Homemade cupcakes are a special treat. Choosing the right cupcake wrapper depends on your reason for use. Decide if your wrapper is simply to prevent sticking or if it is to provide style for a special day. Your answer will help you choose the best cupcake wrapper.
Once upon a time, a cupcake wrapper was a purely functional tool. Available in plain, mixed pastel shades or aluminum foil, these were designed to minimize the mess when baking cupcakes or muffins, and to prevent them from sticking to the pan. More recently, silicone liners have joined paper and foil as an option for bakers.
When choosing a liner for functional reasons, paper, foil, and silicone are all good choices. Paper wrappers typically come in colors and fun prints, but are semi-transparent and can appear greasy. Foil wrappers usually come in silver and gold, and prevent that oily appearance, but tend to make the exterior of the cupcake more crisp. Silicone liners are effective and cost efficient because they are reusable, but tend to be less attractive than the alternatives.
Cupcakes are often a staple at children’s parties. Disposable wrappers create no need for utensils or plates, just serve and eat. For this reason, fancy cakes with elaborate designs have declined in popularity, while cupcakes made with wrappers that feature favorite themes or characters have become trendy. These are widely available and inexpensive.
The purpose of a decorative cupcake wrapper isn’t always to prevent the mini cakes from sticking to the pan. The latest trend in cupcake liners are those that are applied after baking for a fun, eye-catching presentation. The variety of these designs is staggering, and there is likely one available for every conceivable occasion.
Several websites sell custom wrappers. There are even those that feature a specialized, printed design and attached decorations. Some wrappers may require a second liner to prevent grease spotting. Elaborate designs can cost as much as $1.95 US Dollars (USD) each, while simple ones can be found for $5.00 (USD) per dozen.
Nearly $2 (USD) per wrapper may seem expensive, but the designs can be quite intricate. Many feature laser-cut edges that resemble lace or delicately-crafted flowers. Some websites sell templates so that customers can print their own cupcake wrappers at home.
Shopping for the best cupcake wrapper need not be a complicated task. Whether the decision is based on functionality or appearance, there are options available for every occasion. Websites dedicated to baking and cupcakes, as well as local craft and baking stores, usually provide an assortment of choices.