Unique Dairy Products: The Crunchy Magic of Milk Crumb — *Photo courtesy of Heidi Billotto.*

Whether you're baking, making a sauce, or whipping up a creamy dessert, real dairy products like whole or nonfat milk, heavy cream, and half-and-half bring that rich taste and smooth mouthfeel we all love. But what if you’re after another texture—something with a little crunch?

Enter milk crumb, the delightfully crispy addition that’s taking the dessert world by storm. And guess the secret ingredient to this recipe? It’s the same ingredient pastry chefs often use to create an ultra-smooth ice cream… it’s powdered whole or nonfat dairy milk! Who’d have thunk it?

Dessert with Milk Crumb by Pastry Chef Mary Jayne Wilson of Thoughtful Baking Company in Charlotte NC — *Photo courtesy of Heidi Billotto. Dessert created by Pastry Chef Mary Jayne Wilson of Thoughtful Baking Company in Charlotte, NC.*

What is Milk Crumb?

Milk crumb is the brainchild of James Beard Award-winning chef Christina Tosi, who introduced it at her iconic Milk Bar bakery in NYC in 2008. Since then, Milk Bar has expanded to Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, and Seattle. Tosi’s famous recipe has inspired pastry chefs worldwide. Now, you can cook like a chef and make it at home, as well!

The Magic of Real Dairy Powdered Milk

The milk crumb recipe starts with powdered dairy milk. Once you gather the basic ingredients—powdered whole or nonfat milk, real butter, cornstarch, salt, sugar, flour, and white chocolate—you can also experiment with different flavors. Try adding ground nuts, cocoa powder, citrus zest, or finely ground, dehydrated fruit (which I lovingly call “Pixie Dust”).

How to Make Milk Crumb

Pastry Chef Tie Whitaker of Buttermilk Boutique in Clayton, NC using milk crumbs — *Photo courtesy of Heidi Billotto. Dessert created by Pastry Chef Tie Whitaker of Buttermilk Boutique in Clayton, NC.*

Making milk crumb is simple, and the best part? It lasts for months in an airtight jar, ready to top any dessert or satisfy a sweet craving if you need a little nibble.

DIY Milk Crumb Recipe

Ingredients

¾ cup powdered whole or nonfat real dairy milk (do NOT use powdered creamers)
¼ cup all-purpose flour (gluten-free substitutes work well)
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
2 Tbsp. sugar
½ tsp salt
4 Tbsp. real butter, melted
3 oz. real white chocolate (do NOT use coating chocolate)

Instructions

Pastry Chef Jill Heaton of The Ivory Road in Asheville, NC using milk crumb — *Photo courtesy of Heidi Billotto. Dessert created by Pastry Chef Jill Heaton of The Ivory Road in Asheville, NC.*

Preheat oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine powdered milk, flour, cornstarch, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter; stir to form a crumbly mixture.
Spread the crumb mixture onto the baking sheet and bake, stirring frequently, until lightly toasted.
While the crumbs are toasting, melt the white chocolate.
Remove the crumbs from the oven and cool slightly. Use your fingers to blend the toasted crumbs and chocolate, keeping the crumbly texture.
Let the mixture cool and get set to enjoy!

Get Creative with Unique Dairy Products

Want to take it up a notch? Add cocoa powder, ground nuts, or citrus zest to the dry mix before baking. If using dehydrated fruit powder (Pixie Dust), stir it with melted white chocolate for a delicious fruity twist.

Milk crumb is the crunchy addition all of your creamy desserts have been missing. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked!

This National Nutrition Month®, celebrate how food connects us all by experimenting with new ingredients and fun cooking techniques. Happy cooking!

Heidi Billotto, a Charlotte-based culinary expert, writes about food, restaurants, and food-centric travel for regional magazines, newspapers, blogs & websites. In addition, Heidi conducts private in-home or office cooking classes for corporate team building & social gatherings. Follow her culinary adventures at HeidiBillottoFood.com.