There’s no denying the fact that the “cupcake culture “ has hit the D.C. area in full throttle. We’ve all rolled our eyes at the seemingly endless line that extends outside of Georgetown Cupcake’s doors. We’ve listened to our friends get into heated debates about whether the treats at Sprinkles or Baked and Wired are superior. What is it exactly that makes people do such crazy things in the name of a muffin-shaped cake doused in buttercream frosting? Beats me. But for all you loyal cupcake fans, I have good news: yet another cupcakery has just opened up. And it’s worth getting excited about.
With over 40 locations stretching from Los Angeles to New York, Crumbs Bake Shop has made a statement across the country. The most recent addition to the popular chain opened two weeks ago in Farragut Square, selling a variety of sinful desserts, from freshly baked scones to a variety of gooey brownies. However, what Crumbs is most known for is its wide selection of rich, oversized cupcakes. This bakery has a cupcake for everyone, offering flavors that range from the classic “Vanilla Sprinkle” to the more exotic “S’mores” or “Grasshopper” cupcakes.
As a fan of cupcakes, I couldn’t wait to try out the tasty treats at Crumbs. Upon walking into the bakery, I noticed the words painted above the doorway: “Welcome to Happiness.” A bold claim, I thought, but one I was willing to test out. In order to get a feel for Crumbs’ range of flavors, I ordered a classic “Vanilla/Vanilla” and a more unconventional “White Hot Chocolate.”
The vanilla cupcake was solid, but its buttery cake and smooth buttercream frosting were practically identical to the many vanilla cupcakes of my past. But it was the “White Hot Chocolate” that really sold me. This white chocolate mousse-filled cake smothered in delectable cream cheese frosting was topped off with mini white chocolate chips and baby marshmallows.
One bite, and I resolved that the sign above the door was right—this bakeshop was indeed a place of happiness. Two bites, and I was in heaven. Three bites, and I realized that I would have to slow down unless I wanted to finish off my day with a stomach ache. As scrumptious as these cupcakes are, they are so rich that it would take an iron stomach to down one in a single sitting. But this isn’t necessarily bad news—it just means more to take home for later!
Can’t make up your mind on which of the many delicious flavors to choose? No problem. Crumbs also sells “taste packs,” which feature a dozen bite-sized cupcakes in an assortment of flavors. And with the overwhelming richness of many of the flavors, a bite-sized cake is often all you’ll need to satisfy that post-dinner sweet tooth craving.
If you have a major sweet tooth and enjoy generous portions of rich desserts, then Crumbs is the place for you. The bakery offers larger cupcakes than those of its equivalently priced competitors, not to mention a much shorter line! Sorry Georgetown Cupcake, but I’m going to have to side with Crumbs on this one.
