Baking cupcakes can be fun, but showing off all your hard work is even better! And the best way to do that is with a cupcake display. Cupcake displays are versatile. They help with transportation and are the perfect statement piece at a special event.
But what is the best way to display cupcakes?
Every event is unique. It's important to know how many cupcakes an order needs. This will help you decide the best way to match your display to the theme of the event.
The Smart Baker is here to help you impress your clients. Our 20 irresistible cupcake display ideas will help boost your business. And make you stand out from the crowd.
But first things first, let's talk about cupcakes.
Why Are Cupcakes So Popular?
Some claim the cupcake craze began when Carrie and Miranda visited Magnolia Bakery. Whether you believe that or not, you cannot underestimate the power of the baked good!
Today, cupcakes dominate the dessert market. Making right now the best time to be a cupcake connoisseur. But, why are people choosing cupcakes over traditional cake?
Versatility
Unlike cakes, you can scatter cupcakes across a table spread or build them across tiers. You can organize them by color, flavor, or size. There are endless possibilities for presentation. The only thing stopping you is your imagination.
Easy to Serve
Cutting cake can be messy and a major time-waster. But cupcakes come ready to eat. Hungry guests don't have to line up for cake, instead, they can grab a cupcake and continue to enjoy the event.
Perfect Portion Size
Have you ever been in charge of cutting the cake? It can be stressful. Trying to cut the perfect piece for each guest can end up a nightmare. It takes precious time away from enjoying the event. Especially if it's your event!
That's why cupcakes are the perfect anecdote: equal portion = satisfied guest.
Variety
With cake, you're limited to one flavor. But with cupcakes, there is a wide range of options for your guests. Vanilla, strawberry, lemon, apple pie, pecan, salted caramel, you name it, you can get it. The only problem for guests is deciding which flavor to choose!
Fun to Bake
You could say the same for cakes. But, there is something so exciting about piping frosting over a cupcake. Better yet, you can bake dozens at a time, depending on your oven size.
But there's nothing worse than pulling out a tray of cupcakes only to realize they've stuck to the bottom of the pan. Luckily, The Smart Baker has a variety of products that will ensure you never have a sticky situation again!
Take a look at our range of:
- Pre-cut parchment paper
- Baking parchment sheets
- Cake pan parchment liners
- Custom parchment paper
And enjoy perfect cupcakes every single time! All you need now is something to display your cupcakes on! Check out our top cupcake display ideas for your next catering order.
1. Single Cupcake Stand
These adorable single cupcake stands are perfect for a smaller party or event. Let each cupcake bathe in its own decadent glory and be the envy of all. Add an extra element of glam with a glass dome. Think of the enchanted rose in Beauty and the Beast as you lift to reveal the sugary beauty underneath.
Individual stands may also be helpful when baking for food-related allergies and intolerances.
Easy to DIY at home, or custom order your own here.
2. 2 Tier Cupcake Tower
Light, portable, and easy to assemble. A 2-tier cupcake tower can be the perfect size for a smaller event like a tea party.
The tower can hold about 12 standard-sized cupcakes and doesn't take up much space on a table. Because of this, they make great table centerpieces. It will be impossible for your guests to ignore.
Enjoy crafting? Weave fairy flights around the tiers to create an enchanting, luminous effect.
3. 3 Tier Round Cupcake Tower
Simple. Elegant. Affordable. The 3-tier round cupcake tower holds 24 cupcakes and assembly takes as little as 60 seconds. Better yet, it's reusable, stores flat, and is easy-to-clean, simply wipe over with a damp cloth. A minimalist design, white color, and curved edges make it the perfect receptacle. Let your bright, bold cupcakes do the talking.
We think these super moist chocolate cupcakes would pair perfectly together.
4. 3 Tier Flower Cupcake Tower
As seen on Shark Tank! The 3-tier flower cupcake tower is a sturdy, popular choice. Perfect for wedding cupcake display, birthday cupcakes, and mini cupcakes. It holds around 36–48 standard-sized cupcakes and is easy to assemble.
Cupcake wedding? Add your custom cake topper on the top tier and build your cupcake empire below.
The 3-tier flower cupcake tower is a great investment that you can use time and time again. Buy now to also receive a custom storage and carrying bag.
5. 2 in 1 Square Cupcake Tower Stand
For the baking professional who can't decide between a full 5-tier or a 3-tier. Convenience and versatility are at the forefront of this new tower stand design.
Whether you're catering for a smaller party or a full-scale wedding, it doesn't matter. Don't pass on this wonderfully smart product designed to make your life easier.
6. 2 in 1 Round Cupcake Tower Stand
Our other brand new product to hit online stores! The 2 in 1 round cupcake tower stand is a popular purchase amongst our customers. The curved edges make it easier to transport to and from locations. Plus, its round edges prevent any unnecessary damage in transit.
A bold product needs a bold cupcake. These crazy cupcake recipes are sure to give you endless inspiration!
