Best Baking Recipes of 2011: A Delicious Look Back and What’s Ahead for 2012
As another year gracefully concludes, it’s truly astonishing how quickly time sweeps by. Looking back at 2011, the first half seems like a delightful blur of creativity and kitchen experiments, while the latter part of the year was beautifully enveloped in the exciting anticipation of a new arrival joining our family in the Spring. Amidst all these personal milestones and life transitions, one comforting constant remained: my deep-seated passion for baking. Indeed, 2011 was, without a doubt, a year generously filled with flour, sugar, and countless memorable moments spent in the warmth of my kitchen. It was a journey of delicious discovery, a reaffirmation of comforting classics, and an exploration into some truly unexpected and delightful culinary territories.
Compiling this list of my absolute favorite baking recipes from the past year was an enjoyable, albeit incredibly challenging, endeavor. How does one choose just a handful of favorites when every single bake holds a special place in your heart, not to mention your stomach? Each recipe carries a memory, a story, or a particular triumph. After much joyful deliberation and a fair bit of re-tasting (purely for research purposes, of course!), I’ve managed to narrow it down to my top selections—recipes that not only delivered extraordinary flavors but also brought immense joy, sparked creative inspiration, or simply became instant, cherished classics in our home. My sincere hope is that these chosen recipes will inspire you to revisit some beloved old favorites or perhaps try something wonderfully new in your own kitchen.
Before we dive into the delicious details of each bake, I want to take a heartfelt moment to express my profound gratitude to all of you, my wonderful readers. Your thoughtful comments, encouraging emails, and unwavering support mean more to me than words can convey. It is incredibly flattering and genuinely exhilarating to know that you continue to return to Completely Delicious for inspiration, guidance, and, of course, delicious recipes. Your engagement, your questions, and your shared experiences truly fuel my passion and make this entire blogging journey so much more rewarding and meaningful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being such an integral and cherished part of this vibrant community.
And so, as we lovingly bid farewell to the memories and flavors of 2011, let’s raise a metaphorical toast to the promise and potential of 2012! I sincerely wish that the coming year is filled with the successful realization of your most cherished goals, the deepening and nurturing of meaningful relationships, and, most importantly, an abundance of fantastic food to share, savor, and enjoy. May your kitchens be busy hubs of creativity, your tables laden with delicious feasts, and your hearts overflowing with contentment and joy. Here’s to another year of culinary adventures!
My Top 10+ Favorite Baking Recipes from 2011: A Culinary Highlight Reel
It was truly nearly impossible to limit this list to just ten, as so many wonderful recipes emerged from my kitchen this year. So, without further ado, here are eleven extraordinary bakes that left an indelible mark and truly stood out as the best of 2011. Each one tells a story of flavor, technique, and pure enjoyment!
1. Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
If there’s one recipe that undeniably elevated the humble chocolate chip cookie to an unparalleled art form for me this year, it is these magnificent Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. The seemingly simple act of browning butter transforms the entire flavor profile of an already beloved classic, introducing a profound nutty, caramel-like depth that is simply beyond irresistible. This isn’t merely a cookie; it’s an exquisite experience, a culinary revelation that you’ll crave again and again. Each bite delivers a perfect symphony of textures: delightfully chewy edges, a wonderfully soft and slightly gooey center, and generous pockets of rich, melted chocolate. I truly don’t mind bragging a little about these; in my humble opinion, they are damn near perfect. They’ve quickly become my absolute go-to recipe, a testament to how a small, intentional tweak in preparation can yield absolutely extraordinary results, making them an essential try for any serious cookie enthusiast. They’re fantastic for sharing, but be warned – they are equally dangerous to have all to yourself!
2. Clementine Buttermilk Scones
Kicking off the new year with an invigorating burst of bright, seasonal flavor, these Clementine Buttermilk Scones were an immediate and resounding hit. They are delightfully simple and straightforward to prepare, making them an ideal choice for a relaxed weekend breakfast, an elegant brunch spread, or even a sophisticated afternoon tea. The subtle tang of buttermilk is key, ensuring an incredibly tender, moist crumb, while the vibrant zest and fragrant juice of fresh clementines infuse each scone with a wonderfully aromatic, citrusy essence and taste. This recipe provides a fantastic and flavorful way to utilize abundant winter citrus, bringing a welcome ray of sunshine into even the chilliest of days. Pair them simply with a dollop of clotted cream, a spoonful of jam, or a delicate glaze, and you’ll discover a pastry that feels both remarkably sophisticated and utterly comforting. These scones truly proved that sometimes, the simplest, most wholesome ingredients can collaborate to create the most memorable and satisfying bakes.
