The Top 10 Most Loved Recipes of 2015: A Culinary Journey Through Our Bestsellers

As the curtain falls on another incredible year, it’s truly astounding how quickly time flies! 2015 was an unforgettable journey for our family, marked by significant milestones. We experienced a big move to the desert and had the immense joy of welcoming a precious new baby boy into our lives. Despite the whirlwind of changes, exciting new adventures, and the beautiful chaos that comes with them, one thing remained constant: my passion for baking and cooking, and your unwavering support. From the deepest corners of my heart, thank you. This blog has flourished and become what it is today, all because of you, our amazing community of readers and fellow food enthusiasts.

Every year-end brings a moment of reflection, and this time, we’re taking a delightful look back at the most popular recipes that captivated your taste buds in 2015. It comes as no surprise that the sweet treats dominate this delicious list – after all, who can resist a good dessert? (Certainly not me!) However, what truly stands out this year is the strong presence of a few savory masterpieces that brilliantly carved their way into the top 10. And for a thrilling twist, our absolute #1 recipe isn’t a dessert at all! Prepare to be surprised as we count down to discover which incredible dish claimed the top spot. Let’s dive into this culinary recap and revisit the flavors that defined our year!

#10 — Red Velvet Cupcakes

Kicking off our top 10 list are these timeless Red Velvet Cupcakes. A true dessert icon, these vibrant, moist cupcakes, crowned with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting, captured countless hearts (and stomachs!) throughout 2015. Their subtle cocoa flavor and signature crimson hue make them not just a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes, perfect for any celebration or simply a delightful indulgence. It’s clear that classic comfort food with a touch of elegance always finds a special place in your kitchens. These cupcakes are consistently a favorite, a testament to their enduring appeal and deliciousness.

#9 — Sugar Cookie Layer Cake

At number nine, we have the whimsical and wonderfully delicious Sugar Cookie Layer Cake. Imagine all the charm and buttery sweetness of your favorite sugar cookies, transformed into an impressive, fluffy cake. This recipe proved to be a hit, especially during festive seasons, offering a delightful alternative to traditional cakes. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing for endless decoration possibilities with sprinkles, frosting, and more, making it a go-to for birthdays, holidays, or simply when you crave a taste of pure nostalgia. Its popularity speaks volumes about its irresistible charm and simple, comforting flavor.

#8 — Chocolate Cola Cake with Toasted Coconut and Pecan Icing

Securing the eighth spot is our intriguing Chocolate Cola Cake with Toasted Coconut and Pecan Icing. This recipe is a fantastic example of how a simple ingredient can elevate a classic dessert to new heights. The cola adds a subtle fizz and depth to the chocolate cake, resulting in an incredibly moist and flavorful crumb that is hard to resist. Paired with a luscious icing featuring toasted coconut and crunchy pecans, it creates a symphony of textures and tastes that dance on the palate. It’s a bold, southern-inspired delight that clearly resonated with many of you looking for a unique chocolate experience, combining familiar flavors in an exciting new way.

#7 — Mushroom Ragu and Cheesy Polenta

Breaking into the sweet dominance at number seven is our hearty and comforting Mushroom Ragu and Cheesy Polenta. This vegetarian powerhouse offers a rich, earthy ragu brimming with assorted mushrooms, slow-cooked to perfection in a savory tomato sauce, and served over a bed of creamy, cheesy polenta. It’s a dish that embodies warmth and satisfaction, making it a perfect meal for cozy evenings or a fulfilling Sunday dinner. Its popularity proves that a well-crafted savory dish can be just as beloved as any dessert, especially when it delivers such profound flavors, comforting textures, and a truly satisfying experience.

#6 — Blueberry Galettes

At number six, we celebrate the rustic charm of our Blueberry Galettes. These free-form pies are not only incredibly delicious but also beautifully simple to make, perfect for showcasing the natural sweetness of fresh blueberries. Encased in a flaky, buttery crust and baked until golden, they offer a delightful balance of fruit and pastry with every bite. Their effortless elegance and adaptability – you can use almost any seasonal fruit, from peaches to apples – made them a summer favorite and a year-round hit for those seeking a less fussy, yet utterly satisfying, dessert. Their homemade appeal is simply irresistible.

