A Sweet Look Back: Unveiling Bake or Break’s Most Loved Recipes of 2016
As the final days of 2016 drew to a close, it was a moment for reflection and celebration here at Bake or Break. What an incredible year it had been! After dedicating much of 2015 (and a good part of 2014) to the exciting journey of creating my cookbook, 2016 allowed me to fully immerse myself in sharing new, delectable recipes directly with all of you. This renewed focus resulted in a truly prolific year, with over 100 brand-new recipes making their debut on the blog.
Your enthusiasm and engagement were nothing short of inspiring. You clicked, you shared, you pinned, you liked, and you tweeted, making this community vibrant and full of life. It’s always a thrill to see which creations truly capture your hearts and make their way into your kitchens. That’s why, as we waved goodbye to 2016 and looked forward to the delicious possibilities of 2017, I compiled this special list: the 12 most celebrated recipes based on your interactions across the web. These are the recipes that collectively garnered the most shares, pins, likes, and tweets, proving to be the undisputed favorites of the year.
This collection isn’t just a list of recipes; it’s a testament to the shared joy of baking and the wonderful community we’ve built. Thank you, each and every one of you, for being an integral part of Bake or Break. Your support and passion for baking make all the hard work incredibly rewarding. So, without further ado, let’s rediscover the beloved baking masterpieces that defined our year. Enjoy this sweet stroll down memory lane!
The Top 12 Reader-Favorite Recipes from 2016
Butter Pecan Cheesecake
If the rich, nutty notes of butter pecan ice cream are your ultimate indulgence, then prepare to fall head over heels for this Butter Pecan Cheesecake. This luxurious dessert takes everything you love about the classic flavor profile and transforms it into a creamy, dreamy cheesecake. Each bite is an exquisite blend of a velvety smooth cheesecake base generously studded with buttery, perfectly toasted pecans, offering a delightful crunch and deep, caramelized flavor. It’s a sophisticated treat that’s perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or simply when you’re craving a dessert that feels truly decadent. Its popularity wasn’t a surprise; this cheesecake consistently delivers on flavor and elegance, making it a standout favorite.
Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Bars
Calling all Oreo enthusiasts! These Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Bars are a slice of pure dessert heaven. Designed with simplicity and maximum flavor in mind, these bars feature a crushed cookie crust that forms the perfect foundation for a luscious, no-bake cheesecake filling. What truly sets them apart, of course, is the generous inclusion of chopped Oreos throughout the filling, providing that iconic chocolatey crunch in every bite. Easy to make and even easier to devour, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for parties, picnics, or a simple weeknight treat. Their undeniable charm and straightforward preparation made them a smash hit in 2016, proving that classic flavor combinations never go out of style.
Sour Cream Corn Bread
Sometimes, the simplest recipes make the biggest impact, and our Sour Cream Corn Bread is a perfect example. This quick and easy recipe delivers a wonderfully moist and tender corn bread that serves as an ideal companion to an array of favorite dinners. The addition of sour cream lends a subtle tang and an incredible richness, elevating it beyond traditional corn bread. Whether you’re pairing it with a hearty chili, a comforting stew, or a simple barbecue, this corn bread consistently hits the mark. Its straightforward preparation and comforting taste cemented its place as a beloved staple in many kitchens throughout 2016, making it clear that savory bakes are just as cherished as sweet ones.
Pecan Pie Bundt Cake
Why choose between pie and cake when you can have the best of both worlds? Our Pecan Pie Bundt Cake brilliantly captures all the beloved flavors of a classic pecan pie and transforms them into a simple, yet utterly delicious bundt cake. Imagine the sweet, gooey, nutty filling of pecan pie baked into a moist, tender cake, making it easier to slice and serve for any gathering. This cake became an instant sensation for its clever fusion of two dessert favorites. It’s particularly popular during the fall and holiday seasons, proving to be a consistent showstopper and a “big, big hit” with everyone who tries it. This innovative twist on a traditional dessert guaranteed its spot on our top list.
Peach Shortbread Cookies
These delightful Peach Shortbread Cookies offer a wonderfully fruity twist on a beloved classic. Traditional buttery shortbread gets a vibrant upgrade with the inclusion of sweet peach preserves, creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie with bursts of bright, summery flavor. The simplicity of shortbread combined with the juicy essence of peach makes these cookies incredibly appealing for any time of year, though they shine particularly bright in warmer months. Perfect for an afternoon tea, a light dessert, or a sweet snack, their delicate texture and refreshing taste resonated deeply with our readers. Their elegance and straightforward preparation ensured they were frequently shared and enjoyed.
