Happy New Year! As the calendar proudly turns to 2012, I sincerely hope your holiday season was a tapestry of joyful moments, spent with cherished friends and beloved family, punctuated by abundant laughter and, of course, the most delectable treats. The advent of this new year fills me with immense excitement for all the wonderful things poised to unfold right here on Half Baked. The past year has truly been a period of profound transformation and exhilarating growth for this once-little cake blog. We’ve been incredibly fortunate to witness so many talented individuals generously share their breathtaking cake creations, ingenious party planning insights, and mouth-watering recipes, enriching our platform and inspiring our community beyond measure. On a personal note, 2011 blessed me with extraordinary opportunities to present my own work on a much broader stage. It was a year brimming with fresh challenges, exciting new ventures, the welcoming of brilliant new contributors, and the adventure of settling into a new city. And with each and every post we publish, our vibrant community expands, welcoming new readers who swiftly become new friends! It is, without a doubt, all of you – your heartwarming comments, encouraging emails, and thoughtful likes – that keep me enthusiastically blogging day after day. I could not be more profoundly grateful for the remarkable evolution and expansion my humble site has experienced this year. It’s genuinely not so little anymore; it’s a thriving hub of sweet inspiration!
Before we embark on the journey of bigger, bolder, and even more delicious posts planned for 2012, I believe it’s only fitting to pause for a moment of reflection and take a delightful stroll down memory lane. I’ve meticulously sifted through the vast archives of over 200 posts published in 2011, diligently identifying the content that captivated your imaginations and garnered the most love. Based on your enthusiastic page views, I am thrilled to unveil your top 16 favorite posts, presented here in no particular order, alongside four of my own deeply cherished personal favorites. This compilation serves as our quick yet comprehensive “Year in Review,” a sweet recap of the moments, creations, and inspirations that defined 2011. Get ready to rediscover the magic with:
The Top 20 Posts of 2011 from Half Baked: A Sweet Retrospective
To our incredible community of dedicated readers and to all new visitors joining us, welcome to the definitive retrospective of Half Baked’s most beloved content from 2011. This isn’t just a list; it’s a vibrant celebration of the creativity, passion, and shared joy that define our collective baking and party planning adventures. From deliciously innovative recipes that tantalized taste buds, to imaginative DIY projects that sparked hands-on fun, to breathtaking cake designs that showcased edible artistry, and unforgettable party themes that inspired countless celebrations – these posts collectively captivated thousands of readers throughout the year. Let’s take a moment to savor and celebrate the extraordinary moments and inspiring creations that made 2011 truly sweet and memorable at Half Baked!
Your Favorite Recipes of 2011: Indulge Your Sweet Tooth with These Top Picks
At the very heart of any thriving baking blog lies its collection of recipes, and 2011 proved to be a banner year, bringing forth an irresistible array of truly delightful treats. These are the top recipes that consistently earned your clicks, sparked countless baking sessions in home kitchens, and proved that the pursuit of deliciousness truly knows no bounds. Prepare to be inspired (and perhaps a little hungry!) as we unveil these fan favorites, ranked by your passionate page views:
Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes
Kicking off our esteemed list of reader favorites are the wonderfully vibrant and refreshingly zesty Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes. This delightful creation, a true masterpiece from our incredibly talented contributor, Lauren of Crave. Indulge. Satisfy., captured hearts with its perfect harmony of sweet, ripe strawberries and invigorating, tangy lemonade. These cupcakes quickly became an instant sensation, proving to be the ideal treat for summer gatherings, picnics, and beyond. Their bright, cheerful colors and utterly irresistible flavor profile ensured their place as a truly memorable indulgence in 2011.
Caramel Apple Cake Shooters
Next on our list, we have a creation that holds a special place in my heart and undoubtedly became a crowd-pleaser for many: the charming Caramel Apple Cake Shooters. I personally crafted these elegant individual desserts for my daughter’s very first birthday party, and they quickly escalated to sensation status. Ingeniously combining the nostalgic, comforting flavors of caramel and apple in a fun, perfectly portioned, and easy-to-eat format, these shooters are ideal for lively parties and sophisticated enough for any special occasion. Their enduring popularity vividly highlights the growing appeal of innovative and beautifully presented individual desserts.
