Happy New Year! While the calendar might have turned weeks ago, marking a fresh start to 2019, the spirit of reflection and anticipation for what lies ahead remains vibrant. We sincerely hope you enjoyed a wonderful holiday season, filled with joy, warmth, and delicious treats, and that you’re now feeling invigorated and ready to embrace the opportunities of another year. Personally, I find immense value in beginning each year with a dedicated period of reflection and mindful goal setting. Though it might sound like a well-worn cliché, this practice has been a cornerstone of my annual routine for many years, making it feel incredibly natural and essential to my personal growth. I completely understand that this approach isn’t for everyone, but for those who find solace and direction in setting intentions, the start of a new year truly presents a magnificent opportunity to re-center and refocus on the aspects of life that matter most. Whether your priorities lie in fostering better health, nurturing relationships with family and friends, advancing your career, achieving a harmonious work-life balance, deepening your faith, or strengthening your finances – or any combination thereof – this is the perfect moment to define your aspirations. If you’re intrigued by goal setting but unsure where to begin, I highly recommend exploring this insightful goal setting series; it offers fantastic guidance to get you started on your journey.
As we eagerly look forward to all the exciting possibilities and delicious creations that 2019 promises to bring, it’s also incredibly fun and informative to cast a glance back and discover what truly captured your hearts and taste buds last year. Here at The Cake Blog, we’ve delved deep into our extensive archives, analyzing the performance of over 1100 meticulously crafted posts. We’ve crunched the numbers, meticulously examining page views and reader comments, to unearth the absolute favorites that resonated most with our incredible community throughout 2018. This retrospective is more than just a list; it’s a celebration of your enthusiasm, your baking adventures, and the flavors that consistently brought joy to your kitchens. Join us as we count down the most popular posts from the past year, starting from number 10 and building anticipation all the way to the highly coveted number 1 spot. One clear trend emerged: fresh, vibrant flavors continued to dominate, with fruit-based recipes once again reigning supreme. Get ready to rediscover some classics and perhaps find new inspiration in the recipes and tutorials that topped the charts!
10 ) KEY LIME CUPCAKES
These Key Lime Cupcakes stole hearts with their perfectly balanced tangy and sweet profile. Imagine light, incredibly fluffy cupcakes, each bite bursting with the unmistakable zest and juice of key limes. They are generously crowned with a luscious, tangy-sweet lime frosting that perfectly complements the cake, and finished with a delicate sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs, adding a delightful textural contrast. This recipe, expertly crafted by Lindsay Conchar, truly captures the essence of a refreshing dessert. Readers, like Denise, couldn’t stop raving, describing them as “Amazing Key Lime Cupcakes!!!” and confirming that “Recipe was perfect as written, silky soft cupcakes, in a very good way!! Thanks!!!” It’s clear why these zesty treats made it into the top 10; they offer a sophisticated yet comforting flavor that’s hard to resist.
9 ) BLACKBERRY LIME CAKE
Securing the ninth spot is the exquisite Blackberry Lime Cake, a true masterpiece of flavor and presentation by Carrie Sellman. This cake boasts a tender, moist crumb, subtly infused with fragrant lime zest that brightens every mouthful. Each layer is lovingly frosted with a rich and creamy blackberry buttercream, creating a beautiful contrast in both color and taste. The cake is then elegantly adorned with fresh, juicy blackberries and delicate edible flowers, making it as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. Patrice, a delighted reader, exemplified the widespread adoration, sharing, “Just made this for my sons birthday party… The cake was so smooth and moist. This is also my first time making Swiss buttercream and it was sooooooo goooooood. Very happy with the way it came out! One of my guests said it was the best birthday cake she had ever had! Fun recipe, thoroughly enjoyed making and eating!” This comment beautifully encapsulates the magic of this cake, highlighting its exceptional texture, delicious frosting, and show-stopping appeal.
8 ) CHOCOLATE TULIP CAKE
Breaking from the fruit-forward trend, the Chocolate Tulip Cake tutorial captured the imagination of bakers everywhere, landing at number eight. This ingenious guide by Erin Gardner doesn’t offer a cake recipe, but rather a brilliant technique for creating stunning, professional-looking tulip cake decorations using a surprisingly simple method: melted chocolate and a plastic spoon! It’s a testament to the fact that beautiful cake artistry doesn’t always require expensive tools or advanced skills. This tutorial empowered countless home bakers to elevate their desserts with elegant, edible floral designs. Fiona’s enthusiastic response, “Stunning love the use of a spoon to make those petals, clever you!”, perfectly mirrors the sentiment of many who were amazed by the creativity and simplicity of this decorating hack. It’s an essential resource for anyone looking to add a touch of sophistication to their chocolate cakes or other baked goods.
7 ) LEMON LAVENDER CUPCAKES
At number seven, we find the enchanting Lemon Lavender Cupcakes, another delightful creation from Lindsay Conchar. These cupcakes offer a sophisticated flavor profile that truly sets them apart. They are easy to make, featuring light and airy lemon-infused cupcakes topped with a delicate lavender buttercream frosting that provides a subtle floral note. The presentation is elevated with a sprinkle of fragrant lavender flowers and a thin slice of fresh lemon, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious. This recipe proved to be a popular choice for special occasions, with Vicki sharing her delightful experience: “I just made these for my best friend’s birthday and we LOVED them. The cake is so light and fluffy!” The combination of bright lemon and aromatic lavender creates a memorable taste experience that earned these cupcakes a well-deserved spot on our list of reader favorites.