#5 — Maple Bundt Cake

Halfway through our list, at number five, we find the warm and inviting Maple Bundt Cake. This cake perfectly captures the essence of autumn, with its rich, aromatic maple flavor infused into a moist and tender crumb. Drizzled with a sweet maple glaze that cascades down its beautiful ridges, it’s a showstopper that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum impact. Whether served as a delightful breakfast treat, a sophisticated dessert, or an afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of coffee, its comforting flavors made it an instant classic and a clear favorite among our readers, bringing warmth to any occasion.

#4 — Lemon Olive Oil Cake

Taking the fourth spot is the unexpectedly delightful Lemon Olive Oil Cake. This cake is a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can create something extraordinary. The olive oil lends an incredibly moist texture and a subtle, fruity depth that perfectly complements the bright, zesty notes of fresh lemon. It’s elegant, sophisticated, and surprisingly light, making it a fantastic choice for brunches, afternoon teas, or a refreshing dessert after a meal. Its unique flavor profile and refined simplicity clearly captivated our audience, offering a sophisticated twist on a classic cake.

#3 — Chocolate “Chipless” Cookies

Cracking the top three, we have a true revelation: the Chocolate “Chipless” Cookies. This recipe boldly challenges the classic chocolate chip cookie, proving that sometimes, less is indeed more. These cookies deliver all the chewy, buttery goodness you love, but without the chocolate chips, allowing the rich vanilla and brown sugar flavors to truly shine. They offer a nostalgic taste of home, a simple pleasure that surprised many with its addictive qualities. It’s a testament to the power of a perfectly balanced cookie base and proof that you don’t always need chocolate to make an incredibly popular treat. Give them a try, you might just find a new favorite!

#2 — Easy Fudge Buttercream Frosting

Climbing to an impressive second place is a recipe that’s perhaps not a standalone dessert, but an essential component that elevates countless baked goods: our Easy Fudge Buttercream Frosting. This incredibly simple yet decadent frosting recipe quickly became a favorite for its smooth, rich, and intensely chocolatey flavor. It’s the perfect topping for cakes, cupcakes, brownies, or even enjoyed straight off the spoon! Its versatility, ease of preparation, and utterly delicious taste made it an indispensable tool in many home bakers’ arsenals, proving that sometimes, the supporting act can steal the show and become a star in its own right. A truly essential recipe for any sweet tooth!

And #1 — Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash and Cheese

And now, for the reigning champion of 2015, the dish that defied expectations and captured the top spot: our amazing Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash and Cheese! This incredibly satisfying and flavorful savory dish proved that wholesome, comforting meals can be just as beloved as the sweetest desserts. Spaghetti squash is baked until tender, its strands are mixed with a creamy, cheesy filling, and then returned to its shell for a second bake until golden and bubbly. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional pasta dishes, packed with flavor, and offers a wonderful textural experience that even picky eaters will love. Its immense popularity is a fantastic testament to the fact that delicious, nourishing food truly resonates with our readers. We’re thrilled to see a savory dish take the crown and become the most sought-after recipe of the year!

What an absolutely delicious and memorable year it has been! Reflecting on these top 10 recipes fills us with joy and gratitude for your continued enthusiasm for baking and cooking. Each dish tells a story, a memory, and a taste of what made 2015 so special in our culinary adventures. We are incredibly excited for what 2016 will bring to our kitchen and yours, promising even more delightful recipes, innovative twists, and shared experiences.

Did your personal favorites make our list, or is there a hidden gem from 2015 that you think deserved more recognition? We’d love to hear about your most cherished recipes from the year in the comments below! Here’s to countless more delicious moments, new culinary discoveries, and joyful cooking in the years to come!

Other Culinary Recaps from Previous Years

Top 10 Recipes of 2014