Blueberry Rainbow Cake
Bringing a magnificent burst of color and delightful natural sweetness to our top recipes is the mesmerizing Blueberry Rainbow Cake, an exquisitely designed masterpiece by Lisa Lundqvist of Sockerrus. This spectacular cake is far more than just a feast for the eyes with its beautifully vibrant hues; it also delivers a delightful and nuanced flavor profile, expertly centered around the fresh, juicy essence of blueberries. Its unique and captivating visual appeal, combined with its undeniably delicious taste, made it a true standout entry in 2011, inspiring countless home bakers to explore their own creative culinary talents.
Puff Pastry Stars
Rounding out our collection of top-tier recipes are these wonderfully festive Puff Pastry Stars, another charming creation that originated from my very own kitchen. I developed these delightful, star-shaped treats specifically for a guest post featured on Hostess with The Mostess. Simple to prepare yet incredibly impressive in appearance, these versatile puff pastry stars can be effortlessly adapted for a wide variety of holidays, celebrations, and themed events. Their ease of preparation and elegant presentation resonated deeply with readers who were actively seeking delightful, stress-free, and visually appealing baking ideas.
Top DIY Projects of 2011: Crafting Sweet Memories and Inspiring Creativity
Beyond the realm of delectable flavors, Half Baked has always strived to be a dynamic hub for creative inspiration, and our dedicated DIY section truly shone brightly in 2011. These imaginative projects beautifully demonstrate how a touch of ingenuity and hands-on effort can effortlessly transform ordinary elements into extraordinary party accents and unique cake decorations. Get ready to be inspired anew by the most-viewed and most-loved DIY ideas of the year, all designed to help you craft your own sweet memories:
Paper Rose Cake
Our DIY countdown commences with the utterly exquisite Paper Rose Cake, a breathtaking craft project contributed by our immensely talented collaborator, Miso of Miso Bakes. This ingenious project showcased to our readers how to meticulously create beautiful, intricate paper roses, perfect for adorning any cake. It offered an elegant, durable, and long-lasting alternative to fresh flowers, providing a unique and personalized touch. Its delicate beauty, combined with clear, step-by-step instructions, made it an instantly beloved project for anyone seeking truly unique and memorable cake embellishments.
Modern Christmas Cookies
Bringing a refreshing burst of festive cheer with a distinctly contemporary twist, the Modern Christmas Cookies project, conceived by Callye of The Sweet Adventures of Sugarbelle, perfectly captured the imagination of countless readers. This inspiring post provided a wealth of innovative ideas for decorating holiday cookies with sleek, modern designs, gracefully moving beyond more traditional motifs. It offered a fresh, artistic perspective on Christmas baking, empowering and inspiring readers to elevate their cookie artistry to new, sophisticated heights.
Vintage Milk Bottles
Adding a charming touch of nostalgic elegance to our DIY highlights, our Vintage Milk Bottles project proved to be an incredibly popular and versatile idea. This particular creation was a key component of the larger MILKaholic Baby Shower event that I personally designed. It beautifully showcased how simple, unassuming glass bottles could be effortlessly transformed into stylish, versatile, and eco-friendly decor elements. Readers absolutely adored the concept for its adaptability in various party settings and home decor schemes, offering a chic and sustainable way to serve beverages or display delicate floral arrangements.
Cupcake Liner Witch Hats
For those seeking captivating Halloween inspiration, my whimsical creation of Cupcake Liner Witch Hats became an undeniable smash hit. These utterly adorable and remarkably easy-to-make decorations provided a playful yet surprisingly elegant touch for any spooky celebration, big or small. By ingeniously utilizing readily available cupcake liners, this clever DIY project offered a creative and budget-friendly method to infuse whimsical flair into party tables, brilliantly demonstrating how simple, everyday materials can be transformed into charming and impactful results.
The Most Stunning Cake Designs of 2011: Showcasing Edible Artistry and Innovation
At Half Baked, our philosophy extends beyond mere dessert; we firmly believe that cakes are true edible works of art. The year 2011 spectacularly showcased some truly remarkable cake designs that boldly pushed the boundaries of creativity, craftsmanship, and culinary artistry. These captivating creations, celebrated and adored by your enthusiastic page views, collectively highlight the incredible talent existing within our vibrant community and the wider baking world. Prepare to be amazed by these masterpieces of edible design:
Santa, Penguin, Snowman Cake
Expertly capturing the enchanting magic of the holiday season, the irresistibly festive Santa, Penguin, Snowman Cake, meticulously crafted by Sheryl Ong, the talented owner of BunsInTheOven Cupcakery, charmingly carved its way into our top cake designs. This delightful cake perfectly embodied the spirit of holiday cheer with its adorable, intricately detailed characters, showcasing Sheryl’s remarkable skill and meticulous attention to detail. It served as a truly wonderful and heartwarming source of inspiration for countless seasonal celebrations.
