Bake or Break’s Most Loved Recipes of 2020: A Sweet Reflection on a Memorable Year
As we reflect on 2020, a year undeniably unique and challenging for many, it’s important to pause and acknowledge the good things that emerged. For countless individuals, the kitchen became a sanctuary, a place of comfort, creativity, and connection. Baking, in particular, offered a much-needed escape, a delicious distraction, and a way to spread a little joy amidst uncertainty. Here at Bake or Break, we are incredibly grateful for our health, safety, and the ability to continue sharing our passion for baking, especially in a year where such blessings were not universal.
This past year has also been a remarkable journey for our vibrant baking community. Whether you’ve been a loyal follower for years or discovered us recently as you honed your newfound baking skills, your presence and enthusiasm have been a constant source of inspiration. We cherish every comment, every shared photo, and every successful bake that came out of your kitchens using our recipes. Your support truly fuels our passion and encourages us to keep creating delicious content for you.
As 2020 draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to look back at the recipes that resonated most with you—our incredible readers. These are the sweet, savory, and utterly irresistible creations that stood out, offering solace, celebration, and pure baking delight. Join us on a delicious retrospective as we highlight Bake or Break’s most popular recipes from a truly unforgettable year. Get ready to revisit old favorites and perhaps discover a new must-bake for your upcoming year of culinary adventures! Let’s celebrate the comforting power of baking.
Bake or Break’s Top 2020 Recipes: A Culinary Highlight Reel
Let’s dive into the delicious details and celebrate the best of what we baked together in 2020. Each recipe on this list represents a moment of joy, a shared experience, and a testament to the comforting magic of homemade treats. Happy baking, and here’s to an even sweeter new year filled with many more delectable creations!
1. Loaded Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Among the countless cookie recipes we’ve explored over the years, these Loaded Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars truly stood out as a crowd-pleaser and a personal favorite. Our mission was to create cookie bars that were not just soft and gooey, but profoundly satisfying – a generous, substantial treat bursting with an abundance of chocolate chips and an array of other delightful flavors. Think crunchy nuts, chewy toffee bits, or even a luscious swirl of peanut butter – the customization possibilities are endless, making each batch uniquely delicious. This recipe proved to be the ultimate comfort bake of 2020; a truly irresistible indulgence that many, including myself, could happily bake and enjoy on repeat. If you’re looking for a dessert that delivers maximum flavor and ultimate chewiness with minimal fuss, these loaded cookie bars are an absolute must-try for any chocolate chip cookie enthusiast.
2. Angel Biscuits
If the sublime experience of making and savoring Angel Biscuits has yet to grace your kitchen, consider this your urgent invitation to add them to your baking agenda without delay. These aren’t just any biscuits; they represent a magical culinary fusion, combining the tender flakiness of traditional homemade biscuits with the airy lightness and subtle yeast flavor of a dinner roll. The result is an utterly irresistible bread that offers the best of both worlds – the satisfying chew of a yeast dough with the rich, buttery layers of a classic biscuit. Perfect for breakfast slathered with butter and jam, as an elegant accompaniment to a hearty dinner, or simply enjoyed on their own as a comforting snack, Angel Biscuits are remarkably versatile and incredibly delicious. They’re a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined with a touch of baking magic, can create something truly extraordinary and universally loved.
3. Almond Cookies
Sometimes, the greatest culinary delights come from focusing on the beauty of a single, exquisite flavor. Our Almond Cookies are a shining example of this principle, offering an unadulterated celebration of all things almond. If you possess a profound love for the sweet, nutty essence of almonds, then these simple yet sophisticated cookies are destined to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. Each bite delivers a delightful interplay of textures – a gentle crispness on the exterior yielding to a satisfyingly chewy interior, creating a truly enjoyable mouthfeel. But it’s the rich, aromatic almond flavor that truly takes center stage, making these cookies profoundly irresistible. They are straightforward to make, yet elegant enough for any occasion, proving that simplicity can indeed be the ultimate sophistication. Indulge in the pure pleasure of almond goodness with every single cookie, perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
4. Cookie Butter Cheesecake Brownies
Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary culinary rendezvous where three beloved dessert titans — rich brownies, creamy cheesecake, and irresistible cookie butter — converge in perfect harmony. These decadent Cookie Butter Cheesecake Brownies are a testament to flavor layering, delivering an indulgent experience that is both familiar and exciting. The dense, fudgy chocolate brownie base provides a classic foundation, while a luscious cream cheese swirl introduces a tangy counterpoint, adding a delightful creaminess. But the true star, elevating this dessert to new heights, is the spiced cookie butter swirl, which introduces a subtle warmth and complex aromatic notes of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. This harmonious blend of intense chocolate, creamy tang, and aromatic spice creates a profoundly satisfying treat that is both sophisticated and deeply comforting. They are perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a truly exceptional homemade dessert that stands out.
