Bakerita’s Top 10 Reader Favorite Recipes of 2015: A Year of Sweet Success and Delicious Discoveries
As 2015 drew to a close, we celebrated an extraordinary year of culinary adventures and heartwarming connections. These ten recipes aren’t just a collection of dishes; they represent the heart and soul of Bakerita, chosen by you, our incredible readers, as the undisputed favorites. Each one has graced kitchens far and wide, bringing joy and deliciousness to countless tables. Prepare to be inspired by these beloved classics that truly stand the test of time and taste.
Reflecting on 2015, it’s truly astounding how swiftly the year passed, yet it left an indelible mark on my life and the journey of Bakerita. This year will forever be etched in my memory as the period when I proudly graduated from college, embarked on a new chapter by moving to the vibrant city of Seattle, and, in a leap of faith that might seem unconventional to some, chose a path less traveled. Instead of immediately pursuing a corporate role with my international business degree, I made the exhilarating decision to dedicate myself entirely to the wild, wonderful dream of full-time food blogging. It was a commitment born of passion, a desire to create, and a deep love for sharing delicious recipes with the world.
This journey, I must confess, has been a thrilling rollercoaster ride—filled with moments of immense excitement and, at times, considerable stress. However, with every heartwarming comment left on a post, every encouraging email received, and every beautiful Instagram tag showcasing your successful creations, I am profoundly reminded of how incredibly fortunate I am. These interactions fuel my passion and reinforce the privilege of doing what I love, day in and day out. It’s truly a dream come true to connect with so many of you through the universal language of food.
As I meticulously reviewed the staggering 122 recipe posts published this year, a multitude of personal favorites naturally emerged. While many of my top picks happily coincided with your collective top 10 favorites, there were also a few beloved creations of mine that, I feel, deserved a bit more spotlight. Among these “hidden gems” were my Ultimate Fudgy Gluten-Free Brownies – a recipe I poured my heart into, achieving that perfect balance of chewiness and intense chocolate flavor without the gluten. The charming Mini Apple Berry Crumble Pies also held a special place, offering a delightful individual dessert experience. And, of course, these irresistible Pecan Pie Blondies were a definite highlight, making a triumphant appearance on not just my Thanksgiving, but also my Christmas dessert tables, much to the delight of family and friends. These are truly recipes worth revisiting!
Choosing favorites is always a delightful, albeit challenging, task, especially when 2015 was brimming with such an abundance of deliciousness. This year’s top 10 list is, without a doubt, a testament to our collective love for chocolate – in fact, only two of the featured recipes don’t prominently feature this beloved ingredient! It’s abundantly clear that you all are just as much of a chocoholic as I am, embracing the rich, comforting flavors of cocoa in all its forms. Beyond chocolate, we also share an undeniable passion for perfectly gooey brownies and the nostalgic taste of s’mores, reinvented in various creative forms. What truly warms my heart is how many of you embraced some of my “healthified” and Paleo-friendly recipes, particularly the beloved classics. My Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies, in particular, proved to be a resounding success, successfully converting even those who might typically scoff at healthier dessert options, proving that wholesome can still mean incredibly delicious.
As we enthusiastically step into 2016, my excitement to continue innovating, experimenting, and sharing new, delectable recipes with you knows no bounds. Your input is invaluable to me; it truly helps shape the future of Bakerita. Do you have a specific request, a particular ingredient you’d like to see featured, or a type of recipe you’re craving for Bakerita in the coming year? Please don’t hesitate to send me an email or, even better, leave a comment below. I eagerly await your suggestions and will do my best to incorporate them into our upcoming recipe calendar. For now, take a final delectable peek at the very best of 2015 below, and I sincerely hope you all have the most joyous and delicious New Year’s Eve. I can’t wait to reconnect and share more culinary adventures with you in 2016!
10. Easy Chocolate Lava Cakes
Indulge in pure decadence with these Easy Chocolate Lava Cakes. Designed for two, this recipe is a lifesaver for last-minute dessert cravings, coming together in a mere 25 minutes with just six simple ingredients. Each cake boasts a rich, dark chocolate exterior that gives way to a luscious, molten chocolate center—a truly show-stopping dessert that feels gourmet yet is incredibly straightforward to prepare. Perfect for a romantic evening or a treat for yourself, these lava cakes are a consistent reader favorite for their simplicity and luxurious taste.
9. S’mores Cookies
Bring the campfire magic indoors with these irresistible S’mores Cookies! This recipe captures all the nostalgic flavors of your favorite summer treat, allowing you to enjoy s’mores year-round without the need for a bonfire. Each cookie features a chewy graham cracker cookie dough base, generously studded with melty chocolate chips and delightful marshmallow bits. They offer that perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and gooey textures that makes s’mores so beloved. These cookies are a fun, family-friendly bake that consistently brings smiles to everyone’s faces.
