The news that Crumbs Bake Shop had crumbled took over social media last week, producing outcries from loyal cupcake lovers. But have no fear, the popular bakery chain will, in fact, be back, at least in select locations. Grub Street reported Monday that some Crumbs locations will reopen as early as this year, thanks to the help of CNBC host Marcus Lemonis and Fischer Enterprises LLC’s purchase agreement.
In the meantime, if you’re searching for a cupcake place to satisfy your Crumbs cravings, you can hit up the famous Magnolia Bakery or try mini cupcakes at Baked by Melissa, but for more variety, check out this insider guide to some of our favorite, less-known cupcakeries in NYC:
Photo by Karina Rao
1. Molly’s Cupcakes:
Molly’s Cupcakes is a great option for anyone looking to contribute to a good cause while indulging: Molly’s donates a portion of their profits directly to schools in the area. While its cupcake assortment is on the simpler side, Molly’s also offers filled cupcakes made with seasonal ingredients. The pumpkin pie-filled cake and mint chocolate are popular in the winter, while strawberry shortcake and lemon meringue take over in the summer. Still not enough sweets for your taste? Molly’s also offers a sprinkle station so you can decorate your cupcake to your heart’s desire.
2. Sweet Revenge:
When it comes to creativity, Sweet Revenge takes the cake. Its store, which resembles more of a chic restaurant than the usual cutesy cupcake shop, offers a huge variety of sophisticated creations. Most notable, in my opinion, are the Dulce de Leche, Café Mocha, and Fleur de Sel cupcakes. They even sell a Casablanca cupcake—a pistachio cardamom cake toped with rosewater buttercream frosting.
3. Billy’s Bakery:
Started by a former Magnolia employee, Billy’s Bakery is a retro-themed shop that succeeds in simplicity. Its small, inexpensive cupcakes are all topped with vanilla or chocolate frosting, however, you can also choose other, more complex desserts if your sweet tooth is on the adventurous side. The banana nutella cupcake is a must-try!
4. Sugar Sweet Sunshine:
Created by yet another former Magnolia employee, this bakery’s bright atmosphere and decor live up to its name. The cupcakes bear lighthearted names that mimic the general mood of the place, like the “Sexy Red Velvet” and “Black & White…. Just Right,” and though the flavor combinations are mostly traditional, the taste definitely stands out.
5. Robicelli’s:
This Brooklyn bakery boasts variety and creativity that are simply unparalleled in the cupcake market. With offerings like the car bomb (chocolate Guinness stout cake with Jameson whiskey ganache and Bailey’s buttercream) and the Peach Melba (brown sugar cake, raspberry jam, vanilla buttercream, wild Maine blueberries and lemon zest), it’s hard to think of a flavor combination you won’t find at Robicelli’s.
Photo by Karina Rao
6. Tribeca Treats:
This bakery’s creations are far from the ordinary. Tribeca Treats experiments with savory flavors as well as the typical sweet, with cupcake varieties like peanut butter and jelly. Not just limited to cakes, they also offer a selection of ice cream sandwiches and store-made chocolate bars, leaving no doubt that your sweet cravings will be satisfied.
7. Kumquat Cupcakery:
With the slogan “NYC’s favorite miniature cupcakes,” Kumquat Cupcakery leaves a cupcake eater with high expectations. But its tiny, bite-sized treats do not disappoint. With flavors like P.B. banana honey and chocolate pistachio, you can try a variety of these tiny treats and still not feel like you’ve splurged too much.
8. Two Little Red Hens:
With simpler cupcake flavors boasting a strong taste, this bakery sports a ton of options. In addition to cakes and pies, Two Little Red Hens offers tasty cupcakes like marble, gingerbaby and Brooklyn blackout—a delicious chocolate cake filled with chocolate pudding and topped with fudge frosting.
9. Babycakes:
This bakery is part of the growing trend of alternative-style baking, with many more options for customers who are vegan or gluten-free. Its cupcake flavors are simple, too, but contain no dairy, eggs, soy or gluten, easily satisfying even the pickiest or most health-conscious customer.
Photo by Karina Rao