Relive the Flavors: The Top 10 Most Popular Recipes of 2016 from Completely Delicious
And just like that, another year has gracefully passed us by. 2016 was undeniably a year of significant moments for our little family, a period of growth and reflection. Through all the ups and downs, one constant remained: my passion for baking, and your unwavering support for this blog. From the deepest part of my heart, thank you. Every single milestone, every moment of joy this blog has brought, is a testament to you, our incredible community of readers and fellow food enthusiasts. Your enthusiasm, your comments, and your shared experiences have truly shaped “Completely Delicious” into what it is today.
As we often do, it’s time to take a delightful stroll down memory lane and revisit the culinary highlights of the year. This special recap brings you the most popular posts of 2016 – the recipes that captured your hearts, filled your kitchens with tantalizing aromas, and became instant favorites. These aren’t just recipes; they are a collection of cherished moments, successful kitchen adventures, and truly delicious creations that resonated most with you. Get ready to rediscover some fantastic dishes and perhaps find a new old favorite!
1. Pioneer Woman’s Blackberry Cobbler: A Rustic Summer Delight
This unique and incredibly delicious blackberry cobbler earned its spot as a top favorite for good reason. It requires just a few minutes of prep, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings or impromptu gatherings. This recipe is a fantastic way to showcase the vibrant, sweet-tart flavor of fresh blackberries, transforming them into a warm, bubbly dessert with a tender, biscuit-like topping. Perfect for summer, it evokes a sense of rustic charm and homemade comfort. Serve it warm straight from the oven, perhaps with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, for an unforgettable treat that truly highlights the natural beauty of the berries. It’s simple, satisfying, and undeniably delicious.
2. Whipped Vanilla Buttercream Frosting: Your Go-To Frosting Solution
Every baker needs a reliable, show-stopping frosting recipe, and this Whipped Vanilla Buttercream Frosting is precisely that. Crowned as the lightest and fluffiest vanilla buttercream, it’s a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their baked goods. Its smooth, airy texture and rich, classic vanilla flavor make it incredibly versatile. Whether you’re frosting an elaborate layer cake, decorating a batch of cupcakes, piping onto cookies, or even just enjoying it by the spoonful, this buttercream delivers perfection every time. Its ease of preparation combined with its superior taste and texture ensures that your desserts will not only look professional but taste absolutely heavenly. It’s the essential vanilla frosting recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
3. Tangerine Sorbet Floats: A Sparkling, Celebratory Dessert
For those special occasions or simply when you want to add a touch of elegance to your dessert table, these Tangerine Sorbet Floats are an absolute revelation. Imagine vibrant scoops of refreshing homemade tangerine sorbet gently melting into effervescent sparkling wine. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience – light, bright, and incredibly sophisticated. The zesty notes of tangerine perfectly complement the dry crispness of champagne or prosecco, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It’s the perfect celebratory treat for New Year’s Eve, anniversaries, or any moment that calls for a touch of bubbly indulgence. Simple to assemble yet profoundly impressive, these floats promise to be a conversation starter at any gathering.
4. No-Bake Lime Cheesecake Bars: Zesty Refreshment, No Oven Needed
When the weather heats up, or you simply crave a dessert that requires minimal fuss, these No-bake Lime Cheesecake Bars are your ultimate solution. This recipe skyrocketed in popularity because it delivers all the creamy, tangy goodness of a classic cheesecake without ever needing to turn on your oven. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust as its foundation, topped with a lusciously smooth, zesty lime-infused cream cheese filling, these bars are a dream come true for dessert lovers. They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for entertaining, and provide a refreshing burst of citrus flavor that’s both invigorating and satisfying. Chill them, slice them, and enjoy the effortless delight of a truly sensational no-bake treat.
5. Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Doughnuts: Classic Comfort from Your Kitchen
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma and taste of homemade doughnuts, and these Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Doughnuts bring that nostalgic experience right into your kitchen. This recipe allows you to recreate those beloved glazed cake doughnuts you adore, but with the superior freshness and flavor that only homemade can offer. The secret lies in the buttermilk, which lends an incredible tenderness and subtle tang to the dough, resulting in a perfectly moist and flavorful cake doughnut. Once fried to golden perfection and generously coated in a sweet, simple glaze, they become an irresistible treat. Perfect for a weekend breakfast or a special brunch, these doughnuts are a timeless classic that will earn rave reviews.