7. 5 Tier Round PRO Cupcake Tower
One of the best cupcake towers currently on the market. The 5-tier round pro cupcake tower can hold up to 70–90 standard-sized cupcakes. And will serve as the grand centerpiece for your event.
The minimalist color design allows you to match it to a specific theme. And it is very easy to assemble, carry, and transport from the kitchen to the event. The size is also adjustable. The interlocking pieces and included option bases allow for multiple configurations and flexibility.
8. 5 Tier Square PRO Cupcake Tower
The mother of all cupcake towers. The 5-tier square pro cupcake tower can hold a massive 80–100 standard-sized cupcake. Or, 185-200 mini-cupcakes. Have a large wedding to cater for? This is the tower for you.
Our customers love how easy it is to set up and break down for events. They also enjoy the tote bag that we include for easy, safe transportation.
You can adjust the size of the tower to suit your event. The interlocking pieces and included option bases allow for multiple configurations and flexibility. Add your best cupcakes to the tower and impress everyone with your design prowess.
9. Create Your Own Tower
Can't find the perfect tower anywhere? Here at The Smart Baker, we understand how tricky it can be and we want to help.
That's why we provide customized service. Our valued customers have the opportunity to create their own tower. You get to choose the tiered shape, the number of tiers, the spacing between tiers, and of course, the size.
Our customizable displays are not just for cupcakes. They are also perfectly designed for cakes and any type of merchandise in any store. Get yours today!
10. Cupcake Graduation Glasses
Have a graduation party coming up? These graduation cupcakes are an affordable and easy way to display your cupcakes. All you need is plastic wine glasses, candy, cupcakes, and graduation cap toppers.
Simply fill the bottom half of the wine glass with candy. Then, place the cupcake on top and push the graduation hat into the icing. There you have it!
Cupcake graduation wine glasses would work for birthday parties and baby showers, especially when the wine is off the table.
11. Cupcake Bouquet Stand
A cupcake bouquet can be the perfect touch for a Mother's Day event. It's an alternative to a traditional floral arrangement. And mimics both a centerpiece table setting and an edible dessert.
While it's not as simple as a cupcake tower, you can still achieve a bouquet stand design with only a few materials. Get yourself a flower pot, styrofoam ball, toothpicks, and, of course, cupcakes.
We're thinking of a mimosa cupcake to get the Mother's Day party started!
12. Rustic Cupcake Stand
We're not talking about cutting down a tree in your backyard to use as a cupcake stand. We're talking about buying treated wood and making a rustic-inspired 3-tier cupcake tower. Of course, this is dependent on what is available to you in your local area.
This is the perfect stand for a rustic wedding, especially one located in or near woodland areas. The best part about this stand is you can custom design its thickness and width. The possibilities are endless on how many cupcakes you want to include.
13. Large Glass Dessert Stand
A simple, yet elegant way to display your cupcakes. A large glass dessert stand is usually reserved for cakes. But it actually has enough space to hold 8–12 standard-sized cupcakes or 24 mini-cupcakes.
It's best used as a centerpiece for any occasion. But we think a wedding or sophisticated brunch would be the ideal event. The only downside is you won't be able to create layers without smudging the frosting.
14. Woven Basket Cupcake Stand
This idea has Easter vibes written all over it. Perfect for an Easter outdoor picnic event and easy to transport. Watch the children hunt for eggs, while your adult guests tuck into Easter-inspired cupcakes.
But, you may need to have plenty of baskets on hand depending on the size of the event. It's important to be careful with how many cupcakes you squeeze in to avoid smudged frosting.
This idea would best suit cupcakes without frosting. But then, can you still call it a cupcake?
15. Decorated Boxes Cupcake Display
Build your next cupcake tower using boxes. Yes, that's right, boxes! In this DIY idea, you're only limited by how many boxes you own.
First, wrap your boxes in wrapping paper, and stack them until you have the desired height. Then, add your cupcakes around the edges of each level. To add a festive touch, wrap a ribbon around each level.
Is it that easy? Yes, yes it is.
16. Themed Cupcake Stand
Have a unique theme you're trying to accommodate to? And not sure how to best flex your creative muscles?
Our minimalistic cupcake displays are ideal for the avid crafter. If you have an upcoming unicorn-themed party, use your crafting skills to wow everyone.
To do this, add cardboard unicorn ears and a horn to the top-tier and sprinkle edible cake glitter over the top.
Baking for a truck-obsessed boy? Add edible construction signs into the cupcakes. Then, wrap the tiers in "under construction" tape. The only limit here is your imagination.
Check out these fun party cupcake recipes to try at your next themed event!
17. Cupcake Ladder
After a unique way to present your cupcakes? Look no further. A cupcake ladder can be designed to fit as many or as few cupcakes as you require. Perfect for outdoor events as the stand is essentially a ladder that is easy to assemble as it is sturdy.
The best part? You can reuse it time and time again. The cupcake ladder is also ideal for displaying other types of foods, including cake and pie. Although we do love cupcakes the most.