300 Layer Crepe Cake
An absolute marvel of patience, precision, and culinary artistry, the breathtaking 300 Layer Crepe Cake, skillfully created by Kate Dunbar, the visionary owner of Petite Rêve Chocolates, truly astounded and captivated our readers. This architectural dessert, with its hundreds of incredibly delicate, paper-thin layers, presented a uniquely elegant and sophisticated alternative to more traditional tiered cakes. Its profound visual impact and the sheer artistry involved in its creation made it an unforgettable design, eloquently proving that sometimes, less (or rather, many exquisitely thin layers!) can indeed make a stunning and impactful whole.
Chevron Cake
Making a bold, sophisticated, and instantly stylish statement, the iconic Chevron Cake, a design I personally conceptualized and brought to life for the prestigious November issue of BRIDES Magazine, immediately became a widespread trendsetter. This elegant cake brilliantly showcased the clean lines and modern appeal of the chevron pattern, proving definitively that contemporary graphic design can be exquisitely translated into beautiful, edible art. Its sophisticated aesthetic and striking visual impact inspired countless brides-to-be and aspiring bakers alike, setting a new benchmark for modern cake artistry.
Coco Chanel Pearl Cake
Exuding an aura of timeless elegance, unparalleled sophistication, and undeniable chic, the remarkable Coco Chanel Pearl Cake, designed by Lisa Rochelle, the talented owner of Sweet Grace Cake Design, was a true showstopper in every sense. This exquisite design paid a beautiful homage to classic high fashion with its intricate pearl detailing, refined aesthetic, and luxurious finish, making it an absolutely perfect choice for the most elegant and discerning celebrations. Its glamorous appeal and tasteful execution captured the hearts of many readers seeking chic, high-fashion, and tastefully luxurious cake inspiration.
Unforgettable Parties of 2011: Celebrating in Style with Our Top Themes
Here at Half Baked, we firmly believe that every cake, no matter how grand or modest, deserves an unforgettable celebration, and the year 2011 was absolutely brimming with innovative, inspiring, and truly memorable party ideas. From heartwarming baby showers welcoming new life to joyous birthday celebrations marking milestones, these creative themes captivated our readers with their ingenuity, meticulous attention to detail, and sheer celebratory spirit. Here are the most-viewed and most-loved parties that left an indelible mark and inspired countless celebrations:
MILKaholic Sip & See
Leading our roster of reader-favorite parties is the utterly delightful MILKaholic Sip & See, a charming and inventive concept that I personally brought to life, and which was proudly featured on the esteemed Hostess With The Mostess blog. This wonderfully modern baby shower theme, with its endearing milk-inspired details and stylish, cohesive aesthetic, offered a wonderfully fresh and contemporary take on celebrating the joyous arrival of a new little one. Its thoughtful touches and beautifully unified design resonated profoundly with expectant parents and eager party planners alike.
Sock Monkey Baby Shower
Bringing an undeniable wave of nostalgic charm and whimsical delight to the forefront, the endearing Sock Monkey Baby Shower, brilliantly conceptualized by Elizabeth Seaton of Posh Paperie, instantly became an enduring classic. This utterly adorable and playfully whimsical theme, lovingly centered around the universally beloved sock monkey, offered an endless array of creative possibilities for decor, favors, and, of course, delicious treats. Its inherently playful nature and heartwarming appeal made it a firm favorite for celebrating the beautiful beginnings of new life.
Angry Birds Birthday
Expertly tapping into one of the biggest pop culture phenomena of 2011, the vibrant and energetic Angry Birds Birthday party was, unequivocally, a massive hit. This imaginative celebration, masterfully created by Debbie of Save the Date Events, and featuring a show-stopping, meticulously crafted cake by Intricate Icings, ingeniously brought the wildly popular game to life with its vivid colors, playful elements, and incredibly creative details. Its fun, engaging, and instantly recognizable theme proved triumphantly that even digital trends can inspire spectacular and unforgettable real-life celebrations.
