Beyond the Bestsellers: Our Top 12 Favorite Recipes from 2013
As the curtains closed on another year, it’s always a special tradition to reflect on the culinary journey we’ve shared. Last week, we celebrated the 20 most popular recipes from 2013, a wonderful testament to what resonated most with our incredible community of bakers. It truly warms my heart to see so many of you enjoying the creations from our kitchen.
While the popular list highlights broad appeal, there’s another, equally cherished list we compile each year: our personal favorites. These are the recipes that, for one reason or another, captured our hearts and taste buds in a deeply personal way. Quinn and I often find ourselves reminiscing about certain dishes that, despite their incredible flavor and unique charm, might not have achieved viral fame. This year, with Quinn’s enthusiastic assistance, we embarked on the delightful task of narrowing down an initially very long list to a select dozen. It was a challenging but rewarding process, filled with delicious memories and spirited debate, culminating in this curated collection of our absolute best bakes from 2013.
These aren’t just recipes; they are reflections of moments, experiments, and pure baking joy. Join us as we revisit these culinary highlights, each one a truly outstanding creation that we believe deserves a spotlight of its own.
1. Bourbon Cream Cheese Brownies: A Decadent Delight
Timing can be everything, especially when it comes to popularity contests. Some of our holiday masterpieces, despite their unparalleled deliciousness, just don’t get enough exposure time to climb the ranks. The Bourbon Cream Cheese Brownies are a prime example of this delightful oversight. Without a doubt, these were quite possibly the finest brownies I crafted all year. The rich, fudgy chocolate base, infused with a subtle hint of bourbon, is perfectly complemented by a tangy, creamy swirl of cheesecake. I initially made a batch for a festive cookie swap, and they were such a hit that I promptly baked another just for us to savor at home. Quinn was absolutely insistent that they earn a spot on this list, and I wholeheartedly concur. They’re an indulgence that tastes far more complex than their preparation suggests, making them ideal for both special occasions and a well-deserved treat.
2. Blueberry Cream Cheese Crisp: Summer in a Dish
The summer of 2013 will forever be etched in my memory as the “summer of blueberries.” We had an abundance of these delightful berries, inspiring countless delicious creations. Among them, the Blueberry Cream Cheese Crisp stood out as a clear favorite. This dessert masterfully combines the sweet-tart burst of fresh blueberries with a luscious, creamy layer of sweetened cream cheese, all topped with a buttery, cinnamon-spiced streusel. It’s an irresistible blend of textures and flavors – warm, gooey fruit, silky cream cheese, and a satisfyingly crunchy topping. This crisp offers a comforting taste of summer, making it perfect for a casual family dessert or even a decadent breakfast treat. Its simplicity and incredible taste make it a staple for anyone who appreciates a vibrant, fruity bake.
3. Coconut Bars with Chocolate Shortbread Crust: A Tropical Dream
When it comes to the Coconut Bars with Chocolate Shortbread Crust, this is undeniably my personal champion on the list. We all know Quinn’s aversion to coconut, but even his hypothetical objections couldn’t keep this gem off our favorites. These bars are simply too good to be overlooked. They feature a rich, buttery chocolate shortbread crust that provides a delightful contrast to the sweet, chewy, and perfectly toasted coconut topping. The combination of deep chocolate and warm, slightly caramelized coconut creates an extraordinary flavor profile that is both comforting and exotic. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures, from the tender crust to the satisfying chew of the coconut. These bars are an absolute must-try for any coconut lover and might even convert a few skeptics!
4. Apple-Pear Butter Pie with Gingersnap Crust: Unexpected Harmony
One of the most delightfully surprising desserts from last year was the Apple-Pear Butter Pie with Gingersnap Crust. This recipe came about after I made a generous batch of Apple-Pear Butter, which has an incredible depth of flavor on its own. Integrating a hearty portion of this fragrant fruit butter into a pie filling, paired with a spicy, crunchy gingersnap crust, created something truly magical. What makes this pie even more remarkable is its simplicity; apart from the crust, it’s a no-bake wonder. The warm spices of the gingersnaps perfectly complement the sweet and subtly tangy fruit butter, resulting in a unique and comforting dessert that feels both rustic and refined. It’s an ideal choice for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a taste of cozy indulgence.
5. Blackberry Peach Cobbler: A Burst of Summer Flavor
Last year brought forth an exceptional harvest of fruits, gracing us with an abundance of nature’s sweetness throughout summer and into fall, a bounty beautifully showcased here on Bake or Break. Among the many fruit-filled creations, our Blackberry Peach Cobbler emerged as a definitive highlight. This isn’t just any cobbler; it’s a grand, robust dessert, absolutely brimming with the vibrant flavors of ripe blackberries and juicy peaches. The fruit filling is tender and bubbling, perfectly balanced between sweet and tart. What elevates this cobbler to another level are the thoughtful additions: a whisper of bourbon that deepens the fruit flavors, and a scattering of crunchy, sweet glazed pecans on top. These elements create a symphony of taste and texture, making it a truly unforgettable dessert. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comforting experience.
6. Touch of Grace Biscuits: Fluffy Perfection
2013 was the year I discovered my new favorite biscuit recipe, a true game-changer in the world of baked goods. The Touch of Grace Biscuits are wonderfully distinct from the traditional biscuits I was accustomed to baking. Their texture is remarkably light and ethereal, almost melting in your mouth, yet they still possess that satisfying flakiness we all adore. They’re consistently fluffy and incredibly tender, making them, in our opinion, pretty much perfect. These biscuits have quickly become our go-to for a delightful weekend morning treat. Whether paired with savory gravies or, as we prefer, slathered generously with your favorite fruit preserves, they elevate any breakfast or brunch into something truly special. Simple ingredients yield extraordinary results in this must-try recipe.