Cinnamon Pecan Puffs
Cinnamon Pecan Puffs are a testament to the fact that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something truly magical. These cookies are wonderfully soft, delightfully chewy, and packed with the comforting warmth of cinnamon and the rich flavor of pecans. Their uncomplicated nature makes them approachable for bakers of all skill levels, while their addictive taste guarantees they disappear quickly from any cookie platter. A genuine “long-time favorite,” these puffs offer a satisfying blend of sweet spice and nutty goodness, making them an ideal treat for the holidays or a cozy afternoon. Their ease of preparation and irresistible flavor made them a reader favorite throughout the year.
Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
Bright, zesty, and utterly delicious, our Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is an absolute joy to bake and even more so to eat. This delightful cake bursts with sweet lemon flavor, perfectly complemented by a luscious layer of sweetened cream cheese nestled within its tender crumb. It strikes a wonderful balance between tangy and sweet, making it an invigorating treat for breakfast, brunch, or a refreshing anytime snack. The combination of citrus and cream cheese is a classic for a reason, and this coffee cake truly showcases it. Its vibrant flavor profile and comforting texture ensured it became a highly sought-after recipe, particularly as a sunny pick-me-up during any season.
Peanut Butter Pudding
Indulge in pure, creamy comfort with our Homemade Peanut Butter Pudding. This recipe offers a nostalgic taste of childhood, elevated with a rich, nutty depth that only homemade can achieve. It’s incredibly quick and easy to whip up, making it an ideal last-minute dessert that still feels special. Versatile enough to serve as a simple ending to a casual meal or to be beautifully portioned into individual desserts for a more elegant occasion, this pudding is a true gem. Its smooth texture and intense peanut butter flavor resonated with many, proving that sometimes, the most comforting desserts are the simplest to make. It’s no wonder it became a fan favorite for its widespread appeal.
Brown Sugar Banana No-Bake Cheesecake
For those who love a dessert that tastes impressive but is delightfully simple to create, our Brown Sugar Banana No-Bake Cheesecake was a standout hit. This recipe features a delightful vanilla wafer crust that provides a subtle crunch and classic flavor. Layered atop this is a creamy, dreamy no-bake brown sugar cheesecake filling, infused with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. The combination is incredibly harmonious and truly unique. Its “so simple and so very delicious” nature made it an instant favorite, especially for entertaining or when you crave a decadent treat without turning on the oven. This cheesecake offers a wonderful escape to a world of rich, fruity, and comforting flavors.
Quick Herbed Dinner Rolls
Breaking bread together is a timeless tradition, and our Quick Herbed Dinner Rolls make the experience even more special and accessible. This recipe demystifies yeast baking, proving that soft, flavorful rolls can be made quickly and without fuss. They mix together in a snap and require only a short time to rise, meaning fresh, warm bread is never far away. Infused with aromatic herbs, these rolls are wonderfully soft, light, and “oh so delicious,” making them the perfect accompaniment to almost any meal. Their reliability and incredible taste quickly propelled them to the top of our reader favorites, a testament to the enduring appeal of homemade bread.
Toasted Pecan Bundt Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Glaze
For the ultimate pecan lover, this Toasted Pecan Bundt Cake is an absolute must-try. This fantastic cake showcases the rich, buttery flavor of perfectly toasted pecans, beautifully complemented by the deep, warm notes of brown sugar. What elevates this bundt cake to an even higher level of deliciousness is the decadent caramel cream cheese glaze, which drizzles over every crevice, adding a creamy, tangy sweetness that perfectly balances the nutty cake. It’s an elegant yet approachable dessert that’s ideal for holiday feasts, special family gatherings, or simply when you want to impress. Its layers of flavor and stunning presentation ensured its high ranking among 2016’s most cherished recipes.
