Red Velvet Cupcake: Crumbs Bake Shop vs. Magnolia Bakery

I am really not a cupcake girl. I mean why settle for a tiny cup when you can have the whole 8-inch cake. Right? I honestly do not get the cupcake point.

But anyway, since I am already in New York, I might as well do as New Yorkers do. Or at least as New York tourists do.

I must try some red velvets.

But only from 2 shops, I promise myself, because I repeat, I am not a cupcake girl.

 

Shop # 1: Crumbs Bake Shop

 

The place is quiet when I arrive at 11am. Only a few people in line, and a few seated,
quietly reading the morning papers.

 

Crumb’s Red Velvet cupcake is soft and moist, although I do not agree with its frosting which is sickeningly sweet. I wipe away all the white stuff and enjoy the plain red cake.

 

 

Shop # 2: Magnolia Bakery

 

The bakery is packed when I arrive at 5:30pm. I wonder if it is always as busy as this.

 

I cannot believe it, but the superfamous Magnolia Red Velvet cupcake is dry and crumbly. The cream cheese frosting is slightly better than Crumb’s, but still, a major disappointment.

 

THE VERDICT:
Crumbs ♥ – ok lah, but I’m not going back
Magnolia Ӫ – total waste of time AND calories

Crumbs Red Velvet Cupcake wins.

 

 

Okay, I know this is supposed to be exclusively a Red Velvet thing, but when I see chocolate, I forget all the rules.

 

Magnolia’s Devils Food Cupcake with Mocha Buttercream
Now this, instead of the Red Velvet, should be The Superstar.

 

Still not a cupcake girl.

 

Crumbs Bake Shop: 1385 Broadway (37th/38th), New York, NY, USA. Tel: 212.764.7100
See other branches here.

Magnolia Bakery: 1240 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY, USA. Tel: 212.767.1123
See other branches here.