3. How to Build a Layer Cake (and Yellow Cake with Fudge Buttercream)
While this particular entry isn’t a recipe in the traditional sense, this comprehensive and incredibly popular tutorial on How to Build a Layer Cake was one of my most visited and rewarding posts of the entire year. It meticulously delves into the essential techniques and insider tips required to construct a truly stunning, perfectly structured cake, guiding you through every step from leveling layers with precision to applying a flawless crumb coat and achieving a beautiful final frosting. There’s an immense and deeply satisfying sense of accomplishment that comes with mastering the art of the layer cake, transforming simple ingredients into a truly show-stopping centerpiece dessert. This post empowered countless home bakers, myself included, to confidently tackle more ambitious and impressive baking projects. The specific recipe elegantly featured within the tutorial, a timeless classic known as Yellow Cake with Fudge Buttercream, is equally exceptional. It represents a perfectly harmonious combination – the moist, rich, and tender yellow cake providing the ideal canvas for a luxurious, intensely decadent fudge buttercream. This dynamic duo truly encapsulates the profound joy found in both mastering foundational baking skills and indulging in truly unforgettable flavors.
4. Basil Ice Cream
Prepare to have your taste buds utterly delighted and delightfully surprised! This innovative Basil Ice Cream was, without a doubt, one of the more unusual, yet incredibly delicious, dishes to emerge from my kitchen this past year. It’s precisely the kind of recipe that instantly sparks curiosity and then utterly captivates with its refreshing, subtly herbaceous notes, which are so beautifully intertwined with the creamy sweetness of a classic ice cream base. My husband, who is always an adventurous and open-minded eater, would likely declare this his absolute favorite dessert of the entire year – truly a high compliment from a discerning palate! The fresh basil infuses the rich cream with a delicate, almost peppery essence that brilliantly cuts through the richness, creating a wonderfully balanced, sophisticated, and unexpectedly light treat. It’s absolutely perfect for a warm summer evening, serving as a unique and refreshing palate cleanser, or simply as an unexpected dessert that will leave your guests talking. This creation truly proves that culinary innovation, when done right, can lead to truly memorable and delicious desserts. Seriously, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it – it’s surprisingly yummy and remarkably refreshing!
5. Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies
These incredibly simple yet utterly addictive Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies continue to be a runaway hit with absolutely everyone who has the pleasure of trying them, and it’s remarkably easy to understand their widespread appeal. Their genius lies in their sheer simplicity: crafted with just four core ingredients, they effortlessly deliver an intense, deeply satisfying, and authentic peanut butter flavor that shines through. The texture is nothing short of perfect – delightfully chewy with subtly crisp edges, making them exceptionally difficult to resist. What makes them even more remarkable? They are naturally gluten-free, positioning them as an excellent and inclusive choice for those with dietary restrictions or anyone simply seeking a wholesome yet incredibly delicious treat. They come together in a flash, require no fancy equipment or elaborate techniques, and are virtually guaranteed to disappear rapidly from any cookie plate. These cookies are a true testament to the timeless baking philosophy that sometimes, less truly is more, proving that exceptional flavor doesn’t always require a long list of ingredients.
6. Summer Berry Pie
Few culinary creations manage to evoke the sheer warmth, abundance, and carefree spirit of summer quite as perfectly as a lovingly baked berry pie. This exquisite Summer Berry Pie delivers on every single promise. Imagine a vibrant, jeweled medley of ripe, incredibly juicy berries – whether it’s the classic combination of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, or whatever fresh delights you find at your local market – all nestled exquisitely within a golden, impossibly flaky, and tender pie crust. The natural, inherent sweetness of the fruit, beautifully complemented by just the right hint of tartness, culminates in a truly sublime and harmonious flavor experience. This pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a heartfelt celebration of seasonal produce, elegantly simple in its presentation yet profound in its rich, comforting taste. Whether served warm with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, allowing the fruit juices to meld with the melting cream, or chilled for a wonderfully refreshing treat on a hot day, it embodies the very essence of summer and the pure joy of classic, homemade desserts. It’s the kind of pie that encourages you to close your eyes, savor every single bite, and remember exactly why you love baking.
7. Dashboard Chocolate Chip Cookies
Yes, you absolutely read that right – two distinct chocolate chip cookie recipes earned a coveted spot in my top list this year, and for a truly unique and compelling reason! These aren’t just any ordinary cookies; these remarkable Dashboard Chocolate Chip Cookies were famously baked right inside my car, cleverly harnessing the power of the sun! This truly unique culinary experiment was not only incredibly fun and engaging but also surprisingly successful, unequivocally proving that delicious, home-style baking isn’t always strictly confined to the traditional kitchen environment. It offered a fantastic and eco-friendly way to explore alternative baking methods and enjoy a warm, freshly baked treat on the go, or perhaps just to delight and impress your friends and family with a truly unconventional cooking story. While the concept might sound unorthodox, the results were unequivocally delightful – perfectly melted chocolate chips nestled in a satisfyingly chewy texture, all without turning on an oven. It’s a playful, innovative twist on a timeless classic, absolutely perfect for a sunny day and for anyone with a wonderful sense of culinary adventure.
