Unveiling Your Favorites: Our Top 11 Most Popular Recipes of the Year
As another wonderful year draws to a close, it’s time for a moment of reflection and celebration here at Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts. Following a popular trend among fellow food enthusiasts, I decided to compile a list of our top 11 most-viewed and beloved posts from the past year. This special year-end review offers a fantastic opportunity for all our readers, especially those who have recently joined our culinary community, to discover the truly outstanding recipes that have captured the hearts and palates of so many.
It’s been an incredible journey of growth, learning, and sharing, particularly with the launch of our new site and the wonderful expansion of our reader family. Many of these cherished recipes might be appearing on your screen for the first time, and I am absolutely thrilled to bring them back into the spotlight. Get ready to explore a delectable mix of sweet treats, comforting dinners, and inventive snacks that have stood out as your absolute favorites. From decadent desserts that satisfy every sweet craving to savory delights perfect for any meal, this list showcases the diverse tastes that unite us. Each recipe on this list represents a moment of culinary joy shared within our community, a testament to deliciousness and accessibility. And believe me, the anticipation for 2012 is even greater, with countless more delicious creations and exciting culinary adventures waiting to be shared with you!
Counting Down Your Top 11 Favorite Recipes
Let’s dive into the countdown and rediscover what made these recipes so special and widely adored throughout the year.
#11 Twix Peanut Butter Brownies
Kicking off our list at number eleven are these incredibly decadent Twix Peanut Butter Brownies. Imagine a rich, fudgy brownie base, intensely chocolatey, then studded with generous chunks of everyone’s favorite candy bar – Twix! The unique combination of milk chocolate, crunchy biscuit, and chewy caramel from the Twix bars creates an amazing texture contrast against the soft, moist brownie. But it doesn’t stop there; the ingenious addition of creamy peanut butter infused into the brownie batter elevates this dessert to a whole new level of indulgence. It’s a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and utterly satisfying flavors that makes this a standout treat. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply satisfying a serious chocolate and peanut butter craving, it’s no wonder this recipe garnered so much attention from our readers.
#10 Homemade Nutella
At number ten, we have a recipe that speaks directly to my (and apparently, your!) slight obsession with Nutella: Homemade Nutella. While the store-bought version is undeniably delicious, there’s something truly magical and deeply satisfying about crafting your own chocolate-hazelnut spread from scratch. This recipe begins with freshly roasted hazelnuts, which are then blended to a smooth, creamy perfection, releasing their rich, aromatic oils. We then meticulously mix in high-quality cocoa powder, a touch of sweetener, and a few other simple ingredients to create a spread that is intensely flavorful, incredibly fresh, and free from unnecessary additives. The process is surprisingly simple, and the result is a velvety spread that’s perfect for toast, swirling into yogurt, drizzling over fruit, dolloping onto pancakes, or, let’s be honest, eating straight from the spoon. Its popularity highlights a growing desire for wholesome, homemade versions of beloved treats, and this recipe delivers on all fronts with superior taste and texture.
#9 Smokey Garlic Chicken Pasta
Securing the ninth spot is a savory sensation that proves an incredibly flavorful and comforting meal doesn’t have to be complicated: Smokey Garlic Chicken Pasta. This dish is a true testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. What makes this pasta particularly unique is its distinctive smokey flavor, subtly introduced by a hint of barbecue sauce and savory, crispy bacon pieces. Combined with tender, juicy chicken, an abundance of fragrant garlic, and a rich, creamy sauce, it transforms into a deeply satisfying and surprisingly gourmet experience. The inherent creaminess of the pasta beautifully balances the bold smokey notes, creating a complex yet approachable flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of palates. It’s a super easy recipe to whip up on a busy weeknight, yet it tastes like a dish you’d savor at a favorite restaurant. This recipe’s consistent popularity speaks to its perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and sophisticated taste, making it a recurring favorite for dinner.
