Happy New Year, dear baking enthusiasts and dessert lovers! As the calendar flips to 2014, bringing with it the promise of new culinary adventures and sweet inspirations, it feels only fitting to pause and reflect on the incredible journey we shared in the past year. 2013 was a truly remarkable period, brimming with innovative recipes, exciting DIY projects, insightful tutorials, breathtaking new cake designs, and beautifully curated dessert tables. Before we fully immerse ourselves in the fresh possibilities and delectable creations that 2014 undoubtedly holds, let’s take a moment to bid a proper farewell to the year that was, celebrating its most cherished and popular contributions.

Here at The Cake Blog, our mission is to inspire your baking endeavors and delight your taste buds, and 2013 delivered an abundance of both. Over the past twelve months, we published more than 200 posts, each crafted with passion and dedication. Sifting through this treasure trove of content, we’ve meticulously identified the posts that resonated most deeply with you, our amazing community. Based on a comprehensive analysis of your pageviews, enthusiastic Facebook likes, and highly coveted Pinterest pins, we’ve compiled a definitive list of the year’s standout content. This retrospective will highlight everything from your favorite DIYs to the most beloved cake designs, ensuring no sweet memory is left behind. We’re kicking off this celebratory series today by diving into the heart of what many of you love most: the Top Recipe Posts of 2013!

Sweet Beginnings: Celebrating The Top Recipe Posts of 2013

Get ready to indulge your senses as we unveil a collection of recipes that are not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. This lineup represents the pinnacle of baking excellence from the past year, showcasing diverse flavors and creative techniques that captured the imaginations (and appetites!) of our readers. Looking at the trends, it’s clear that fresh berries were a significant winner in 2013, with juicy blueberries and succulent raspberries making multiple delightful appearances. And, as expected, the timeless allure of chocolate once again proved its undeniable reign atop the charts. So, without further ado, let’s embark on a mouth-watering journey through your most cherished and popular dessert recipes from 2013!

No. 1: Cookie Monster Ice Cream Sandwich

Cookie Monster Ice Cream Sandwich

Taking the top spot as your absolute favorite recipe of 2013 is this playful yet utterly irresistible creation: the Cookie Monster Ice Cream Sandwich. Imagine a generous scoop of rich, creamy chocolate chip ice cream, nestled perfectly between two thick, chewy layers of raw cookie dough. It’s a dream come true for anyone who loves both cookies and ice cream, combining the best of both worlds into one epic dessert. This recipe, expertly crafted by Jennie Schacht, author of the delightful cookbook I Scream Sandwich!, offers a deliciously tempting twist on a classic, making it an instant hit and a well-deserved champion of the year.

No. 2: Chocolate Truffle Cupcake

Chocolate Truffle Cupcake

For those who believe there’s no such thing as too much chocolate, this decadent Chocolate Truffle Cupcake landed firmly in second place. This is not just a cupcake; it’s a profound declaration of love for cocoa in all its forms. Each bite offers an outrageous explosion of chocolatey goodness, starting with a moist cake base, generously infused with dark chocolate ganache and finely chopped hazelnuts. This rich foundation is then crowned with a swirl of velvety milk chocolate buttercream, followed by an additional drizzle of ganache and a delicate hazelnut crunch truffle for the ultimate textural and flavor experience. A truly luxurious treat, this masterpiece was developed by our very own Carrie Sellman.

No. 3: Blueberry Breakfast Cake

Blueberry Breakfast Cake

Breaking the conventional rules, our Blueberry Breakfast Cake proved that cake isn’t just for dessert—it can be a delightful way to start your day! This innovative recipe, inspired by the comforting flavors of blueberry pancakes, combines a tender buttermilk cake studded with juicy blueberries, creating a moist and flavorful base. The cake is then filled with a warm, inviting maple browned-butter filling, adding a rich, nutty depth. To top it all off, a light and airy cinnamon whipped cream frosting provides a perfect counterpoint, making every mouthful a sublime experience. This imaginative and hugely popular recipe comes courtesy of the talented Tessa Huff, who truly understands how to elevate breakfast into an event.

