The Cupcake Courier is a sturdy, plastic tote for up to 36 cupcakes, muffins or other confections. This product was created by a mom, who found that making cupcakes, was easier than actually getting them to the party without getting them smooshed. The Cupcake Courier has 3 rows of 12 cupcakes. Each row is removable, resulting in a flat bottom that can hold an entire decorated 9 x 13" cake, or a round, tiered cake
So it holds cupcakes, but is it worth it? From Suburbia to Metropolis, we tried it out:
Sherie (Suburbia Mom):
Every year, on my birthday, my mom would send me to school with two cereal boxes. However, the boxes did not contain Cheerios or Rice Krispies, as they claimed. The back of the cereal box was cut out, the box was turned horizontal and filled with cupcakes....well with what started out as cupcakes. I am a prime candidate for Cupcake Courier ownership, having seen the carnage of transporting without one. So, knowing that I wanted one, and I have a basement to store it in, I started to compare the Cupcake Courier to other varieties that are out there.
My initial concerns with the Cupcake Courier were that other cupcake carriers are available for less money, and they come with a pan to bake the cupcakes in. These products have a lid that attaches directly to the pan, which initially seemed very convenient. That "pro" quickly turned into a "con" when I realized that would mean I would have to use the baking pan to carry the cupcakes. I have no interest in waiting for the cupcake pan to cool, then scrubbing it before I can rush out the door with them in tow. After baking cupcakes a few times in a cupcake pan, regardless of how carefully you clean it (or try not to get batter on it), the pan starts to look a little funky......especially if it's a cheap cupcake pan. The entire point of the Cupcake Courier is to preserve the presentation of your cupcakes. Not only do your cupcakes get to the event without getting smashed, they come with fantastic presentation in a neat and clean box. I love that although I am not a gifted baker, I can fake it with my Cupcake Courier.
The price difference is reflected in how many cupcakes the Courier can carry. The Cupcake Courier holds 36 cupcakes, which is more than any other carrier out there.
My favorite thing about the Cupcake Courier is that you can ditch the cupcake holders altogether and carry an entire tiered cake instead. Leftovers? Of course there will be with a big cake. The Cupcake Courier will keep your leftovers fresh, without using an entire roll of foil to wrap the cake.
I have really enjoyed having my Cupcake Courier! I'm a stay-at-home mom, but I see how this would be great for bringing birthday cupcakes to work. As for me, I find I'm more willing to volunteer to bring a treat for various activities, because I actually enjoy seeing how pretty I can make the cupcakes. Kids all gather around when I pull the lid off, and seem in awe at the grandeur (little do they realize how simple it is now). Get the Cupcake Courier, and you will be making up reasons to make cupcakes too.
image courtesy of dillards.comHolly (Metropolis Mom):
I was a little wary of the Cupcake Courier at first, because I wondered if the latches would hold securely while I carried it. However, I found they were secure and held up through the stroller bumps, and hefting from one arm to the other as I delivered cupcakes to friends. I even accidentally knocked it against the wall a few times while trying to maneuver the stroller in and out of elevators.
It is a good thing I can maneuver my stroller one-handed. Since it doesn't fit in the basket of my stroller, I had to carry it by hand. It was a little cumbersome- but so is just about anything you have to carry while pushing a stroller for half a mile. Plus, I really can't think of an easier way to carry cupcakes so they will arrive in tip-top shape.
The cupcakes also held up very well through the rough ride. In fact, my cupcakes were on the flat side (I am not such a great baker) I tilted them inside the cups so I could get them out when I delivered them. The cups are just the right size so they hold securely- even tilted cupcakes.
I used the Courier to keep the cupcakes moist, like a cake dome, until I was ready to frost and deliver them. I also used the trays to hold the cupcakes while I decorated them, and I found that after I washed the trays I could stack them upside down to dry.
As for space, I happen to have some on the top of my fridge. The clear color is discreet and it doesn't look too bad up there. Although, by the looks of the dust bunnies, I don't pay too much attention to "up there" anyway.
The only thing I didn't like about the Cupcake Courier? It is like having a big sign that says "I have cupcakes!" Everyone was hoping I had one to spare for them. Alas, I only had 36.
Theresa (Metropolis Mom):
I had my eye on a cupcake carrier at Crate and Barrel that is relatively compact, and priced cheaper than the Courier. I soon realized, however, that most of my cupcake transporting would be to and from school and church functions. My daughter's kindergarten class has 25 students, and 2 instructors. If I were to use the Crate and Barrel option (which holds 2 dozen cupcakes) I would have to find a way to transport the three additional cupcakes that did not fit into this carrier. The fact that this carrier can transport up to 36 cupcakes, is a major bonus (especially here in NYC with our lovely over-crowded classrooms :)
I can fit the cupcake courier on top of my Phil&Teds and Macleran Strollers (balanced on the canopy and wedged up against the handlebars- you know what I mean if you live in NYC :). This arrangement is not the most stable, of course, but it is how I transport 99% of everything I carry around, and is really the only way to transport the Cupcake Courier here in NYC if you have a stroller bound child. If your children are all grown up you can, of course, skip the balancing act all together and just carry the Cupcake Courier by its handle- the way nature intended.
My only qualm about the Cupcake Courier is it's size. It is large....very large if you live in a tiny apartment like I do. With that said, the space issue is really my only issue. This is a very well-built contraption that is versatile and convenient.
Also, for all of you Magnolia Bakery fans, the Cupcake Courier is sold at Magnolia locations throughout NYC- so you can have your fancy cupcake, and carry it in style.
The Cupcake Courier is also available (in 4 colors) in stores online at Bed Bath and Beyond, Target, and Amazon for between $24.99 and $29.99.
Who wants to win a Cupcake Courier? We are trying things a little different this time! To enter simply leave a comment on this post before midnight on May 20th, indicating where you would take your Cupcake Courier. A winner will be randomly selected. If you would like us to email you if you are a winner, please leave your email in your comment- if not, check back on May 21st to see if you have won! Good luck!!