#8 Chick Fil-A Chicken Nuggets
Coming in at number eight is a family favorite that brings the joy of a beloved fast-food classic right into your kitchen: our Homemade Chick-Fil-A Chicken Nuggets. My son’s absolute adoration for chicken nuggets sparked my mission to create a homemade version that could rival the beloved original. This recipe successfully captures that distinctive flavor, tender interior, and crispy exterior, providing a healthier and equally delicious alternative you can feel good about serving. The key to getting truly close to the authentic taste, as I discovered through much delicious experimentation, lies in using peanut oil for frying, which imparts that signature, subtle nutty flavor and incredibly crispy texture. These nuggets are perfectly seasoned, irresistibly crispy on the outside, and wonderfully juicy on the inside, making them a huge hit with kids and adults alike. It’s an exciting and rewarding experience to recreate such a popular fast-food item at home, proving that convenience, quality, and amazing taste can indeed go hand-in-hand.
#7 Strawberry Crumb Bars
Our seventh most popular recipe celebrates the vibrant, sweet flavors of summer in a delightful, portable form: Strawberry Crumb Bars. This recipe was born out of a delightful strawberry-picking adventure, leaving us with an abundance of fresh, juicy berries. These bars were one of the many wonderful creations to emerge from that bounty, and they quickly became a huge, resounding hit. Featuring a buttery, rich, and perfectly crumbly crust that ingeniously doubles as the topping, they sandwich a generous layer of sweet, slightly tangy, and wonderfully jammy strawberry filling. The balance of the rich, textural crust with the bright, vibrant strawberries is pure perfection in every bite. They were so popular they practically vanished at my husband’s work, proving their universal appeal. While absolutely fantastic with fresh strawberries, this incredibly versatile recipe can be adapted to almost any fruit, making it a perennial favorite for seasonal baking and a delightful snack or dessert anytime of the year.
#6 S’mores Bars
Securing the sixth spot, we bring the beloved campfire favorite indoors with our utterly irresistible S’mores Bars. S’mores are a quintessential summer treat, evoking cherished memories of warm nights, crackling fires, and good company. But why limit that pure joy to just a few months of the year? These convenient bars make it possible to enjoy the classic, comforting flavors of graham cracker, chocolate, and perfectly toasted marshmallow all year round, without the need for a bonfire or sticky fingers! They feature a delightful, buttery graham cracker crust, followed by a gooey, rich chocolate chip cookie base generously studded with fluffy, melted marshmallows. The grand finale is a topping of melted Hershey’s chocolate bars, creating that iconic crackle and melt that defines a perfect s’more. These bars are incredibly easy to make, transport, and share, making them a perfect dessert for any gathering, party, or a cozy night in. Their widespread popularity is a true testament to the timeless appeal of s’mores, now in a convenient, shareable, and delicious bar format.
#5 Nutella Cupcakes
It seems my obsession with Nutella is truly contagious, as our decadent Nutella Cupcakes land firmly at number five! These cupcakes are an absolute dream come true for any chocolate and hazelnut lover, combining rich, moist chocolate with the irresistible allure of Nutella. Each cupcake starts with a perfectly baked, decadent chocolate base, which is then generously filled with a creamy, luscious pocket of pure Nutella. But the indulgence doesn’t stop there; they are crowned with a smooth, rich, and utterly divine Nutella buttercream frosting that is piped high and beautiful. I’m practically drooling just thinking about these little guys and their intense, layered flavor profile. They offer a sophisticated yet playfully familiar twist on a classic dessert, making them perfect for celebrations, bake sales, or simply as a luxurious treat to brighten your day. Their consistent popularity clearly demonstrates that when it comes to Nutella, more is definitely, deliciously, more!