6. Homemade Honey Graham Crackers: A Taste of Authenticity
Prepare to say goodbye to store-bought graham crackers forever once you try this recipe for Homemade Honey Graham Crackers. This wildly popular post highlights a truth every baker knows: homemade is almost always better. These graham crackers strike the perfect balance between slightly crisp and delightfully soft, a texture rarely found in their commercial counterparts. Infused with the warm, comforting sweetness of real honey, they boast an authentic flavor that is absolutely 100% tastier than anything you can purchase at the store. Ideal for s’mores, cheesecake crusts, or simply enjoyed as a wholesome snack, making these from scratch is a rewarding experience that yields an undeniably superior product.
7. Best Strawberry Jam: Elevating a Classic Preserve
Making homemade jam is a labor of love that yields incredibly rewarding results, and this recipe for the Best Strawberry Jam became a reader sensation for a reason. While basic strawberry jam is already delightful, this recipe introduces a few “secret ingredients” that truly elevate it from great to absolutely fabulous. These carefully selected additions enhance the natural sweetness and vibrant fruitiness of the strawberries, creating a jam with unparalleled depth of flavor and perfect consistency. Imagine spreading this luscious, ruby-red jam on your morning toast, stirring it into yogurt, or using it as a filling for tarts. It’s a quintessential taste of summer, beautifully preserved, and a testament to the magic that simple, quality ingredients can create.
8. Cinnamon Roll Biscuits: The Ultimate Breakfast Hybrid
Why choose between a buttery, flaky biscuit and a sweet, cinnamon-swirled cinnamon roll when you can have both? This ingenious recipe for Cinnamon Roll Biscuits captured many hearts, offering the best of both worlds in one quick, easy, and utterly scrumptious breakfast treat. It delivers the comforting warmth and irresistible sweetness of a classic cinnamon roll, combined with the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture of a freshly baked biscuit. Perfect for a leisurely weekend morning or when you crave something special but don’t have hours for traditional yeast rolls, these biscuits are a delightful revelation. Drizzle them with a simple glaze, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “good morning!”
9. Lemon Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil: A Bright and Easy Weeknight Meal
Sometimes, the simplest ingredients combine to create the most extraordinary flavors, and this Lemon Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil is a perfect example. This quick and easy pasta dish became a firm favorite for its vibrant freshness and effortless preparation. Featuring linguine coated in a light, creamy lemon sauce, it’s beautifully enhanced by the burst of juicy fresh tomatoes and the aromatic perfume of fresh basil. It’s a meal that tastes like a sunny Mediterranean holiday, yet it comes together in minutes, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner or a light lunch. This recipe proves that you don’t need complex ingredients to create something truly delicious and satisfyingly flavorful.
10. Quick and Easy Pizza Dough: Your Homemade Pizza Night Secret
Ending our 2016 recap is a recipe that empowers every home cook to create restaurant-quality pizza right in their own kitchen: our Quick and Easy Pizza Dough. What makes this recipe so incredibly popular is its astounding efficiency – requiring only 30 minutes of active prep time, it transforms pizza night from a laborious task into a fun, family-friendly activity. Forget store-bought crusts; this homemade dough delivers a superior texture and flavor that is unmatched. It’s the perfect canvas for all your favorite toppings, allowing you to customize your pizza exactly how you like it. Fast, foolproof, and fantastically delicious, this pizza dough is a must-have in every aspiring pizzaiolo’s repertoire.
Explore More Culinary Journeys
Thank you once again for making 2016 such a memorable year for “Completely Delicious.” Your engagement fuels our passion for sharing delightful recipes and culinary inspiration. We hope this look back has inspired you to revisit some old favorites or discover new ones to add to your repertoire. May your kitchens always be filled with joy, and your tables with delicious food!
If you enjoyed this trip down memory lane, you might also love exploring our most popular posts from previous years. Dive into the archives and uncover even more timeless recipes:
- Our Top 10 Recipes of 2015
- The Best of 2014
- Most Popular Posts of 2013
- 12 Favorite Recipes of 2012
- My Favorite Recipes of 2011
- Favorites from 2010
Happy baking, and here’s to many more delicious years together!