Chocolate Hand Pies
Prepare for a chocolate explosion with these incredibly addictive Chocolate Hand Pies! Designed for ultimate portability and maximum indulgence, these pies feature a rich, fudgy chocolate filling enveloped within a flaky, tender chocolate pie crust. It’s a double dose of chocolate that promises to satisfy even the most ardent chocoholic. These hand-held delights are perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or simply as a mess-free dessert to enjoy on the go. Their irresistible combination of textures and intense chocolate flavor made them an immediate hit, with readers declaring that “chocolate lovers will devour these!” Their popularity underscores the universal appeal of a well-executed, utterly decadent chocolate treat.
Honorable Mentions: More 2016 Favorites You Loved!
And there you have it – the top 12 recipes that captivated your hearts and taste buds in 2016! But here at Bake or Break, we believe more baking is always better, right? So, I simply couldn’t resist adding a few more fantastic recipes to the list. These “Honorable Mentions” may not have topped the charts across all metrics, but each was immensely popular in its own right, earning significant shares, pins, or likes on specific platforms like Pinterest or Facebook. They deserve a spotlight for their delicious contributions to our baking year!
Peanut Butter Cake with Chocolate Frosting
The timeless pairing of peanut butter and chocolate never fails to delight, and this Peanut Butter Cake with Chocolate Frosting truly embodies that classic combination. This beautiful, moist cake is rich with peanut butter flavor, creating a wonderfully dense and satisfying base. It’s then crowned with a luscious, decadent chocolate frosting that provides the perfect contrast in both flavor and texture. “Fans of chocolate and peanut butter will be wowed by this beautiful, sweet, delicious cake!” is an understatement; it’s an indulgent masterpiece that’s ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion warranting a show-stopping dessert. Its undeniable appeal made it a frequently shared recipe throughout the year.
Butter Pecan Oatmeal Cookies
When you’re craving a cookie that’s both substantial and satisfying, look no further than these Butter Pecan Oatmeal Cookies. These aren’t just any oatmeal cookies; they are big, wonderfully chewy, and incredibly hearty. Each cookie is generously loaded with sweet, buttery, perfectly toasted pecans, adding a delightful crunch and deep nutty flavor. But the magic doesn’t stop there – little bites of caramel are also folded in, melting slightly to create pockets of gooey sweetness that complement the pecans beautifully. These cookies offer a comforting blend of textures and flavors, making them a perfect treat for an afternoon snack or a delightful addition to any cookie jar. Their hearty goodness made them a widely shared recipe.
Chocolate Blackout Cookies
For the ultimate chocolate experience, these Chocolate Blackout Cookies deliver in spades. True to their name, these cookies are wonderfully rich, deeply chocolatey, and utterly delicious – a dream come true for any ardent chocolate lover. Each bite is an intense journey into cocoa bliss, with a perfect balance of chewiness and tenderness. They are the kind of cookie that leaves a lasting impression, satisfying even the most intense chocolate cravings. Whether served with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee, these cookies are pure indulgence. Their powerful flavor profile and undeniable appeal ensured they were frequently pinned and shared among our chocolate-loving community.
Italian Cream Bundt Cake
Bringing a taste of the South with an elegant twist, our Italian Cream Bundt Cake is an absolute winner. This recipe takes the classic flavors of Italian cream cake – delightful coconut and crunchy pecans – and reimagines them in a beautiful, easy-to-serve bundt form. The cake itself is incredibly moist and flavorful, studded with those tropical and nutty elements. It’s then generously draped with a tangy and sweet cream cheese glaze, which perfectly complements the cake’s richness. This bundt cake is “such a great, simple twist on a classic dessert,” making it a popular choice for gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions where you want to impress without too much fuss. Its unique blend of familiar flavors made it a memorable honorable mention.
As I always say, I truly enjoy compiling these end-of-year review posts. It’s such a rewarding experience to look back at all the baking adventures, the new recipes shared, and especially to see which ones resonated most deeply with our amazing community. This retrospective not only highlights the past year’s successes but also ignites a fresh wave of excitement for what the new year will bring in terms of flavors, techniques, and delicious creations. It inspires me to keep experimenting, keep sharing, and keep baking!
From the bottom of my heart, I wish you all a wonderfully happy, healthy, and incredibly delicious new year. I am so eager to embark on more baking adventures with you and to continue sharing a bounty of delightful recipes throughout 2017. May your kitchens be filled with warmth, your homes with the aroma of freshly baked goods, and your tables with joy. Here’s to another fantastic year of baking together!