Just in case . . .

In case you, too, end up with a cake that falls into crumbles, here is the perfect vanilla cake base to rest those rumpled cake crumbs. I just tried it and I now have two crumb cakes resting on the counter awaiting a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Basic Vanilla Cake

2 cups granulated sugar
4 eggs
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
3/4 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix until well combined but not overmixed.

Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 20-30 minutes depending on the pan you use.

To make the crumb cake, divide the batter between two oblong pans, square one, or 2-3 round pans. You want about half an inch in the pans because the cake crumbs are the star here.

Any kind of dismayed cake attempt will work. Crumble it up with your favorite spices, nuts, raisins, etc. and layer thickly over the batter in the pans and bake.

You will never fail in the kitchen, again . . . or not that anyone will know!