cupcake display
- BPA-free
CONS
- Challenging to remove small cupcakes from the carrier
- Layers can squish icing on tall cupcakes
Click here to learn more on Amazon.
VonShef Snap and Stack Cupcake Storage Carrier
The VonShef Snap and Stack Cupcake Storage Carrier is a great option for anyone who bakes a good amount of cupcakes. This is a 2-tiered carrier and each layer can easily hold a dozen cupcakes. It also features a handle, making it easy to carry, and strong locking clips that ensure freshness.
PROS
- 2-tiers
- Handle for easy transport
- Can store up to 24 cupcakes
- The top layer can be converted into a cake shelf if needed
CONS
- The locking mechanism isn’t very sturdy
- The handle can be flimsy
Click here to learn more on Amazon.
What is a Cupcake Carrier?
As the name suggests, a cupcake carrier is a convenient storage and transportation container for cupcakes. Cupcake carriers are an essential tool for anyone who makes cupcakes often.
This is the perfect container for stacking, storing and transporting cupcakes. Cupcake carriers help keep your pastries fresh. They also prevent your cupcakes from falling or getting damaged when you need to move them.
There are many types of cupcake carriers on the market. The simplest type is a disposable cupcake carrier. This is what you will likely get if you order cupcakes from a bakery. Reusable cupcake carriers are a more environmentally-friendly option.
If you bake cupcakes often, this will also keep you from buying a new carrier every time, which will help save you money.
How to Choose the Best Cupcake Carrier
Before you purchase a cupcake carrier, there are a few essential things you should think about. How often are you going to need a cupcake carrier? Do you only need to transport a few cupcakes? Or are you more likely to transport dozens at a time? How far will you be traveling with your cupcakes?
Let’s take a closer look at the important factors you should consider before buying a cupcake carrier:
Capacity
Cupcake carriers vary in capacity. How many cupcakes do you want to transport? Do you often make 3 dozen cupcakes? Or would a 12-cupcake holder be enough? This is the most important factor because not all carriers can transport the same number of cupcakes.
Tiers
Tiers are useful because they allow carriers to hold more cupcakes. Plus, tiers can keep cupcake flavors from mixing. Some tiers are even removable and function as a display stand.
But, it is also important to think about how tall you make your cupcakes. Some tiers are short (to fit more cupcakes) but this can sometimes cause the icing to get damaged.
Material
Since you will be using this carrier to transport cupcakes, it is important to make sure it is made with food-safe plastic. Look for this distinction before purchasing your carrier.
Frequency of Use
How often will you use your cupcake holder? If you use it often, make sure the holder is sturdy. If you are only going to use it a few times, you might not need to splurge on the most expensive top-of-the-line carrier.
Design
Cupcake carriers come in many different designs. You will find round carries, flat carriers, and even carriers that are shaped like cupcakes. This choice is all about personal preference.
When thinking about design, also consider the size of the cupcake holes. Will the cupcakes fit in the holes? Are they too deep which would make it hard to remove the cupcakes? Or are they too wide, which would cause the cupcakes to slide around?
Special Features
Cupcake carriers can include unique special features. Some include a removable cupcake display stand. Others can be used to carry cakes or cookies in addition to cupcakes. There are even carriers designed just for mini cupcakes. Think about the features you are looking for before buying your carrier
Freshness
It is essential that cupcake carriers keep your pastries fresh. You don’t want to spend time making delicious cupcakes only to have them go stale in the carrier. Look for air holes or faulty snaps as signs that the carrier won’t keep your cupcakes fresh.
Storage
We will discuss this more in the next section, but storage space is a huge factor when selecting a cupcake carrier. Some of the carriers are large and not all of them are collapsible. Think about your storage space before buying a carrier.
How to Clean and Store Your Cupcake Carrier
Proper cleaning is essential for maintaining your cupcake carrier. You don’t want mold or bacteria to grow in the carrier.
Hand Wash
Some carriers are handwash only. When handwashing the carrier, remember to use a soft soap. Most carriers have small nooks, so make sure it wash every part of the carrier to remove all of the food waste. Fully dry the carrier before putting it away to prevent mold from growing.
Dishwasher Safe
There are many dishwasher safe cupcake holders on the market. Sometimes, only the lids are dishwasher safe. Often, the carrier needs to be washed on the top rack of the dishwasher.
Care
You should properly wash and dry your cupcake carrier each time you use it. You want to make sure nothing starts rotting or growing in the carrier, which would make it unsafe to use for future cupcakes. Also, some of the carriers are flimsy and the plastic can break easily. Be gentle when closing and storing your carrier.
Storage
As we discussed earlier, storage is an important factor when buying a cupcake carrier. These are often large and can take up a lot of cabinet space. Look for carriers that are collapsable if you are working with limited kitchen space.
Disposable
If you don’t make cupcakes very often or don’t have storage space, a disposable carrier might be the best option for you. These are not very eco-friendly but are an option if you only need a carrier one time.
Final Thoughts on the Best Cupcake Carrier
As you pick the best cupcake carrier for you, think about your baking habits. Do you often bake dozens of cupcakes? Do you like to decorate these with plenty of icing? If so, you might need a tall, multi-tiered cupcake holder.
Or, do you often make cupcakes and cakes together? In this case, look for a carrier that can easily transport more than one type of dessert.
Cupcake carriers, especially the 10 on our list, are great options for home bakers who want an easy way to transport their creations. We especially love the VonShef Snap and Stack Cupcake Storage Carrier, but it’s exciting that there are so many BPA-free, multi-tiered, and sturdy cupcake carriers on the market!
Related:
- Best Candy Thermometer Reviews & Buying Guide
- Best Cotton Candy Machine Reviews & Buying Guide
- Best Blender with Glass Jar Reviews & Buying Guide
- Best Vegetable Shredder Reviews & Buying Guide
References:
The Best Way to Store Fresh Spinach to Keep it Crisp and Fresh