18. Carousel Cupcake Stand
Enjoy a whimsical ride down memory lane. You can reminisce about old times with your closest friends and family. Or, bring joy to a children's birthday party as they watch the cupcakes slowly spin right in front of their eyes.
No matter the occasion, the carousel cupcake stand is a fun way to display your sweet treats. It can hold up to 12 cupcakes or more, depending on size, and is an elegant addition to any event.
19. Ferris Wheel Cupcake Stand
Charm your guests or clientele with a Ferris wheel cupcake stand. Great for a carnival or circus-themed party. These stands will generally hold about 8 cupcakes, depending on their weight and size.
The best way to display cupcakes on the Ferris wheel stand is to place a range of colorful cupcakes in each basket. Watch the colors swirl as the Ferris wheel slowly rotates.
Ensure you use a good-quality sturdy stand to avoid it tipping over.
20. Glass Cake Stand
Bring back the 1950s with a vintage glass cake stand. It's ideal for serving cakes, hors d'oeuvres, and pies. But we think cupcakes would look pretty spectacular too. Most glass cake stands are etched with a beautiful floral design. Bring elements of elegance and sophistication to your next event.
We think a lavender cupcake with buttercream frosting would suit this display. Fill your guest's noses with floral notes of lavender and they won't be able to resist a cupcake (or three!).
Why Do You Need a Cupcake Display?
We all know the age-old saying, "we eat with our eyes first". This couldn't be more true, especially in the baking world. Running a successful business can be tricky. Even if you use the best-quality ingredients, you still aren't guaranteed sales.
Knowing how to display cupcakes can help improve your business greatly. That's why you also have to focus on how to best present your delicious treats. Here are some tips on how to improve your sales:
Use Good Quality Cupcake Displays
Cheap and plastic cupcake displays tend to break easily. They are generally non-reusable and detract from the quality of your product. Don't let your hard work go to waste. Invest in a good quality cupcake display that will last.
If you can't find anything on the market that's quite right for your needs, you can always customize it. There are many benefits to a custom cupcake display. You have the ability to pick and choose the number, shape, and size of your tiers.
Add Splashes Of Color
Color plays a major role in attracting customers. Specific colors evoke emotion and motivate purchases. Social-media savvy customers will generally favor aesthetically pleasing food over taste. They prefer food that will look good in their social media feeds.
With cupcakes, this is easy to achieve. Take care with your frosting and incorporate color in the cupcake itself and the liners. Make sure to include vibrant, feel-good cupcakes in your next display. And see a significant increase in sales.
Invest in Good Lighting
It doesn't matter whether you own a shop, work out of your home kitchen, or run solely online, good lighting is a must. Lighting will give your cupcake the wow factor online.
Try to photograph your baked goods in natural light. Why? Because it will give your image a soft, natural look. But, avoid direct sunlight as this can throw off the lighting balance. An overcast day is perfect. If natural light isn't available, invest in some soft lighting equipment.
And remember to avoid taking a photograph under common household lights. They can add yellowish tinges to your image that may deter customers.
Get Your Tower Accessories Here
Our cupcake towers are designed for you to add your own creative touch. That's why we sell a range of tower accessories for you to mix and match and create the perfect cupcake display.
Our reuseable tier liners are the perfect way to jazz up your cupcake stand. They come in a range of fun colors, including:
- Toasted almond
- Tangerine
- Strawberry
- Nude
- Marsala
- Lucite green
Use the same color or mix it up on different tiers. Simply place your liner on each tier and assemble your display. Don't worry, the support brackets will hold the liners firmly in place. The best part about our tier liners? They're water-resistant, easy-to-clean, and made in-house at our HQ in Rockledge, Florida.
Need more inspiration? Check out the most creative ways to use a cupcake tower stand to learn more.
Want to add an extra wow factor to your cupcake display? Our cake pop rings are designed to fit on our 5-tier cupcake and treat towers. Simply place on top of each tier and secure with double-sided tape.
Better yet, our cake pop rings can hold up to 148 pops! Available for both square and round cupcake towers. We love cake pops as much as we love cupcakes. So, why not have both?
Order Your Replacement Part
Enjoyed our product a little too much? Don't worry, we know accidents happen. We also know how important it is to have a cupcake display on hand at all times. You never know when the next order will be.
Order your replacement parts online and we'll ship them out to you as soon as possible. All the tiers are sold individually and the support brackets and bases are sold in pairs. You can even get a replacement canvas tote!
Cupcake Displays for All Occasions
Let the Martha Stewart in you shine. Watch as jaws drop when you present your truly masterful cupcake display.
Ready to take your presentation skills to the next level? At The Smart Baker, we have a range of cupcake displays to suit your needs. Whether you're baking cupcakes for a wedding, baby shower, or graduation, we have the product for you. Our cupcake towers will serve as the perfect centerpiece for any occasion.
After a cupcake tower, but can't find the right one? Easy. Create your own custom order.
Our cupcake towers are produced with the highest quality and made right here in the U.S. So, take your presentation skills to the next level. Order your perfect cupcake display today!