The Best Cupcake Display Stands

Buying Guide for Cupcake Display Stands

Why buy a cupcake display stand?

While cupcakes have been a well-known and well-liked dessert for quite some time, they’ve recently become an even more trendy choice for weddings, baby showers, and other similar events. Many people also enjoy cupcakes as they satisfy a craving for sweets, cake, or frosting in smaller portions. However, many people encounter one common problem when they buy many cupcakes for a special event: cupcakes, unless they’re served completely plain, can’t be stacked on top of each other without squishing and ruining the frosting and decorations on top. Cupcake stands were created specifically to rectify this problem.

What should you look for in a cupcake display stand?

• Capacity: The amount can vary considerably depending on the size of the stand and the number of tiers it contains. Conveniently, many cupcake stands will be listed with the maximum number of recommended cupcakes they can hold. Bear in mind that these numbers account only for standard-sized cupcakes; if you’re serving miniature or extra-large cupcakes at your event, consider their size, as this will affect the number of cupcakes your stand can support. Some may also have a weight capacity listed as well.
• Tiers: The more tiers the stand has and the larger those tiers are, the more cupcakes you’ll be able to display at a time. Three-tiered models are the most common and popular, though two- and four-tiered versions are relatively easy to find. Five-tiered stands are less common but certainly still readily available. Consider how much space is in between the tiers, especially if you have highly decorative cupcakes stacked high with frosting and decorations. Many cupcake stands are tree-shaped, meaning the bottom tier has the most storage, and the other tiers get smaller as you work your way up. But there are also models where each tier is the same size if you prefer that look.
• Style: Cupcake stands are a decorative and practical item, so their appearance and style are a factor well worth considering. Most are made of metal, cardboard, or acrylic. Metal models are great for durability if you want multiple uses out of your stand, though they may not be as colorful or decorative as the other two sorts. Cardboard isn’t as sturdy for various uses, but it’s available in many different colors and patterns. Acrylic models are sturdier than cardboard and are often completely clear, a great understated option for when you want the cupcakes to be the show’s true star. While most cupcake stands are tall and narrow, more shelf-like options are available if you prefer to display your cupcakes in a row or if that style better fits the available tablespace. Even models have built-in decorations, glitter, metallic sheen, or string lights of varying colors, so you don’t have to supply them yourself.

What’s the best way to clean your cupcake display stand?

There are a few cupcake stands made of plastic or acrylic that can be washed in a dishwasher, but most cupcake display stands require hand-washing. The best way to clean your cupcake stand after use is to wipe it down with warm soapy water, rinse, and allow it to air dry thoroughly.

Our Picks for the Best Cupcake Display Stands

Pros: While all cupcake tiers are decorative, a light-up model like this takes this function to the next level. The LED string lights create a stunning effect when lit up, especially if the overhead lights in the party room are switched off. It comes in square or round shapes and is available in three, four, or five tiers. The LED lights come in various colors, including blue, yellow, pink, and multicolor options. The transparent acrylic body will reflect and enhance the lighting without distracting or taking away from it. The stand itself is comprised of four acrylic plates that can be removed and reassembled depending on your display needs. There are also rubber dots on the bottom of the stand for extra stability. The acrylic is four millimeters thick, so it’s strong and durable and can hold up to 52 cupcakes, or the equivalent of 12 pounds of food. There’s even an embedded copper nut in the middle of each acrylic rod, which offers extra stability and protection.

Cons: The lights don’t come with a battery, so you need to purchase one. The assembly also doesn’t come with instructions.

Bottom Line: This gleaming cupcake stand will showcase any cupcake or pastry decoration. It has a cambered edge to avoid scratching, so it’s a safe pick for children’s parties, weddings, or baby showers.

 

Pros: If you’re hosting a large event with many guests, one cupcake stand-alone might not be enough, no matter how large. Or, even if the event isn’t quite so large, maybe you want different displays for different cupcake flavors or different types of desserts. Fortunately, this colorful, shimmering cupcake stand is sold in pairs, giving you two aesthetically pleasing models for the price of one. This set of cupcake stands comes in 11 colors, so you’re sure to find the perfect color for your event. They’re made out of high-quality cardboard that’s much sturdier than most. Both stands have three round, differently sized tiers with 4.6 inches between the three levels. Each stand holds 24 standard-sized cupcakes so that you can display 48 cupcakes altogether between the two. Assembling and disassembling the stands is quick and efficient, with nonslip pegs to hold them in place when fully set up.

Cons: These stands aren’t as durable and typically can only be used once.

Bottom Line: This affordable set of metallic cupcake stands displays up to 24 cupcakes each, so you can mix and match up to 48 cupcake flavors. They’re a breeze to assemble and can easily be disposed of after use.

 

Pros:  If you tend to throw more intimate gatherings, you may not need a large four or five-tiered cupcake stand for your parties. There is no point in buying a model that can hold five dozen cupcakes if you only bought 25 or so for the event. You may prefer a smaller but still strong and aesthetically pleasing, three-tiered cupcake stand like this one. This cupcake carrier is portable, and the clear BPA-free plastic material allows you to display your cupcake creations with ease. This compact carrier also has cake and pie options available if you plan to bring several kinds of desserts with you. It has indented compartments that hold up to 24 cupcakes and 40 cake pops. It’s also dishwasher-safe and is collapsable for easy storage.

Cons: The cupcake compartments are small and not deep-set, so this case works best for small cupcakes. The handle also tends to pop off.

Bottom Line: This versatile cupcake tree can be used as a stand or a transportable carrier. It comes with a sturdy handle, so it’s a breeze to carry.

 

Pros: If you prefer a more rustic option for an intimate wedding or baby shower, this whitewashed wooden cupcake stand will beautifully complement any farmhouse aesthetic. It has three sturdy shelves and a timeless half-moon design that displays up to 12 standard-sized cupcakes. It comes in natural wood, vintage gray, and whitewashed colors for a shabby-chic look. This stand is multipurpose, so it can easily display wedding party favors, cookies, pastries, and other treats. It’s durable yet lightweight and is a stand that will last you for years to come.

Cons: This cupcake stand only holds about 12 cupcakes, so you may need to purchase several if you’re hosting a large event.

Bottom Line: This vintage-inspired cupcake stand is beautifully understated. It easily displays desserts and gifts and is a lovely accent for any event.

 

Pros: If you prefer sleek, minimalist aesthetics, this 3-tiered display will cleanly showcase cupcakes, hors oeuvres, cookies, muffins, cakes, and pastries. It comes in a classic white color that won’t clash with your dessert or event decor. It’s also easy to assemble and store. This 21.5-inch tall stand is designed to hold 10-, 12-, and 14-inch cakes. It also has stylish fluted pillars and plates for displaying your culinary creations. To clean: hand-wash each tray in warm, soapy water and allow it to air dry.

Cons: The plates tend to wobble.

Bottom Line: This cupcake stand adds glamour and elegance to any event. Each column locks into place for an ultra-secure hold. It’s also easy to assemble, clean, and store.

Final Thoughts

Cupcake display stands offer a wider variety of options because they’re usually large enough to display cupcakes, cookies, cakes, muffins, hors oeuvres, and other treats.  They make it easy to showcase your culinary creations and add an element of glamor and sophistication to any wedding, graduation, or baby shower.