#4 Homemade Goldfish
Taking the fourth spot is a delightful and surprisingly simple recipe that brings a beloved childhood snack right into your kitchen: Homemade Goldfish Crackers. Ditching the store-bought box for a homemade version allows you complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a fresher, cheesier, and more wholesome cracker experience. Made with just a few basic ingredients like flour, real cheese, and butter, these savory crackers come together with remarkable ease. The absolute best part? This recipe includes ingenious, step-by-step instructions for creating your very own goldfish-shaped cutter, adding a fun, personalized, and engaging touch to your baking project. It’s a fantastic activity for families, providing a creative and wholesome cooking experience that results in a delicious, crispy snack. Perfect for lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon treat, these homemade cheese crackers are a testament to the joy of simple, from-scratch goodness, making them a consistent hit with our readers year after year.
#3 Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Brownies
Our bronze medalist, landing at number three, is a creation so rich, so indulgent, and so utterly irresistible, its name almost says it all: Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Brownies. This recipe is a true masterpiece of layered decadence, starting with an incredibly fudgy, dense, and deeply chocolatey brownie base. On top of this rich foundation lies a thick, utterly irresistible layer of raw peanut butter cookie dough – completely safe to eat and bursting with nutty flavor! But we certainly don’t stop there. The entire glorious confection is then lovingly drizzled with a luxurious chocolate ganache, followed by a sweet and perfectly salty peanut butter glaze, creating a stunning visual and flavor profile. Each bite is an explosion of harmonious textures and flavors: the chewiness of the brownie, the creamy delight of the cookie dough, and the smooth, rich finishes of the glazes. These are definitely for serious dessert lovers, offering an unparalleled level of richness and deliciousness that explains their soaring popularity among our readers.
#2 Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookie Bars
The runner-up in our popularity contest, gracing the highly coveted number two spot, is an absolute showstopper: Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookie Bars. This ingenious recipe answers the delicious question of “what happens when classic chocolate chip cookies meet creamy, dreamy cheesecake?” – and the result is nothing short of spectacular. Imagine the comforting chewiness of your favorite chocolate chip cookie, transformed into a buttery bar crust and a delightful crumbly topping. Sandwiched generously in between these layers is a rich, tangy, and incredibly smooth cheesecake layer, decadently studded with even more irresistible chocolate chips. The interplay of textures – the slight crispness of the cookie, the luxurious creaminess of the cheesecake, and the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate – creates an utterly irresistible experience in every bite. These bars are surprisingly easy to make for such an impressive dessert, offering all the joy of two classic favorites in one convenient, shareable, and absolutely divine form. They are oh-so-good and have deservedly earned their place as one of your top picks!
AND FINALLY, our undisputed champion for the entire year…
#1 Peanut Butter Bars
Taking the coveted number one position, the most popular recipe of the entire year, are our incredible Peanut Butter Bars! These truly iconic bars are a revelation for anyone who adores the classic, unbeatable combination of peanut butter and chocolate. What makes them an absolute winner, setting them apart from the competition? They are a fantastic no-bake wonder, meaning incredible flavor and ultimate ease of preparation go hand-in-hand. With a rich, dense, and perfectly sweet-and-salty peanut butter base that tastes remarkably similar to a beloved Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, topped with a smooth, firm, and glossy chocolate layer, they are pure perfection. The balance of sweet and salty is impeccable, and their simplicity makes them a go-to dessert for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. They are quick to assemble, require absolutely no oven time, and deliver maximum flavor impact with minimal effort. Their overwhelming popularity proves that sometimes, the simplest pleasures are the most profound and universally loved. These Peanut Butter Bars are not just a recipe; they’re a delightful, unforgettable phenomenon that everyone instantly adores!
Thank you to every single one of you who takes the time to read, comment, and share our culinary creations. It has been an absolutely wonderful year getting to know you better, connecting over our shared love for delicious food, and seeing these recipes come to life in your very own kitchens. Your enthusiasm, your feedback, and your unwavering support are the driving force behind everything we do here at Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts. I am genuinely looking forward to what 2012 holds, filled with even more innovative recipes, comforting classics, and exciting new treats that I simply cannot wait to share with all of you. Here’s to another year of delicious adventures, memorable meals, and countless moments of culinary joy!