Baked goods can typically be taken through security without a problem. That said, if any of those items qualify as “spreadable,” they need to go into your checked luggage. “Brownies are solid. Cakes, cookies and pies are solid.

Yes, you can absolutely bring homemade cupcakes through airport security and on a plane in 2026, as the TSA classifies them as "solid foods." Unlike soups or yogurts, baked goods are generally permitted in both carry-on and checked luggage without volume restrictions. However, the "catch" lies in the frosting and fillings. If your cupcakes have a very thick layer of "liquid-like" frosting or a gooey gel/jam filling, a TSA officer may subject them to additional screening to ensure they don't violate the 3-1-1 liquids rule. A high-value peer tip is to pack them in a clear, hard-sided container to prevent them from being crushed and to make it easy for X-ray scanners to identify the contents. If you are traveling internationally, be aware that many countries (like Australia or the UK) have strict "agricultural" laws regarding fresh dairy or fruit, so while you can eat your cupcakes on the plane, you may be required to discard them upon arrival to prevent the spread of foreign pests or diseases.