No. 4: Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes

Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes

Capturing the essence of spring and summer, the Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes claimed the fourth spot with their perfectly balanced tangy and sweet profile. This bright and refreshing cupcake recipe features light, fluffy cupcakes bursting with fresh blueberries, providing a delightful burst of fruit in every bite. They are generously crowned with a luscious lemon cream cheese frosting, which adds a zesty, creamy layer that beautifully complements the sweetness of the berries. Garnished with delicate lemon zest and a few extra fresh blueberries, these cupcakes are a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Another stellar creation from our editor, Carrie Sellman, these are perfect for any occasion where a touch of sunshine is desired.

No. 5: Champagne & Raspberry Cupcakes

Champagne & Raspberry Cupcakes

A recipe perfectly suited for romance and celebration, our Champagne & Raspberry Cupcakes sparkled their way into the fifth position. These elegant cupcakes beautifully marry the sophisticated effervescence of bubbly champagne with the delicate sweetness and slight tartness of fresh raspberries. The result is a truly enchanting dessert that feels both luxurious and intimately personal. Ideal for commemorating special moments, such as Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or simply enjoying a luxurious treat, these cupcakes offer a sparkling sweet escape. This delightful creation, designed to ignite romance, was brought to us by the talented Lauren Kapeluck.

No. 6: Funfetti Cupcakes

Funfetti Cupcakes

Injecting a burst of pure joy and color into our list, the Homemade Funfetti Cupcakes secured the sixth spot, reminding us that baking can—and should—be fun! These delightful treats take a classic white cake and elevate it with an explosion of vibrant rainbow sprinkles, both mixed into the batter and generously scattered on top. Each bite is a celebration, bringing a smile to your face with its playful appearance and delicious taste. Topped with a generous swirl of creamy buttercream icing, these cupcakes are a testament to the simple pleasure of sprinkles and sweet indulgence, making them a perennial favorite for birthdays and everyday happiness. This cheerful recipe was lovingly crafted by Lauren Kapeluck.

No. 7: Snow Angel Cupcakes

Snow Angel Cupcakes

Light, ethereal, and utterly delightful, our Snow Angel Cupcakes glided into seventh place, offering a refreshing and totally unexpected treat. These delicate angel food cupcakes are known for their incredibly light and airy texture, practically melting in your mouth. They are then gently crowned with a cloud of sweetened whipped cream, adding a luxurious creaminess without being heavy. To complete this angelic dessert, a sprinkle of fresh, tart raspberries provides a burst of color and a lovely counterpoint to the sweetness. Perfect for those who prefer a lighter dessert or a refreshing palate cleanser, this elegant recipe was lovingly prepared by Carrie Sellman.

No. 8: Carrot Cake with Spun Sugar Nest

Carrot Cake with Spun Sugar Nest

Rounding out our list of top recipes is a stunning creation that beautifully ushers in the vibrant spirit of Spring: the Carrot Cake with Spun Sugar Nest. This classic carrot cake, known for its moist texture and warm spice notes, is elevated to an art form with a bright lemon-scented cream cheese filling that adds a delightful tang. The entire cake is then expertly iced in a smooth, whipped vanilla buttercream, providing a comforting and familiar flavor. But the true showstopper is the gorgeous spun sugar nest adorning the top, creating a delicate, edible masterpiece that evokes images of springtime renewal and celebration. This visually impressive and incredibly delicious recipe was a seasonal sensation from the brilliant mind of Tessa Huff.

What an incredible year for delicious desserts and baking inspiration! The passion and creativity poured into these recipes, both by our talented contributors and by you, our dedicated readers who tried and shared them, truly made 2013 a memorable year in the world of sweets. From chocolate indulgence to fresh berry delights, and from breakfast cakes to celebratory treats, this list showcases the diversity and joy that baking brings to our lives.

Thank you for making The Cake Blog your go-to source for all things sweet. We are immensely grateful for your continued support, your enthusiastic likes, and your eager pins. Your engagement drives us to keep seeking out and sharing the best baking inspiration year after year. As we step into 2014, we promise even more exciting recipes, innovative techniques, and stunning cake designs.

Be sure to join us tomorrow as we continue our “Best of 2013” series, where we’ll take a captivating look at the most popular cake designs that captured your hearts and imaginations last year. Until then, we wish you a truly Happy New Year! Cheers to a fabulous and deliciously sweet 2014 filled with endless baking possibilities and joyful moments!