5. Danish Butter Cookies
For many, the sight of those iconic blue tins filled with an assortment of crisp, buttery cookies evokes nostalgic memories, especially during the festive holiday season. While those classic store-bought varieties certainly hold a special place, our homemade Danish Butter Cookies elevate the experience to an entirely new level. Far surpassing their tin-bound counterparts, these homemade delights are incredibly simple to prepare, requiring only a handful of staple ingredients that you likely already have on hand. The magic lies in their rich, pure butter flavor and their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture that is both crisp and tender, creating a delightful snap with every bite. Crafting them at home not only guarantees superior freshness and taste but also allows for playful customization with sprinkles, a simple glaze, or a touch of citrus zest. Embrace the joy of homemade goodness and discover just how fantastic these traditional treats can be when baked with love in your own kitchen; they’re perfect for gifting or sharing.
6. Vanilla Crumb Muffins
Just like our almond cookies, these delightful Vanilla Crumb Muffins are a testament to the power and elegance of a single, well-executed flavor. Sometimes, all you need is the comforting embrace of pure vanilla, and these muffins deliver it beautifully. Each one is incredibly moist and tender, infused with a generous amount of high-quality vanilla extract that creates a rich and inviting aroma throughout your kitchen as they bake. Crowned with a sweet, buttery crumb topping that adds a delightful textural contrast and an extra layer of sweetness, these muffins are simply irresistible. One of the best aspects of this recipe is its sheer convenience; I find that I almost always have all the necessary ingredients on hand, making them my go-to choice whenever a craving for a sweet, comforting bake strikes. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast, a relaxed brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up that feels like a special treat.
7. Sprinkle Crinkle Cookies
If there was an award for the most joyful and uplifting bake of 2020, our Sprinkle Crinkle Cookies would undoubtedly take home the prize! These delightful cookies are a burst of happiness in every bite, offering a playful splash of color and a deliciously sweet, soft texture. Their iconic crinkled appearance, achieved by rolling the dough in powdered sugar before baking, is mesmerizing, while the copious addition of vibrant sprinkles makes them instantly festive and appealing. These sprinkles can be customized to match any holiday or celebration, offering endless possibilities for themed treats. While traditional multi-colored sprinkles hold a special place in my heart, feel free to experiment with themed hues for birthdays, holidays, or school events. Beyond their charming looks, these cookies deliver on taste with a comforting sweetness that makes them perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply brightening your own day. Prepare to spread smiles with every batch of these irresistible, whimsical treats!
8. Lemon Bundt Cake
For those who adore the bright, zesty essence of lemon, this magnificent Lemon Bundt Cake is an absolute dream come true. This recipe is a true celebration of citrus, designed to deliver an intense, invigorating lemon experience from the first delicate slice to the very last crumb. The cake itself is incredibly moist and tender, infused with a vibrant lemon flavor that perfectly balances sweetness with a refreshing tang. To elevate it further, it’s generously drizzled with a rich, tangy lemon glaze that seeps into every crevice, enhancing the overall citrusy profile and adding a beautiful sheen. Beyond its exquisite taste, this Bundt cake is also a visual showstopper, boasting an elegant fluted form that makes it a perfect centerpiece for any gathering, from casual brunches to formal dinners. It’s a definite must-bake for lemon lovers and an effortlessly beautiful dessert that promises to delight both the palate and the eye with its vibrant flavor and stunning presentation.
