Best Bites of 2015

Reflecting on a Delicious Year: The Top 10 Most Loved Recipes of 2015

It’s hard to believe how quickly time flies! Looking back, 2015 unfolded as an incredibly dynamic and memorable year for my family and for Completely Delicious. It was a period marked by significant life changes, including a major relocation to the desert and the joyful arrival of our new baby boy. Amidst the chaos and beautiful moments of new beginnings, one constant remained: my passion for baking and cooking, and your incredible loyalty in returning to read and share in these culinary adventures.

Your continuous support and engagement mean the world to me. Every comment, every shared recipe, and every visit to the blog has fueled its growth and evolution. This space wouldn’t be what it is today without you, my amazing community of food lovers. Thank you, from the very bottom of my heart, for being an integral part of Completely Delicious.

As we bid farewell to the past year, it’s time for one of my favorite annual traditions: revealing the most popular recipes that captured your hearts and taste buds. This curated list offers a fascinating glimpse into what resonated most with our readers throughout 2015. Unsurprisingly, the allure of sweet treats often dominates, a preference I wholeheartedly share! However, this year’s top 10 also features a few standout savory dishes that managed to carve out a spot among the sugary delights. In fact, you might be surprised to discover that the #1 spot isn’t a dessert at all. Keep reading to unveil which incredible dish topped our list and became the undisputed fan favorite of 2015!

Your Favorites: The Top 10 Recipes from Completely Delicious in 2015

#10 — Classic Red Velvet Cupcakes

Kicking off our countdown are these iconic Red Velvet Cupcakes, a timeless dessert that never fails to charm. Known for their striking deep red hue, subtle cocoa flavor, and incredibly moist crumb, these cupcakes are always a showstopper. Paired with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting, they offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures that make them irresistible for any celebration or simply as an indulgent treat. It’s no wonder this classic recipe continues to be a reader favorite year after year.

#9 — Sugar Cookie Layer Cake

Taking the ninth spot is a whimsical and utterly delicious creation: the Sugar Cookie Layer Cake. This cake captures all the comforting flavors of your favorite sugar cookies but transforms them into an impressive layered dessert perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for something sweet and celebratory. With its soft, tender layers and a generous slathering of frosting, it’s a delightful twist on a beloved classic, proving that sometimes, simplicity truly is the key to culinary success.

#8 — Chocolate Cola Cake with Toasted Coconut and Pecan Icing

Earning its place at number eight is the intriguing Chocolate Cola Cake. This recipe cleverly uses cola to enhance the chocolate flavor, resulting in an incredibly moist and rich cake that’s surprisingly light. But the real magic happens with its glorious topping: a luscious icing generously studded with toasted coconut and crunchy pecans. This combination creates a symphony of textures and flavors that’s both nostalgic and incredibly decadent. It’s a true Southern classic that promises to be a crowd-pleaser every time.

#7 — Hearty Mushroom Ragu and Cheesy Polenta

Breaking up the parade of sweets at number seven is our first savory superstar: Mushroom Ragu and Cheesy Polenta. This dish is a testament to the power of robust, earthy flavors and comforting textures. The slow-simmered mushroom ragu, rich with umami depth, pairs perfectly with creamy, cheesy polenta, creating a satisfying meal that feels both gourmet and incredibly comforting. It’s a wonderful vegetarian option that even meat-eaters will adore, making it a versatile and popular choice for any dinner table.

#6 — Delicate Blueberry Galettes

Coming in at number six are these charming Mini Blueberry Galettes. These rustic, free-form tarts celebrate the simple beauty of fresh blueberries, encased in a flaky, buttery crust. Their unpretentious appearance belies a burst of sweet and tart fruit flavor, making them an ideal dessert for summer gatherings, brunches, or simply a cozy evening at home. Easy to make and utterly delicious, these galettes prove that some of the best desserts don’t need to be overly complicated to be deeply satisfying.

#5 — Rich Maple Bundt Cake

Holding the fifth position is a cake that truly captures the essence of autumn: the Maple Bundt Cake. This beautifully sculpted cake is infused with the warm, inviting flavors of pure maple syrup, resulting in a moist, tender crumb that’s incredibly comforting. Drizzled with a simple maple glaze, it’s an elegant yet approachable dessert that evokes cozy evenings and crisp fall days. Perfect for a holiday gathering or a special weekend treat, this cake is a testament to the comforting power of seasonal ingredients.

#4 — Zesty Lemon Olive Oil Cake

Ascending to number four, we find the bright and sophisticated Lemon Olive Oil Cake. This cake is a revelation, showcasing how olive oil can impart an incredible richness and moisture while keeping the cake surprisingly light. The vibrant citrus notes from the lemon cut through beautifully, creating a refreshingly elegant dessert that’s perfect for spring, summer, or any time you crave a sophisticated treat. It’s a wonderful alternative to traditional butter cakes, offering a unique flavor profile that clearly resonated with many of you.

#3 — Irresistible Chocolate “Chipless” Cookies

In the highly coveted third spot, we have a recipe that dares to defy expectations: the Chocolate “Chipless” Cookies. These aren’t just plain sugar cookies; they offer all the buttery, chewy goodness and comforting flavor of a classic chocolate chip cookie, but without the chips! This allows the pure vanilla and brown sugar notes to truly shine, resulting in a delightfully simple yet profoundly satisfying cookie. It’s proof that sometimes, less is indeed more, and these cookies are a testament to comforting flavors done right.

#2 — Decadent Easy Fudge Buttercream Frosting

Just missing the top spot at number two, but undeniably a star in its own right, is this Easy Fudge Buttercream Frosting. Sometimes, the most popular recipes aren’t full dishes but rather key components that elevate everything else. This frosting is incredibly rich, smooth, and deeply chocolatey, striking the perfect balance between sweetness and cocoa bitterness. It’s an indispensable recipe for anyone looking to transform a simple cake or cupcake into a gourmet masterpiece. Its ease of preparation combined with its luxurious taste makes it a clear winner for home bakers everywhere.

And #1 — Comforting Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash and Cheese

And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for! The most popular recipe of 2015 from Completely Delicious is none other than the incredibly satisfying Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash and Cheese! This savory sensation proves that healthy and delicious can go hand in hand. Spaghetti squash is roasted until tender, then its delicate strands are tossed with a rich, creamy, and wonderfully cheesy mixture before being baked again in its own shell. It’s a fantastic, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta dishes, offering all the comfort of mac and cheese with an added nutritional boost. This recipe truly captured the hearts of our readers, demonstrating a collective desire for hearty, flavorful, and wholesome meals that everyone can enjoy. Its versatility as a side dish or a light main course, coupled with its undeniable deliciousness, made it the standout star of the year.

Looking Ahead: More Culinary Adventures to Come!

What an incredible and delicious year it’s been, filled with baking triumphs, savory delights, and countless shared moments in the kitchen. Reflecting on these top recipes fills me with immense joy and gratitude for this wonderful community. As we step into 2016, I’m excited for many more opportunities to share new recipes, discover fresh flavors, and continue our culinary journey together.

Did your personal favorites make it onto this coveted list? Or perhaps there’s a hidden gem from 2015 that you absolutely loved and think deserves more recognition? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below! Your feedback and enthusiasm are what inspire me to keep creating and sharing.

Explore More Culinary Journeys: Previous Year Recaps

If you enjoyed this look back, you might also be interested in discovering the most popular recipes from earlier years. It’s fascinating to see how tastes evolve and which timeless classics continue to be beloved!

Top 10 Recipes of 2014

Most Popular Recipes of 2013

12 Favorite Recipes of 2012

My Favorite Recipes of 2011