7. Salted Chocolate Truffle Cookies: The Ultimate Sweet & Salty Duo
My profound adoration for the irresistible combination of sweet and salty is hardly a secret around here, especially when it involves chocolate. The Salted Chocolate Truffle Cookies embody this perfect balance with exquisite precision. These cookies are everything a chocolate lover could wish for: incredibly soft, wonderfully gooey, and intensely rich, almost like a baked truffle. The sprinkle of sea salt on top provides that crucial counterpoint, enhancing the deep cocoa flavors and preventing the sweetness from being overwhelming. Each bite is a luxurious experience, offering a dense, chewy texture and a burst of sophisticated chocolate flavor. They are an elegant upgrade to the classic chocolate cookie, ideal for satisfying serious chocolate cravings or impressing guests.
8. Brown Butter Pecan Pie: A Classic Reimagined
At least once a year, the tradition of baking a pecan pie in some delightful variation is a cherished ritual in our kitchen. While I deeply appreciate the classic pecan pie, I find immense joy in introducing subtle twists that keep this beloved dessert fresh and exciting. This past year, that magical twist came in the form of brown butter. Just that single modification transformed a familiar favorite into something truly extraordinary. The nutty, caramelized notes of the browned butter infuse the entire pie, adding an incredible depth of flavor that complements the sweet, sticky filling and crunchy pecans beautifully. The Brown Butter Pecan Pie has now rightfully claimed its place as my all-time favorite pecan pie, a testament to how a simple technique can elevate a classic to new heights. It’s a comforting, sophisticated dessert perfect for holidays or any special occasion.
9. Italian Jam Crostata: Effortless Elegance
The Italian Jam Crostata earns its coveted spot on this list for a couple of compelling reasons. Firstly, it is undeniably, exquisitely delicious. Its rustic charm belies the incredible depth of flavor within. Secondly, and equally important, it is remarkably, delightfully easy to prepare. You will be astonished by the amount of sophisticated flavor you achieve with such minimal effort. The tender, buttery pastry crust serves as the perfect vessel for a vibrant, fruity jam filling. What’s more, this crostata is wonderfully adaptable; simply swap out the jam or preserves to create an entirely new flavor experience each time. This makes it an exceptional go-to recipe for those moments when you need a quick yet elegant dessert that truly impresses without the fuss. It’s comfort and versatility baked into one delightful package.
10. Pear and Plum Crisp: A Seasonal Symphony
Beyond my well-documented affection for blueberries, I harbor a significant fondness for plums and pears, especially when they are at their peak ripeness. This passion culminated in the creation of our sweet and lusciously tender Pear and Plum Crisp, a dish we enthusiastically devoured. This crisp celebrates the natural beauty and flavor of these late-summer and early-fall fruits. The juicy sweetness of ripe pears mingles perfectly with the slightly tart notes of fresh plums, creating a wonderfully balanced fruit base. Topped with a golden, crumbly streusel, this dessert offers a delightful contrast of textures and a comforting warmth that makes it irresistible. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy seasonal produce, whether served as a standalone treat or alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra touch of decadence.
11. Hot Fudge Pie: The Procrastinator’s Perfect Indulgence
The Hot Fudge Pie is another sensational recipe that graced our kitchen towards the very end of 2013, which regrettably meant it didn’t have ample time to vie for a spot on the “most popular” list. However, its sheer deliciousness absolutely demands recognition. I affectionately dubbed this creation “the perfect dessert for procrastinators,” and for good reason. It comes together incredibly quickly, utilizing ingredients you likely already have stocked in your pantry. But don’t let its ease fool you – this pie is an explosion of rich, intensely chocolatey flavor. It’s wonderfully fudgy, deeply satisfying, and unapologetically decadent. Serve it warm, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream, for a truly memorable chocolate experience that proves great things can indeed come in simple packages.
12. Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Chocolate Cinnamon Swirl: The Brunch Star
Quinn and I share a firm belief: any recipe that I find myself baking repeatedly for various occasions truly deserves a place on our list of cherished favorites. The Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Chocolate Cinnamon Swirl fits this criterion perfectly. I made this delightful cake for countless gatherings, including brunches with friends and sharing with Quinn’s appreciative co-workers. Its allure lies in its perfect balance: it’s subtly sweet, incredibly moist thanks to the sour cream, and features just the right amount of chocolate and cinnamon swirled throughout. A thoughtful touch of salt in the crumb topping elevates the entire flavor profile, adding a complexity that makes it stand out. In our book, this coffee cake is nothing short of baking perfection, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting afternoon treat with a cup of coffee.
Reflecting on these culinary highlights from 2013 brings a smile to my face, reminding me of all the wonderful baking adventures we embarked upon. Each of these recipes holds a special place in our hearts, representing not just a delicious outcome but also the joy of creation and shared experiences. We sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed this personal tour through our favorite bakes.
As we step into a new year, I’m already eager for many more exciting baking explorations to come. Your feedback is invaluable, so please don’t hesitate to share what kinds of recipes you’d love to see featured on Bake or Break. Let’s make 2014 another truly delicious and memorable year in the kitchen together!