Little Lamb Birthday
Concluding our collection of reader-favorite parties is the exquisitely sweet and gently charming Little Lamb Birthday, another heartwarming celebration that I had the immense joy of personally creating, and which was later beautifully featured on Hostess With The Mostess. This tender theme, perfectly suited for a precious first birthday, exuded an air of pure innocence and irresistible charm with its soft, soothing color palette and utterly adorable lamb motifs. Its gentle aesthetic, coupled with its deeply personal touch, made it a truly cherished and inspiring celebration for many families.
My Personal Favorites of 2011: A Curated Selection from the Editor’s Heart
While the overwhelming enthusiasm and page views from our wonderful readers are always a fantastic and deeply appreciated indicator of popular content, there are inevitably a few projects that hold an exceptionally special place in my heart. These represent significant personal milestones, encapsulate a particular creative vision, or are simply designs I deeply adored bringing to life or discovering. Here are four of my most cherished personal favorite posts from 2011, thoughtfully chosen for their unique charm, lasting impression, and the joy they brought:
Retro Cafe Flowers
Among my top personal picks is the absolutely stunning Retro Cafe Flowers cake. This captivating design, which I had the honor of creating for BRIDES Magazine’s 20 Most Beautiful Cakes feature, was a true labor of love and a highlight of my creative year. Its vintage-inspired floral motifs, intricately crafted details, and vibrant, carefully chosen color palette beautifully evoked a sense of nostalgic elegance, making it a truly standout piece that I was incredibly proud and excited to present to a national audience.
Gender Reveal Cupcakes
The palpable excitement and anticipation surrounding gender reveals made the ingenious Gender Reveal Cupcakes a particularly memorable favorite. Expertly created by Trisha and Amanda, the visionary co-owners of Cream & Flutter, these delightful cupcakes offered a wonderfully sweet, suspenseful, and incredibly creative way to share such profound news with loved ones. The sheer ingenuity and the overwhelming joy encapsulated within this simple yet brilliant concept made it a significant highlight, cherished both for its cleverness and its heartwarming purpose in celebrating new life.
Honey Cupcakes
Despite its seeming simplicity, the exquisitely flavorful Honey Cupcakes recipe holds an exceptionally special spot in my heart. This delightful creation, originating from our esteemed cupcake contributor, Lauren of Crave. Indulge. Satisfy., brilliantly showcased the subtle elegance and comforting depth of natural sweetness. Its wonderfully comforting taste and beautiful, unassuming presentation were a profound testament to the power of high-quality ingredients and thoughtful, heartfelt baking, making it a truly cherished and timeless recipe that resonates deeply.
Peaches & Cream Cake Trio
Last but certainly not least, the innovatively designed Peaches & Cream Cake Trio, brilliantly created by Emily Lael Aumiller, the talented owner of Lael Cakes, truly stood out as an undeniable personal favorite. This inspiring post beautifully highlighted a creative and emerging trend of offering multiple smaller cakes rather than one traditional large one, thereby allowing for diverse flavor profiles and creating stunning, dynamic visual displays. The elegant combination of luscious peaches and silky cream, presented in such a unique and artistic way, made this a truly inspiring, unforgettable, and pioneering piece in cake design.
As we fondly and respectfully bid farewell to the incredible year that was 2011, I want to extend my deepest, most heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for being an irreplaceable and integral part of the vibrant Half Baked community. Your unwavering engagement, infectious enthusiasm, and steadfast support have truly made this past year an absolute joy, a journey I’ve cherished immensely. I sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed every sweet moment of it as much as I have! Hold tight, because 2012 is perfectly poised to be another truly phenomenal year, absolutely packed with even more mouth-watering cake recipes, cutting-edge baking tips, and incredibly inspiring party ideas, all headed directly your way! My commitment to continuing this delightful blogging journey remains unwavering, constantly fueled by your passion and invaluable readership. Your continued presence, comments, and creativity are precisely what make Half Baked what it is – a thriving, inspiring, and supportive haven for all things sweet. I eagerly look forward to sharing countless more sweet moments and inspiring creations with you in the exciting year ahead.
Wishing you all immense happiness, abundant blessings, and a year filled with wonderful, joyous celebrations in the exciting new chapter that is 2012!
~ Carrie