8. Pumpkin Spice Latte Brownies
Embrace the flavors of autumn with these unique Pumpkin Spice Latte Brownies. This inventive recipe combines rich, homemade pumpkin brownies infused with a hint of coffee, creating a harmonious blend of seasonal spices and deep chocolate notes. The brownies are then crowned with a light and airy whipped pumpkin spice latte frosting, elevating them into an extraordinary fall dessert. It’s the perfect treat for pumpkin spice enthusiasts and a wonderful way to enjoy your favorite coffee shop drink in dessert form. These brownies offer comfort and warmth in every bite.
7. Peppermint Brownies
Get into the holiday spirit with these festive Peppermint Brownies. This recipe takes classic fudgy brownies and infuses them with bright peppermint extract and delightful mint chips, adding a refreshing winter twist to a beloved dessert. Topped with a silky dark chocolate ganache and sprinkled generously with crushed candy canes, these brownies are as beautiful to behold as they are delicious to eat. They’re an easy brownie recipe that’s perfect for winter gatherings, holiday parties, or simply to enjoy with a warm cup of cocoa. The cool mint combined with rich chocolate is a match made in heaven.
6. Nutella Stuffed Oatmeal Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prepare for a truly indulgent cookie experience with these Nutella Stuffed Oatmeal Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies. These aren’t just any cookies; they’re generously loaded with chunks of dark chocolate, crunchy toasted hazelnuts, and a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance all the flavors. But the real surprise lies within: a gooey, molten center of irresistible Nutella. The combination of chewy oatmeal, rich chocolate, nutty hazelnuts, and the decadent Nutella core makes these cookies utterly drool-worthy and incredibly addictive. They’re a gourmet twist on a classic, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to something truly special.
5. Paleo Banana Blueberry Muffins
For those seeking a healthier yet incredibly satisfying option, these Paleo Banana Blueberry Muffins are an absolute must-try. These muffins are wonderfully moist, naturally sweet, and burst with the fresh flavors of ripe bananas and juicy blueberries. What makes them truly stand out is that they are gluten-free and sweetened exclusively with bananas, making them a fantastic choice for a quick, wholesome snack or an effortless breakfast on the go. They prove that healthy eating can still be utterly delicious and convenient, appealing to both Paleo followers and anyone looking for a guilt-free treat.
4. Paleo Chocolate Chip Blondies
Prepare to be amazed by these Paleo Chocolate Chip Blondies, a dessert so delicious that no one would ever guess they’re actually healthy! This recipe offers the comforting chewiness and rich flavor of traditional blondies but with a significant twist: they are entirely gluten-free and refined sugar-free. Coming together in just a few minutes, these blondies offer a quick and easy way to enjoy a sweet treat without compromising your dietary goals. They are the perfect solution for satisfying chocolate cravings while adhering to a Paleo lifestyle, proving that healthy desserts can be utterly delightful.
3. Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies
These Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies have earned their spot as a top favorite for a reason: they perfectly capture the classic taste and beloved texture of your all-time favorite chocolate chip cookies, without any of the guilt. What’s truly remarkable is that taste testers had no idea these cookies were Paleo-friendly! Free from gluten, dairy, and refined sugar, they offer all the comfort and joy of a traditional chocolate chip cookie. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking a healthier alternative that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or satisfaction, making it a staple in many kitchens.
2. S’mores Brownies
Prepare for an explosion of flavors and textures with these sensational S’mores Brownies! These brownies take the fudgy chocolate base you love and elevate it to an entirely new level. They feature super fudgy chocolate brownies generously swirled with fluffy marshmallow fluff and melty milk chocolate chips, all baked atop a crunchy graham cracker crust. The grand finale? A topping of perfectly toasted mini marshmallows, creating that iconic s’mores experience in every bite. They are an absolute showstopper, perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply satisfying a serious sweet tooth with a touch of nostalgia.
1. Pepperoni Pizza Pull Apart Bread
And now, for Bakerita’s reigning champion of 2015, the incredibly popular Pepperoni Pizza Pull Apart Bread! This savory sensation proves that it’s not just about the sweets here at Bakerita. This recipe features soft, fluffy layers of homemade bread, generously loaded with rich tomato sauce, plenty of gooey cheese, and savory pepperoni. It’s designed to be effortlessly pulled apart, making it the ultimate interactive appetizer for game nights, parties, or a fun family dinner. A guaranteed fan favorite, this pizza pull-apart bread is a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying treat that everyone will adore. Its irresistible appeal made it the undisputed number one recipe of the year!