The Best Cupcake Stand

Buying Guide

Cupcakes can bring a little something extra to any celebration. They’re the perfect dessert for groups. Unlike cakes, you won’t have to bring a knife along to slice and serve, and today’s cupcake decorators can create some pretty elaborate concoctions.

But serving those cupcakes can be a little challenging. You can set them all out on a platter, but there are only so many you can lay out vertically before they begin to overcrowd the table. Cupcake stands let you display them in a tower-like setup, with tiered plates protecting each layer from the one below it.

But cupcake stands aren’t just for cupcakes. You can use them for cookies, pastries, fruits and other foods. You can get some great inspiration from sites like Pinterest, then create beautiful displays for baby showers, graduations, weddings or even family dinners.

If you take your cupcakes on the go with you, though, a stand won’t keep them safe during the trip. For that, you can buy something called a cupcake carrier, which will store your cupcakes in separate compartments. You can also buy disposable boxes that will help you carry them safely. If you can ice them after you arrive at your destination, you can easily stack them in any portable container since you won’t have to worry about frosting damage.

• The most important thing to consider in a cupcake stand is capacity. If you already have plans to make a fixed number of cupcakes, you’ll need to look for a stand that can handle that. Some cupcake stands have removable tiers that will let you customize them from one event to another.
• If you take your cupcakes to parties away from your home or bakery, transporting them is an issue. A cupcake carrier can help get it there, but don’t forget you’ll need to break it down and return it once your event is over. A stand that easily assembles and disassembles works best for this purpose.
• Also consider cleanup if you’re using your cupcake stand on the go. Will you have access to a sink where you are? If not, make sure you take something along to store the cupcake stand in to avoid a mess in your vehicle. A disposable cupcake stand can be a good alternative.
• In addition to capacity, pay close attention to the height between tiers. If your icing extends fairly high or you use toppers, you’ll need extra clearance.
• The build of the plates that hold your cupcakes is important. A transparent plate will show the layers of cupcakes beneath, but with an opaque plate, you can sometimes choose bright colors that will match the rest of your decorations.