How to make a cake stand for cupcakes or mini cakes

I think when serving cupcakes or mini cakes, they look so much better when served on a cake stand. So I have made a tutorial that will show you how to make a cupcake cake stand. When you have all the materials ready it is very easy and quick to make. You can adapt it to the colour or pattern on your cakes. I have used thick gift wrap paper to cover the cake boards. If you like you can place a 6″ cake on the top tier. I would not recommend to place any larger cake on top.

A 5 TIER CAKE STAND CAN HOLD ABOUT 51 REGULAR CUPCAKES.

This is what I have used:
Cake boards: 1×8″, 1×10″, 1×12″
Note: If you want two more tiers on the stand, you will need 1×14″ + 1×16″ cake boards.

Styrofoam cake dummies Each 2″ high in the sizes: 2X6″ and 2×7″ (If you can get 4″ high Styrofoam cake dummies, then you will only need 1 in each size)
Note: You will need 2×8″ 2×9″ Styrofoam cake dummies for two more tiers.

Satin ribbon, enough for both cake boards and the Styrofoam cake dummies
Thick paper
Glue stick or double sided tape
Craft glue
Strong double sided carpet tape
Metal pins
A pair of scissors
A pencil

Step 1:
Start by glue the Styrofoam cake dummies together. So they can dry completely.

Step 2:
Take the satin ribbon, and fasten it on the cake dummies with a metal pin. Then wrap it tightly all the way around the cake dummies.
Note: you can also glue the ribbon on the cake dummies if you like, just use a glue stick.

Step 3:
Secure the satin ribbon with a metal pin or a small piece of double sided tape. Continue with the rest of the cake dummies.

Step 4:
Place the cake boards on the paper and with the pencil draw a line around the cake boards. Cut out the paper circles with a pair of scissors.

Step 5:
Rub the glue stick all over the cake board and place the paper circles on top.

Step 6:
To attach the satin ribbon around the side of the cake boards use either a glue stick or double sided tape.

Step 7:
Now it is time to assemble the cake stand. Use strong double sided carpet tape so that the cake dummies stays in place on the cake boards. Note: Remember when you have assembled the cake stand with cakes on it, not to move it around too much.

IMPORTANT!! If you are having problems finding the materials to make this cake stand. Then please take your time and read through the comment section as you may be able to find links and answers on where you can buy the materials.

You can also cover your boards for the cake stand with rolled fondant.

Please visit my tutorial section if you want to learn cake and cupcake decoration techniques so you can make fantastic creations to put on your cake stand.

Happy Caking!

Louise

556 comments

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Amali says:

May 6, 2012

can this hold about 50-60 cupcakes? will this be steady enough?

Louise says:

May 8, 2012

As it says in the tutorial. A 5 tier can hold about 51 regular cupcakes. As long as you don’t move it around too much with cupcakes on it it should be steady enough.

Ryley says:

Apr 21, 2012

Hi! I love this idea!! I am doing a wedding cake/cupcakes in June and need some help.

I don’t know how many tiers to make as I need it to fit a 6″ round on top and 50 cupcakes. How many tiers do I need? Also, what sizes?

Thanks!!

Apr 24, 2012

Do you mean a 6″ cake on top? A 5 tier stand can hold 51 cupcakes without a 6″ cake on top

Apr 30, 2012

Yes, so then I would need to make an extra “tier”?? Would that be gigantic??

Thx!!

You would yes. Personally I think it looks best with the 5 tiers if you want to place a cake on top. The cake stand can get too big in my opinion if adding more tiers. Why not make the 1 tier cake stands instead? for the rest of the cupcakes? http://cakejournal.com/tutorials/how-to-make-a-ruffled-1-tier-cake-stand/ You can make it in matching colors as you plan with the cake stand.

Melina says:

Apr 6, 2012

Hi! I am hoping to make these as centerpieces at my wedding! I’ll need 23 of them to hold 10 cupcakes each. That’s a lot of materials! Can you tell me what you suggest for making a stand that holds 10 cupcakes and maybe is a little more cost effective? Thank you!

Melina, Why not use my tutorial for a sweet 1 tier ruffled cake stand instead? http://cakejournal.com/tutorials/how-to-make-a-ruffled-1-tier-cake-stand/

Ruth says:

Mar 29, 2012

Hi Louise, thank you so much for sharing with us.
What do you suggest to replace the cake dummy? I am not sure if I can find that here in Singapore. And I am on a tight budget.
Please advise…

Mar 31, 2012

You can use large empty clean cans that have been holding soups/tomatoes??. Fill them with rice for more sturdy.

Ashley says:

Feb 29, 2012

Great idea! I’ve been meaning to buy one of these, didn’t think about making my own.

Esmée says:

Jan 30, 2012

love this idea. I am going to adapt this and make it cleanable by sticking clear foilsticker stuff over it.

eileen westphal says:

Dec 30, 2011

how many cupcakes will the 3 tier hold ?

Jan 17, 2012

It’s a little hard to say, as you can use the three largest or the three smallest sizes of the cake boards if you want it a three tier cake stand. A roughly guess is about 25-30 depending on the size of cupcakes.