9. Blueberry Coffee Cake Muffins
Imagine the comforting richness of a classic coffee cake combined with the convenient, grab-and-go appeal of a muffin – that’s exactly what you get with our delightful Blueberry Coffee Cake Muffins. These little berry-filled wonders offer the best of both worlds, creating a sweet, flavorful, and incredibly soft treat that perfectly fits into any part of your day. Each muffin is generously studded with juicy blueberries that burst with sweet-tart flavor, complemented by the delicate crumb and subtle spice typically found in a traditional coffee cake. A streusel topping adds a wonderful texture and extra sweetness, making these muffins truly irresistible. They are incredibly versatile, falling into that coveted “anytime” category: enjoy one warm for a truly special breakfast, pair it with your afternoon coffee for a comforting snack, or serve it as a simple yet satisfying dessert. Easy to make and universally loved, these muffins are a surefire way to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
10. Irish Cream Pecan Pie
While my affection for all variations of pecan pie runs deep, this particular Irish Cream Pecan Pie has truly captured my heart, earning a special place among our most cherished recipes. It’s not just a pecan pie; it’s a sophisticated, decidedly grown-up twist on the beloved classic. The secret lies in the generous splash of Irish Cream, which infuses the rich, nutty filling with a complex depth of flavor and a subtle warmth that is utterly captivating. This addition elevates the traditional sweetness of pecan pie, creating a more nuanced and luxurious dessert experience, perfect for special occasions. An added bonus? This recipe proudly boasts no corn syrup, relying instead on other natural sweeteners to achieve its perfect texture and taste, making it even more appealing. The result is a richer, more flavorful pie that feels both comforting and elegantly indulgent. It’s an absolute winner for holiday tables or any occasion calling for something truly special and memorable.
11. Brown Sugar Spice Cake with Caramel Rum Glaze
My culinary journey has increasingly led me towards the irresistible allure of spiced desserts, and this magnificent Brown Sugar Spice Cake with Caramel Rum Glaze stands as a shining example of that undeniable fascination. This cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience, particularly cherished during the cooler autumn and winter months when the craving for warm, aromatic spices intensifies. The cake itself is a masterpiece of moist tenderness, infused with a symphony of seasonal spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, alongside the deep, mellow sweetness of brown sugar. However, what truly elevates this creation from wonderful to absolutely extraordinary is the rich, glossy Caramel Rum Glaze. This decadent topping cascades over the cake, adding a luxurious sheen, a burst of sweet caramel flavor, and a subtle hint of rum that perfectly complements the spiced notes. It’s a stunning dessert, perfect for special occasions or simply to indulge in a moment of pure, spiced bliss that warms you from the inside out.
12. Sour Cream Pound Cake
When it comes to classic desserts, a perfectly baked pound cake is truly in a league of its own – timeless, comforting, and undeniably delicious. Our Sour Cream Pound Cake upholds this esteemed tradition with flying colors, proving to be an exceptional rendition that is incredibly tough to beat. What sets this recipe apart is the inclusion of sour cream, which lends an unparalleled richness, moisture, and a subtle tang that beautifully enhances the cake’s overall flavor profile. The result is a remarkably tender crumb and a satisfyingly dense texture that is characteristic of a well-made pound cake, making every slice a pure delight. This versatile dessert is your culinary ally for almost any occasion: serve it plain, allowing its inherent buttery goodness to shine, or elevate it with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream, and a medley of seasonal berries, a rich chocolate sauce, or your favorite fruit compote. Simple yet sophisticated, it’s a dessert that consistently impresses and satisfies every time.
As another year wraps up, I always look forward to this annual tradition of delving into the analytics to discover which recipes have captured your hearts and taste buds the most. It brings me immense joy to see these cherished creations resonate so widely, and I must confess, many of these top performers are indeed some of my all-time personal favorites as well! It’s truly rewarding to know that our shared love for delicious, comforting bakes aligns so perfectly, creating a wonderful connection through food.
We absolutely love hearing from you! Did you embark on a baking adventure with a Bake or Break recipe this year that made a significant impression but didn’t quite make it onto this “Best of 2020” list? Perhaps a hidden gem or a personal discovery that you feel deserves recognition? We’d be thrilled to hear about your memorable bakes and the dishes that brought you the most joy! Please share your thoughts and favorite unlisted recipes in the comments section below – your insights help inspire our future creations and foster our wonderful, growing community of bakers.
Finally, I want to extend my most enormous, heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your unwavering support throughout 2020. It was a challenging year, but your enthusiasm and engagement brought so much light and purpose to our kitchen. From trying new techniques to sharing your successes, your participation makes Bake or Break what it is. We are incredibly excited for what’s to come and promise to be back in 2021 with even more baking deliciousness, new inspirations, and plenty of opportunities to create sweet memories together! Wishing you all a truly happy and delicious new year!