When you spend hours mixing, baking and painstakingly decorating cupcakes, the last thing you want is for your hard work to be ruined in the car on the way to your event. But you can protect your culinary creation with a cupcake carrier. Not only can these carriers keep your cupcakes safe in the car, they are also a great way to temporarily store your cupcakes, brownies and other baked treats at home.
When you need to safely move lots of cupcakes in a sturdy carrier, the Snapware Snap ‘N Stack 2-Layer Cupcake Storage Carrier is a reliable choice.
What to know before you buy a cupcake carrier
How many cupcakes?
Cupcake carriers are available in sizes that accommodate everything from single-serve to multiple dozens of treats. Consider what your main use will be and make sure to purchase a cupcake carrier that fits that. While single-serve cupcake carriers might be great — and hygienic — for bake sales, a larger cupcake carrier can easily transport sweets to a family gathering or picnic.
Single-use vs. reusable
Consider if you’d prefer to work with single-use cupcake carriers for convenience or reusable carriers. Single-use cupcake carriers made from recycled materials are more environmentally friendly when selling your treats. You might also consider a single-use cupcake carrier when you don’t want to worry about getting the container back.
On the other hand, reusable cupcake carriers can last for years with proper care. They are more environmentally friendly in many cases, and they are easy to clean. Reusable cupcake carriers also work great for the short-term storage of baked treats.
Material
Most cupcake carriers are made from rigid plastic. This protects your cupcakes from anything pressing in and squashing elaborate frosting or decorations. There are various types of plastic, though. One common single-use setup is a black plastic bottom and a snap-on clear plastic lid. Reusable cupcake carriers are often made of stronger opaque plastic that won’t snap or crack as easily.
Another bakery-style cupcake carrier material is brown craft paper that folds into boxes with dividers (and with or without attached lids). These can be fully enclosed, or they might have a clear window at the top.
Cupcake carrier features
Handle
Many reusable cupcake carriers feature a sturdy handle on the top. This makes transporting cupcakes easy, but take good care to make certain it is fastened before picking it up.
Other cupcake carriers might have handles on the sides. If you want to make absolutely certain that the lid won’t pop off as your cupcakes go flying, this is a good option.
Viewing window
Single-use or disposable cupcake carriers often feature a clear viewing window. This is a lovely way to give people a sneak peek at your beautiful cupcakes.
Secure closure
No matter the type of carrier, make sure it snaps, locks or otherwise securely closes. This prevents accidental spills during transport.
Safe materials
Any reusable cupcake carrier should be made completely of BPA-free plastic.
Easy storage
If you choose a cupcake carrier that can hold several dozen treats, consider a collapsible reusable cupcake carrier. These are easy to store when space is at a premium.
Another option is to select a single-use folding cupcake carrier. These generally come in unassembled packs of 10-15 that can be folded as needed. These slide flat into the bottom of a drawer or even store on the top of the fridge.
Cupcake carrier cost
Cupcake carriers are an affordable way to transport and protect your sweet treats. They cost between $14-$40.
Cupcake carrier FAQ
Do cupcake carriers keep cupcakes fresh?
A. Although cupcake carriers are a great solution for mess-free travel, they are not designed to be airtight. You can keep cupcakes for a day or two in a cupcake carrier, but if you are planning on long-term storage, it is best to freeze unfrosted cupcakes, frosting just before you are ready to pack them up.
Do you need cupcake liners if you use a cupcake carrier?
A. Generally speaking, cupcake liners just make it easier to remove cupcakes from their muffin tin. This also keeps the muffin tin clean.
If you don’t have cupcake liners, you can use parchment paper instead. Cut a five-inch square of parchment paper and place it into your muffin tin. When you place the batter into the center of the square the edges will fold up in a beautiful design. Don’t have parchment paper? You can use aluminum foil instead.
If you prefer not to use cupcake liners, parchment paper or aluminum foil, make sure to thoroughly grease and flour each muffin tin. This will ensure that your cupcakes release cleanly. Grease with butter, then add a bit of flour to the bottom of each cavity. Gently tip the muffin pan in every direction to move the flour around each cavity. If you notice spots with no flour, add more butter and gently dust with flour again.
Which cupcake carrier should I get?
Best of the best cupcake carrier
Snapware Snap ‘N Stack 2-Layer Cupcake Storage Carrier: available at Amazon
Our take: This versatile cupcake carrier is also great at transporting other baked goods, like brownies and cookies.
What we like: This two-layer carrier is perfect for safely transporting up to 24 cupcakes. It’s freezer-, microwave- and dishwasher-safe. Trays stack on top of each other, and the lid snaps shut to keep everything fresh.
What we dislike: There are no dividers that prevent cupcakes from falling over.
Best bang for your buck cupcake carrier
Katgely Individual Cupcake Container: available at Amazon
Our take: Individual cupcake carriers make transporting single-serve treats easy.
What we like: Individual, snap-shut clear plastic containers protect cupcakes from getting crushed or falling over. They are safe in the fridge or freezer, and their large size accommodates even the most elaborately decorated cupcakes. At less than 30 cents per container, this is a bargain.
What we dislike: The plastic is thin and single-use.
Honorable mention cupcake carrier
Aglahome Cupcake Boxes: available at Amazon
Our take: Choose these brown craft boxes for the classic bakery look.
What we like: This package contains 15 cupcake carrier boxes that can hold a dozen cupcakes each. Each brown craft paper box is sturdy and easy to put together, and a clear cellophane window lets you see what’s inside.
What we dislike: Assembly is required, and these containers are single-use. Suzannah Kolbeck is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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