6 ) GIANT DONUT CAKE
Who doesn’t love a donut, especially one that’s supersized and covered in sprinkles? The Giant Donut Cake tutorial by Cakegirls landed at number six, proving that playful and imaginative cake designs continue to be incredibly popular. This fun and detailed guide shows you exactly how to transform a simple cake into an adorable, sprinkle-coated giant donut that’s an absolute showstopper for any birthday party, regardless of age. It’s a fantastic alternative to traditional cakes, bringing an element of whimsical charm to any celebration. Sophia, a happy user, raved, “Hi! I used your tutorial to make this giant donut cake for my baby girl’s Dinos and Donuts 2nd birthday party, and it turned out absolutely fantastic!” This tutorial is perfect for anyone looking to create a memorable and Instagram-worthy centerpiece that will delight both kids and adults alike, proving that creativity in baking knows no bounds.
5 ) CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE CAKE
For the devoted chocolate enthusiasts, our Chocolate Truffle Cake claimed the fifth spot, a testament to the enduring appeal of truly decadent chocolate desserts. This isn’t just any chocolate cake; it’s a rich, luxurious experience designed to satisfy the deepest cravings. The recipe features a dense, intensely moist chocolate cake that serves as the perfect foundation. It’s then lavishly enrobed in a silky-smooth chocolate truffle frosting that simply melts in your mouth, and finally, garnished with delicate chocolate flakes for an extra touch of elegance and texture. Pauline’s comment perfectly sums up its allure: “Made this cake last summer for a small garden party – it was absolutely delicious, this is now one of my ‘bestie’ cake recipes. Thank you.” This cake is a must-try for special occasions or whenever you need an unforgettable chocolate indulgence, solidifying its status as a timeless favorite among our readers.
4 ) HOW TO BUILD A CAKE LIKE A PRO
Beyond recipes, our readers also have a keen interest in mastering fundamental baking techniques, which is why “How to Build a Cake Like a Pro” soared to number four. This invaluable tutorial by Erin Gardner is a game-changer for anyone aspiring to create beautifully structured, perfectly balanced layer cakes. It meticulously guides you through the essential steps of leveling your cake layers for even height, splitting them for multiple fillings, and most importantly, filling them precisely to prevent any dreaded bulging. These are the foundational skills that elevate a homemade cake from good to truly professional. Michael Lee eloquently expressed his appreciation for the insights: “Before reading this article, I would have never thought about ensuring that the filling is all done without bulging. I like frosting to be soft so that it is easier to spread. Next time I am making a layered cake, I’ll be sure to try and see what happens if I chill the frosting first.” This tutorial proves that investing in proper technique is just as crucial as a great recipe for achieving baking excellence.
3 ) BAKING TEMPERATURE COMPARISON
Securing the third spot, the “Baking Temperature Comparison” by Summer Stone highlights our readers’ passion for understanding the science behind successful baking. This isn’t a recipe, but a critical baking experiment that offers profound insights into one of the most overlooked aspects of baking: oven accuracy. Through a fascinating side-by-side comparison, the post vividly illustrates why precise oven temperature isn’t just a suggestion, but a crucial factor that directly impacts the texture, rise, and overall quality of your baked goods. It debunks common misconceptions and empowers bakers with knowledge to achieve consistent results. Shirlee’s feedback perfectly captures the value of this resource: “This information is so wonderful and just what I have been for looking for to help me bake better. I love the science and pictures. You are a great teacher.” This educational piece has become an indispensable guide for anyone serious about elevating their baking game, proving that knowledge is power in the kitchen.
2 ) LEMON POPPYSEED CAKE
The penultimate spot, number two, goes to the irresistible Lemon Poppyseed Cake, another triumph from Carrie Sellman. This tender layer cake is a symphony of bright, citrusy flavors, invigorated with generous amounts of fresh lemon juice and fragrant lemon zest, along with the delightful textural pop of poppy seeds. Each layer is lovingly blanketed in a tangy-sweet lemon cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements the cake’s vibrant character. It’s a beautifully balanced dessert that offers both comfort and a burst of sunshine. Linda, a baking novice, shared her impressive success story: “I am new at this baking thing and I must say your recipe was a success! My layers were perfect and the taste was spot on. I’ve tried several Lemon cakes and they have not been successful. Now I’m looking forward to trying your Blueberry Lemon …sounds yummy! Thanks so much.” This enthusiastic endorsement from a beginner truly underscores the clarity and reliability of the recipe, making it a firm favorite for both new and experienced bakers.
1 ) LEMON BLUEBERRY CAKE
And now, for the reigning champion! The most popular post of 2018, hands down, is the magnificent Lemon Blueberry Cake, another incredible recipe by Carrie Sellman. This cake perfectly embodies everything our readers loved: fresh, vibrant fruit flavors combined with impeccable baking. It features tender cake layers, bursting with the brightness of lemon juice and zest, and studded with an abundance of juicy wild blueberries that create beautiful pockets of flavor and color. The entire creation is then enveloped in a tangy-sweet lemon cream cheese frosting, bringing all the elements together in a harmonious blend. Rochelle’s heartfelt testimonial encapsulates the universal appeal of this recipe: “My daughter’s 24th birthday was yesterday, and she requested that I make your lemon blueberry cake. Well, it was to die for. I think it was the best cake I’ve ever baked. It looked beautiful with the three layers, and tasted wonderfully tangy, but not too sweet. She brought the leftovers to work this morning, and everyone raved about it. It truly was your recipe, not my baking, that drew the compliments. Thank you for sharing your recipe.” This Lemon Blueberry Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration in itself, consistently delivering joy and earning well-deserved rave reviews, making it the undeniable star of our 2018 countdown.