Reflecting on a Delicious Year: The Best Baking Recipes of 2017

As we often do, looking back helps us appreciate how far we’ve come and sets the stage for exciting new adventures. My journey through 2017 was marked by a conscious effort to streamline my approach to baking and blog management, allowing me to find a better balance between sharing my passion with you and nurturing my own well-being. This focus on working smarter, not just harder, proved to be incredibly rewarding, resulting in a year filled with less stress and more creative joy. It’s a philosophy I’m eager to carry forward into 2018 and beyond, ensuring that Bake or Break continues to be a thriving source of inspiration for bakers everywhere, providing both classic comfort and exciting new challenges.

Before we dive headfirst into the new year’s baking escapades, let’s take a moment to celebrate the incredible recipes that captivated your hearts, filled your kitchens with delightful aromas, and became your go-to treats throughout 2017. This collection isn’t just a list; it’s a testament to the diverse tastes and boundless enthusiasm of our vibrant baking community. Each entry represents a culinary triumph, a moment of shared joy, and a testament to the power of homemade goodness. From irresistible cookies and decadent cheesecakes to comforting cakes, artisan breads, and fluffy muffins, the variety reflects the breadth of our collective culinary curiosity and the versatility of home baking.

Each recipe on this list earned its coveted spot by being the most popular, most pinned across Pinterest, most saved for future baking projects, and most loved—a true reflection of what resonated with you most. These are the tried-and-true favorites, the recipes that received countless clicks, shares, and glowing reviews, cementing their status as baking superstars. We’ve meticulously gathered them here for you to revisit, rediscover, or try for the very first time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your journey, these top recipes offer something special for everyone, promising delicious results and a rewarding experience in the kitchen.

Your enthusiasm, comments, shares, and every single bake you’ve created from my recipes have made 2017 an unforgettable year for Bake or Break. It’s your engagement that fuels this platform, transforming it into a lively hub for baking enthusiasts worldwide. I sincerely hope that you’ve discovered endless baking inspiration within these pages, found new favorite recipes that have become family traditions, and perhaps even mastered a technique or two that boosts your confidence in the kitchen. As we step into 2018, I invite you to continue this delicious journey with me, exploring new flavors, perfecting classic techniques, and making every moment in the kitchen a joyous one. Thank you for being an integral part of this amazing community. Wishing you a truly Happy New Year, filled with warmth, happiness, and, of course, plenty of delicious bakes!

Your Top Picks: The Most Popular Baking Recipes from 2017

Here, we unveil the crème de la crème of 2017 – the recipes that stood out, garnered the most attention, and were baked time and again by our wonderful community. Each one tells a story of flavor, comfort, and the undeniable joy of homemade goodness. Get ready to revisit some beloved classics and perhaps discover a new favorite that will grace your kitchen for years to come!

Cinnamon Apple Hand Pies: A Portable Delight

Capturing the beloved essence of classic apple pie in a convenient, individual serving, these Cinnamon Apple Hand Pies quickly became a reader favorite in 2017. Their immense appeal lies in the perfect blend of tender, spiced apple filling encased within a golden, flaky crust, making them an irresistible treat. Perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, autumn gatherings, or simply a sweet indulgence on the go, these hand pies offer comforting flavors of cinnamon and apple that evoke cozy, nostalgic memories. They’re delightfully simple to make, proving that some of the best desserts don’t require complicated techniques. Discover why so many bakers fell in love with this charming recipe and make it your own! Get the full recipe and bake yours today.

Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Cookies: The Ultimate Soft Bake

For those who adore the classic combination of peanut butter with an added touch of luxury, these Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Cookies were a revelation in 2017. The secret ingredient, cream cheese, introduces an incredible richness and a wonderfully soft, almost chewy texture that sets them apart from traditional peanut butter cookies. They’re profoundly flavorful, incredibly satisfying, and possess a melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes them utterly irresistible. Ideal for bake sales, dessert platters, or simply a comforting treat with a glass of milk, these cookies quickly cemented their status as a fan favorite for good reason. Don’t miss out on this delightful twist on a timeless classic. Find the recipe and whip up a batch.

Lemon Almond Butter Cake: Zesty Elegance

Bringing a ray of sunshine to any table, the Lemon Almond Butter Cake charmed many with its simple elegance and profound flavors throughout 2017. This buttery, incredibly moist cake gets its extraordinary zest and depth from ample amounts of fresh lemon curd, beautifully complemented by the subtle nuttiness of almond. It’s a versatile cake, equally at home as a sophisticated brunch centerpiece or a delightful after-dinner dessert. Its bright, refreshing taste and tender crumb made it a standout choice for gatherings and everyday indulgence alike. If you appreciate a cake that combines ease of preparation with impressive, vibrant flavor, this popular pick from 2017 is a must-try. Bake this exquisite cake today.

Brown Sugar Caramel Cheesecake with Oatmeal Cookie Crust: Layers of Bliss

Prepare to be amazed by the sheer decadence of this Brown Sugar Caramel Cheesecake. This show-stopping dessert is a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring a rich, creamy brown sugar cheesecake filling nestled atop a delightful oatmeal cookie crust, all crowned with a luscious caramel topping. Each bite offers an incredible depth of flavor and a luxurious experience, making it an absolute favorite among cheesecake connoisseurs. It’s the kind of dessert that makes an unforgettable impression at any special occasion, celebrating the sweet intricacies of caramel and brown sugar. Indulge in these layers of bliss that captured so many hearts in 2017. Uncover the full recipe here.

