Skip to main content

Vanilla Crumb Base

Did you notice that all my cupcake recipes yield 24? With so many cupcakes (is 24 really a lot?), you might, theoretically, have a few left over. Those little leftover treasures are the secret behind my most brilliant invention: the crumb. Crumbs consist of either an unfrosted cake or an unfrosted cupcake broken down and treated with additional flavoring. In most cases, you’ll be using cupcakes, which aren’t all that sweet on their own and are thus the ideal blank canvas. You’ll find the vanilla-based version to be the most versatile crumb of the three I’ve included. You can add your favorite spices to tailor it to your taste; just don’t add more than 2 teaspoons of the spice you choose, or it will overpower the cake you’re baking.

Ingredients

6 unfrosted vanilla cupcakes (page 86)
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1/4 cup agave nectar
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation

  1. In a medium bowl, use your hands to crumble the cupcakes into small, fine bits. Add the oil, agave nectar, and salt to the crumb. Using a rubber spatula, fold together the ingredients until thoroughly combined. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer shelf life, store in the freezer for up to 3 weeks.

From Babycakes by Erin McKenna, (C) 2009 Clarkson Potter
Read More
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
The magic of this hibachi chicken recipe comes from a combination of miso and peanut butter and how it beautifully caramelizes when it hits the grill.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Chicken breasts reach their full potential in this spicy, saucy stir-fry with blistered green beans.
Using two entire lemons—pith, skin, and all—cranks up the citrus flavor in this classic dessert.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like carrot farro salad and chicken paella.
The secret to extra-fluffy stack? A splash of cold, bubbly seltzer.