8. Peach Sangria Sorbet
Last summer, I found myself utterly enchanted and completely obsessed with the refreshing and vibrant flavors of sangria, and that delightful obsession naturally led to the innovative creation of this exquisite Peach Sangria Sorbet. This sorbet masterfully captures all the vibrant, fruity essence of a classic sangria – from the luscious sweetness of perfectly ripe peaches to subtle hints of zesty citrus, and a gentle, sophisticated whisper of wine – all beautifully transformed into a wonderfully icy, utterly refreshing, and supremely palate-cleansing frozen dessert. On a scorching hot summer day, when the sun beats down relentlessly, there is truly nothing better to cool you down and invigorate your senses. Its light, incredibly refreshing quality makes it the absolute perfect end to a casual BBQ, a delightful poolside treat, or a sophisticated dessert for any summer gathering. This sorbet isn’t just a dessert; it’s a vibrant celebration of summer itself, offering a surprisingly sophisticated yet incredibly satisfying burst of flavor with every single spoonful. It’s a bright, boozy (or easily made non-boozy for a virgin version) delight that perfectly embodies those carefree, long summer days.
9. Cranberries and Cream Tart
This stunning Cranberries and Cream Tart made a truly memorable appearance towards the end of 2011, quickly establishing itself as a firm holiday favorite. What I loved most about this tart is the utterly delightful interplay of its distinct and carefully crafted components, each one contributing harmoniously to an absolutely incredible symphony of flavors and textures. The journey begins with a buttery, subtly sweet pecan cookie crust, which provides a wonderful, satisfying crunch and nutty aroma. This foundation is then generously filled with a rich, velvety cream cheese filling that simply melts in your mouth, offering a luxurious smoothness. Finally, it’s elegantly crowned with a glistening, vibrant homemade cranberry sauce – bursting with refreshingly tart, bright notes that perfectly cut through and balance the richness of the creamy layers below. Together, these thoughtfully designed layers create a dessert that is both sophisticated and deeply satisfying, making it an ideal choice for festive holiday gatherings or any special occasion that calls for a truly showstopping sweet. It’s a testament to how meticulous layering and contrasting flavors can elevate a simple tart into something truly extraordinary.
10. Apple Gouda Hand Pies
For what truly felt like ages, these intriguing Apple Gouda Hand Pies patiently languished on my ever-growing “to-bake” list – a recipe that had captured my curiosity and anticipation for quite some time. This past fall, I finally made them a delicious reality, and oh, what an incredibly satisfying reality it proved to be! This unique pastry offers an unexpectedly delightful and harmonious combination of flavors: the comforting, familiar sweetness of tender baked apples and warm, aromatic cinnamon is perfectly complemented by the subtle, nutty, and slightly sharp notes of savory Gouda cheese. Encased within a golden, impossibly flaky, and buttery pastry crust, these hand pies are the very epitome of cozy, yet sophisticated comfort food. They’re absolutely perfect for a brisk autumn day, a charming picnic, or simply as a deeply satisfying and unique snack. The delightful interplay between the savory and sweet elements makes them incredibly distinctive and utterly irresistible – a shining testament to how sometimes the very best and most memorable flavors emerge from the most unconventional and daring pairings. It was an absolute joy to finally bring this long-awaited bake to life and share its unique deliciousness.
Reflecting on these diverse and delightful culinary highlights of 2011 fills me with such warmth, satisfaction, and profound gratitude. Each recipe, in its own unique way, tells a story, marks a cherished moment, and represents the simple yet profound joy of creating something truly delicious from scratch. Baking, to me, is so much more than merely combining ingredients; it’s an act of sharing love, celebrating life’s precious moments, and embarking on continuous explorations of new and exciting flavors. From comforting, classic cookies to unexpectedly adventurous ice cream, this past year’s journey in the kitchen has been truly enriching and endlessly inspiring.
Looking Ahead: What Culinary Adventures Await in 2012?
As we gracefully transition into 2012, I am absolutely brimming with excitement for all the new possibilities that await, both in life and, of course, in the vibrant world of the kitchen. There’s a whole new universe of ingredients to discover, innovative techniques to master, and countless exciting flavors to explore. I am eager to continue experimenting, to refine and perfect beloved classic recipes, and to share even more delicious, inspiring creations with all of you, my cherished readers. My goal is to keep the ovens warm and the ideas flowing, making every year an even more delicious adventure.
Now, I would absolutely love to hear from you, my wonderful community! What was the absolute best thing you baked in 2011? Perhaps it was a treasured family recipe passed down through generations, a challenging new technique you proudly mastered, or a wonderfully simple treat that brought you immense, unadulterated joy? As we look forward, what new culinary adventures, ingredients, or baking challenges are you most eager to try and explore in 2012? Are there any specific types of recipes, particular ingredients you’re curious about, or unique baking themes you’d love to see featured here on Completely Delicious? Your invaluable feedback, brilliant ideas, and enthusiastic suggestions are always incredibly welcome and serve as endless inspiration for future content and shared baking experiences.
Thank you once again, from the very bottom of my heart, for being such an integral and inspiring part of this delicious journey. Here’s to a year filled with fresh starts, renewed energy, boundless creativity, and, most importantly, countless wonderful baking adventures in 2012!