Yellow Bundt Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache: A Celebration Staple

There’s something undeniably comforting and celebratory about a classic yellow cake, and this Yellow Bundt Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache takes that sentiment to a whole new level. Beloved for its moist, tender crumb and the irresistible pairing with rich, velvety dark chocolate ganache, it quickly became a go-to recipe for birthdays and special occasions in 2017. Its simplicity in preparation belies its impressive presentation, making it a fantastic choice for home bakers looking for an elegant yet fuss-free dessert. A sprinkle of colorful confetti adds that extra touch of joy, making it perfect for any festive gathering. This crowd-pleaser is ideal for adding a touch of classic sweetness to any celebration. Bake your next celebration cake.

Pecan Cheesecake Bars: Effortless Elegance

When you need a dessert that delivers on flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen, these Pecan Cheesecake Bars are your perfect answer. This delightful recipe from 2017 quickly rose in popularity, combining the creamy indulgence of cheesecake with the satisfying crunch and rich flavor of pecans, all presented in an easy-to-serve bar format. They’re a fantastic alternative to a full cheesecake, offering the same luxurious taste with significantly less fuss and baking time. Ideal for potlucks, parties, or simply a convenient sweet craving, their popularity soared due to their simple preparation and universally loved combination of textures. A truly delightful and reliable recipe for any occasion. Discover the simplicity and charm of these bars.

Coconut Almond Muffins: Tropical Morning Bliss

Start your day with a touch of paradise with these exquisite Coconut Almond Muffins, a truly cherished recipe from 2017. These muffins strike the perfect balance between lightly sweet and wonderfully moist, infusing your morning with the delightful combination of tropical coconut and subtle, nutty almond. They’re incredibly versatile – perfect as a satisfying breakfast, a wholesome snack, or even a light dessert. Their inviting aroma and tender crumb made them a staple in many kitchens, proving that simple, harmonious flavors can create profound satisfaction. Experience a mini-escape with every bite of these popular muffins that bring a taste of the tropics to your home. Get the easy recipe for these delightful muffins.

Brown Sugar Toffee Shortbread: Small Bites, Big Flavor

Sometimes, the simplest recipes yield the most extraordinary results, and these Brown Sugar Toffee Shortbread cookies are a perfect example. A massive hit in 2017, these shortbread delights are buttery, tender, and packed with the deep, caramelized notes of brown sugar and irresistible toffee bits. Despite their unassuming appearance, each small cookie delivers a burst of rich flavor that’s utterly addictive. They are fantastic for gifting during the holidays, perfect with a cup of tea for an afternoon break, or simply when you need a little sweet indulgence without much fuss. If you’re a fan of melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a delightful crunch, this recipe is a must-add to your baking repertoire. Find out how to make this simple yet flavorful shortbread.

Easy Chocolate Torte: Pure Chocolate Indulgence

For the true chocolate aficionados, the Easy Chocolate Torte was an undisputed champion in 2017. This recipe delivers everything a chocolate lover dreams of: intense, rich, fudgy, and utterly decadent dark chocolate flavor, all in a surprisingly simple package. It’s a show-stopping dessert that requires minimal effort for maximum impact, making it ideal for dinner parties or when you simply crave a luxurious chocolate experience without the fuss. Its dense, moist texture and profound cocoa taste make it a truly satisfying treat that leaves a lasting impression. If pure, unadulterated chocolate bliss is what you seek, look no further than this incredibly popular torte. Indulge in this easy and delicious chocolate torte.

Quick No-Knead Focaccia: Effortless Artisan Bread

Who said homemade bread has to be complicated? The Quick No-Knead Focaccia shattered that myth and became a sensation in 2017. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone intimidated by yeast baking, requiring just one minute of mixing, a mere hour of rising, and absolutely zero kneading. The result is a beautifully airy, flavorful focaccia with a perfect crust, ready to be customized with your favorite herbs, olives, or sea salt. It’s the quickest, easiest yeast bread you could ever wish for, transforming your kitchen into an artisan bakery with minimal effort. Perfect for dinner parties, sandwiches, or alongside a hearty soup, this focaccia is a versatile winner. Master this incredibly simple focaccia recipe.

Amaretto Almond Bundt Cake: An Almond Lover’s Dream

If you’re an ardent admirer of all things almond, then the Amaretto Almond Bundt Cake from 2017 was undoubtedly made for you. This cake is a celebration of rich almond flavor, amplified by the delightful notes of amaretto liqueur, resulting in a wonderfully moist, tender, and incredibly aromatic dessert. Its elegant bundt shape makes for a stunning presentation, perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging your own sophisticated sweet cravings. The combination of its complex, refined taste and relatively straightforward preparation made it a cherished recipe, particularly for those seeking a standout cake with a unique flavor profile. Dive into the rich flavors of this Amaretto Almond Bundt Cake.

Brown Sugar Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: The Ultimate Comfort Bake

Rounding out our list of 2017’s most beloved recipes are these irresistible Brown Sugar Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. A true testament to comfort baking, these cookies combine the rich, molasses-y sweetness of brown sugar with the hearty chewiness of wholesome oats and, of course, plenty of melty chocolate chips. They are perfectly soft, delightfully chewy, and packed with an incredible depth of flavor that makes them utterly addictive. This recipe quickly became a top favorite, cherished for its ability to deliver pure, unadulterated cookie bliss with every bite. Ideal for sharing (or, let’s be honest, secretly hoarding for yourself!), these cookies are a timeless classic perfected. Bake a batch of these comforting oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.