How to Keep Cupcakes From Smearing

by Susannah Chen 2

When a surprise shipment of lava fudge cupcakes arrived yesterday from Georgetown Cupcake, the first thing I noticed were the lollipop sticks in each treat. "What are those for?" I wondered aloud. Katie reassured me that they served a grand purpose: to prevent the icing top of the cupcakes from smudging against their packaging while en route.

Because I usually transport cupcakes in boxes, I'd never thought to do the same — but each dessert was flawless and untouched, even after a cross-country road trip. Brilliant! This won't set you back much, either. Fifty sticks are an affordable $2 online, and a disposable cupcake carrier is only a few bucks from a local bakery. How do you keep cupcakes smear free?