Cupcakes have become an increasingly popular treat for parties, birthdays, weddings, and other celebrations. Their small, individual size makes them fun and portable. However, transporting and presenting cupcakes often requires some type of container or holder. The standard choice is a cupcake box – those clear plastic containers with individual slots for each cupcake. But cupcake boxes can be expensive, wasteful, and limiting in terms of presentation options. If you’re looking for cupcake box alternatives for your next event, there are many creative solutions using common household items.
Reasons to Avoid Cupcake Boxes
Here are some of the downsides of using traditional cupcake boxes:
Cost
Cupcake boxes are a specialty item you often have to purchase from a baking supply store. Large quantities can get pricey, especially for one-time events. Generic clear plastic containers without slots for cupcakes can save money but don’t protect the cupcakes as well during transport.
Waste
Cupcake boxes are not reusable and usually get tossed after one use. This generates unnecessary waste, which isn’t great for the environment.
Limited Presentation
The transparent plastic doesn’t do much in terms of presentation or decoration. Cupcake boxes keep the cupcakes contained, but that’s about it. You can’t get very creative with how the cupcakes are displayed.
Spacing Issues
The slotted design means you can only fit one cupcake per slot. So any extra spacing is wasted. Cupcake boxes come in set quantities, so you always have to order more than you need.
Household Items to Use Instead
With a little creativity, you can find ways to transport, display, and serve cupcakes using common household items you may already have on hand. Here are some of the best alternatives to cupcake boxes:
Muffin Tins
Metal and silicone muffin tins work great for holding cupcakes. Line them with paper liners for easy removal. The tins stack for compact storage and provide protection while transporting the cupcakes. As a bonus, the paper liners come in a variety of colors and patterns to customize your display.
Ice Cube Trays
Plastic ice cube trays are the perfect small size to hold cupcakes. Like muffin tins, you can use paper liners for decorative appeal and easy removal. Ice cube trays are also very affordable and reusable.
Egg Cartons
The divots in egg cartons are the ideal shape and size to hold cupcakes. Cardboard egg cartons are compostable and recyclable. Clear plastic egg containers let you see the cupcakes inside. For a fun, uniquely-shaped carton, use egg boxes shaped like chickens or other animals!
Candy/Chocolate Boxes
Boxes that hold candy, chocolates, and other small treats make nice containers for cupcakes. They come in many shapes, sizes, and materials – cardboard, plastic, metal, etc. – so you can match the container style to your event theme. Some even have small paper cups or liners built into the slots.
Mini Cupcake Trays
If you bake mini cupcakes, pick up a couple reusable mini cupcake trays. Silicone trays are flexible for easy removal and come in a range of colors. Mini cupcake trays give you portability without any waste.
Mason Jars
Canning jars make excellent cupcake holders and provide built-in portion control. Mason jars have an old-fashioned, rustic look but come in many sizes to suit your needs. Transport cupcakes in the jars, then let guests take the jars home with them.
Teacups and Saucers
For an elegant tea party or bridal shower, present each guest with a cupcake on a pretty teacup and saucer set. Use coordinating china patterns for a whimsical mad tea party vibe. Teacups and saucers can often be found affordably at thrift stores.
Paper Baking Cups
Skip containers completely by using an extra-large paper baking cup for each cupcake. Simply place the cupcakes in the oversized cups for serving. The cups come in different patterns and colors to match your theme. They provide protection with no wasted space.
Creative Cupcake Display Ideas
Once you’ve got your cupcakes situated in muffin tins, jars, candy boxes, or other containers, it’s time to assemble your display. Take your presentation to the next level with these unique cupcake stand ideas:
Ladder
Lean a small ladder against a wall and arrange containers of cupcakes across the steps. Or lay the ladder flat and display cupcakes along both sides. Miniature or step ladders work best for stability.
Stacking Books
Stack books of different heights and sizes to create tiers. Place cupcakes around the stacks for a literary theme. Large dictionaries, encyclopedias, and textbooks work especially well.
Kitchen Utensils
Gather various kitchen tools like colanders, strainers, graters, and pots. Invert items and arrange into a tower for a fun, eclectic look. Place cupcakes creatively around and on top of the stack.
Wooden Crates
Wood crates provide a blank canvas to paint or decorate. Flip crates over and arrange in stair-step fashion. Add some greenery for an organic, farmers’ market style display.
Cake Stands
For easy stacking, pick up a few round plastic cake stands with pedestals. The stands come in varying heights and sizes to create a layered tower of sweets.
Ladder Shelf
Install a small ladder shelf and decorate with flowers, garlands, etc. Line up containers of cupcakes along each side of the shelf steps. This works well on mantles, countertops, porches, or anywhere you can securely attach a shelf.
Ferris Wheel
Make a mini ferris wheel out of foam board or cardboard. Attach cupcakes with toothpicks to the ends of the wheel spokes. Spin the wheel and watch your tasty treats go round and round.
Additional Tips for Cupcake Transport and Display
To ensure your cupcakes make it to their destination undamaged and looking their best, keep these tips in mind:
Use Dividers
Cut pieces of foam board, cardboard, or poster board to fit snugly between cupcakes as dividers. This prevents smudging and squishing during transport.
Cover with Plastic Wrap
Before placing lids on containers, cover cupcakes with a sheet of plastic wrap. The plastic stops icing and decorations from sticking to lids.
Pack Snugly
Fill each container as full as possible by nestling cupcakes side-by-side. Avoid large gaps that allow sliding and tipping during transport.
Transport Carefully
Buckle containers into place and drive slowly over bumps and turns. Place fragile tiered displays on sturdy cookie sheets for easier carrying.
Refrigerate Ahead
Chill cupcakes before transport to keep icing firm and decorations intact. Take cupcakes out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving time.
Use Skewers
Secure stacked cupcakes and decorations in place with ornamental skewers and toothpicks. Break off the sharp tips first for safety.
Conclusion
Cupcake boxes may be the norm, but don’t feel limited by traditional options. With a bit of resourcefulness, you can find budget-friendly and eco-conscious cupcake containers using common household items. Muffin tins, ice cube trays, candy boxes, mason jars, and more allow you to transport and display cupcakes with creativity and style. What will you use the next time cupcakes are on the menu? Ditch the cupcake boxes and serve up something unique with the help of handy kitchen tools and embellished stands. Your cupcakes will taste just as sweet while making a bolder statement.