9 Best Cupcake Carriers, According to Baking Pros

There's a lot to love about the Snap N' Stack cupcake carrier. Not only does it carry two dozen cupcakes, but the cupcake trays are reversible and can accommodate two layers of cookies or brownies. Each cupcake tray also has two handles, which makes it easier to lower and remove cakes into the carrying compartment and allows for additional cookie layers. 

The cupcake wells reliably held the cupcakes in place and the handle kept the box even when walking. The model we reviewed came with two stackable containers, but they also sell a three-layer model.

At under $12, the Wilton 3-in-1 cupcake caddy and carrier is the most affordable on our list. It also happens to be the best for carrying mini cupcakes and muffins, and you can rotate the base to hold a sheet cake too.

The carrier construction is solid and reliably locks but we found that the width made it awkward to carry without bumping into the side of your leg. The 2 ½ inch diameter of the cupcake wells make this carrier best-suited for big cupcakes or muffins.

With room to tote up to 24 cupcakes, a 10-inch round cake, or a 9-inch square cake, PrepWorks collapsible cover makes storing a cinch. Our tests also found that its unique cupcake well design with finger holes meant that we could remove cupcakes without fear of smudging the frosting. 

Some reviewers commented that the clips are hard to close. Our tests found that if you line up the plastic dome within the lip of the base by applying some light pressure, they neatly snap into place.

For small kitchens or cupcake-making newbies, we recommend the Sweet Creations covered cupcake pan. This ingenious design transforms your cupcake tin right into a carrying case with enough room to hold 14 cupcakes. In particular, we appreciated the firm handle, which won't rock your carrier as you walk. Just keep in mind that cakes in the pan will make it more challenging to remove pre-frosted cakes, and over time the cupcake pan will lose its shiny-new look.

If you're the over-achieving type and find yourself needing to transport both cupcakes and cake pops, and display them, Sweet Creations has you covered. With room to hold and stylishly present 40 cake pops or 24 cupcakes, you definitely won't feel pressured to reign in your creative efforts. 

However, our tests did find that this model was not the most straightforward to assemble, and even when collapsed, it still takes up a hefty amount of space.

If you want a cupcake carrier that can also elegantly display your hard work, look no further than the PL8. Of all the tiered cupcake carriers we tested, this was the most attractive and straightforward to assemble (read: no need to look at the instructions). 

The three layers each hold eight cupcakes (for a total of 24) or can be removed to carry a multi-tiered 9-inch cake. Frosting lovers will appreciate the ample space between the bottom two tiers, but the top layer has less room. The entire carrier collapses down when not in use for easy storage

For serious cupcake makers, professionals, or those looking to transport cupcakes a distance, the mini CupCakeSafe is a terrific investment. The shelves of the CupCakeSafe contain raised holes as well as pins, which impale the cupcakes and keep them firmly in place, even if the carrier tips on a bumpy journey. 

The CupCakeSafe works for regular or mini cupcakes, and the three white sidewalls block UV rays to insulate the inside and protect frosting from altering in color. The "mini" carrier can store up to 64 cupcakes.

Made in the USA, Nordic Ware is well known for quality baking supplies. We love that this pan is not only BPA free but also free of melamine plastics. Testers noted some concerns with how well the handles would hold up over time but a 5-year warranty ought to put aside these concerns. The carrier wells are 2 ½ inches, and thus better suited for big cupcakes and muffins. The tray can be reversed to hold a 9 x 13-inch sheet cake, cookies or brownies.

We can't think of a better gift to receive than a dozen homemade cupcakes in a gorgeous box that also gets the baked goods to their recipient safe and sound. Far more classy than disposable plastic, these boxes come complete with cupcake cases, a viewing window, and a decorative ribbon. The boxes arrive flat packed, which will help save storage space, and after use, the paper is recyclable.