Top 10 Best Dessert Recipes from 2014

1. Salted Caramel Brownies

If you’re looking for a dessert that truly encapsulates the essence of indulgence, look no further than salted caramel brownies. This decadent treat combines rich, fudgy brownies with a luscious layer of homemade salted caramel, creating a perfect balance of sweet and salty. The recipe gained immense popularity in 2014, and it’s easy to see why. Here’s how to make them:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup caramel sauce
  • Sea salt for sprinkling
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
  3. Mix in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined.
  4. Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce on top.
  5. Spread the remaining brownie batter over the caramel, then drizzle the rest of the caramel on top and sprinkle with sea salt.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Allow to cool before slicing.

2. No-Bake Cheesecake

No-bake cheesecakes were all the rage in 2014, and for good reason! This creamy and dreamy dessert is perfect for hot summer days when the thought of turning on the oven feels unbearable. Here’s a simple recipe that will impress your guests:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup butter, melted
  • 2 cups cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Fruit topping or chocolate sauce (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until combined. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
  2. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until creamy.
  3. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold into the cream cheese mixture.
  4. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and smooth the top. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until set.
  5. Before serving, top with fresh fruit or chocolate sauce if desired.

3. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip

This dessert was a fun and creative twist on classic cookie dough, perfect for parties and gatherings. Chocolate chip cookie dough dip became a viral sensation for its ease and deliciousness. It’s a no-bake recipe that everyone can enjoy, and it pairs perfectly with graham crackers or fruit!

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup mini chocolate chips
  • Graham crackers, fruit, or pretzels for dipping
• Instructions:
  1. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
  2. Add brown sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
  3. Fold in mini chocolate chips.
  4. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve with graham crackers, fruit, or pretzels for dipping.

4. S’mores Cupcakes

Combining the classic campfire treat with a cupcake made waves in 2014. S’mores cupcakes are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of s’mores all year round. These cupcakes feature a graham cracker crust, chocolate cupcake, and toasted marshmallow frosting.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 box chocolate cake mix
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • For frosting: 2 cups marshmallow fluff, 1 cup butter, and 1 cup powdered sugar
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press a tablespoon of the mixture into the bottom of each cupcake liner.
  3. Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to package instructions and pour over the graham cracker crusts.
  4. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool.
  5. For the frosting, beat together marshmallow fluff, butter, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  6. Frost the cooled cupcakes and top with mini marshmallows. Use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the marshmallows if desired.

5. Fruit Pizza

Fruit pizzas became a staple dessert for summer gatherings, offering a refreshing option that is both colorful and delicious. This dessert consists of a cookie crust topped with sweet cream cheese frosting and an array of fresh fruits. It’s as beautiful as it is tasty!

• Ingredients:
  • 1 tube of sugar cookie dough
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Assorted fresh fruits (strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, etc.)
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the sugar cookie dough on a pizza stone or baking sheet to form a large circle.
  2. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool completely.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled cookie crust.
  5. Decorate with assorted fresh fruits in a colorful pattern. Slice and serve!

6. Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

Peanut butter lovers rejoiced in 2014 with the advent of peanut butter cup brownies. This rich dessert combines fudgy brownies with the irresistible taste of peanut butter cups, creating a dessert that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 box brownie mix
  • ½ cup peanut butter
  • 1 cup peanut butter cups, chopped
  • 1 egg and ingredients required for brownie mix
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
  2. Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions and pour half the batter into the baking pan.
  3. Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter over the brownie batter, then sprinkle half of the chopped peanut butter cups on top.
  4. Pour the remaining brownie batter over the top and gently swirl it with a knife.
  5. Top with the remaining chopped peanut butter cups.
  6. Bake according to package instructions or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool before cutting into squares.

7. Lemon Meringue Pie Bars

For those who enjoy a tangy dessert, lemon meringue pie bars were a hit in 2014. These bars offer all the flavors of traditional lemon meringue pie in an easy-to-eat format. They are perfect for picnics or potlucks!

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ cup cold butter, cubed
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3 egg whites
  • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.
  2. In a bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar. Cut in butter until crumbly. Press into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
  3. Bake for 15 minutes. In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. Pour over the crust.
  4. Bake for an additional 20 minutes or until set. In the meantime, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
  5. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Spread over the lemon layer.
  6. Bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the meringue is lightly browned. Let cool before slicing into bars.

8. Red Velvet Cake Pops

Red velvet cake pops became a popular treat in 2014, merging the classic flavors of red velvet cake with the fun of cake pops. These bite-sized desserts are perfect for any celebration or just a sweet treat at home!

• Ingredients:
  • 1 box red velvet cake mix
  • 1 cup cream cheese frosting
  • Chocolate melting wafers
  • Sprinkles (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Prepare and bake the red velvet cake according to package instructions. Allow to cool completely.
  2. Crumble the cake into a large bowl and mix in the cream cheese frosting until well combined.
  3. Form the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet. Insert a lollipop stick into each ball.
  4. Freeze for at least 30 minutes. Melt the chocolate wafers according to package instructions.
  5. Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate and let excess drip off. Decorate with sprinkles if desired.
  6. Place back on the baking sheet to set. Enjoy!

9. Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes

Embracing the fall flavors, pumpkin spice latte cupcakes were a delicious way to enjoy the beloved seasonal drink in cake form. These cupcakes are moist and flavorful, topped with a creamy frosting that mimics the classic latte.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For frosting: 1 cup butter, 4 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, combine sugar, pumpkin puree, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
  4. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full and bake for 18-20 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
  5. For the frosting, beat together butter and powdered sugar, adding milk and vanilla until creamy. Frost the cooled cupcakes.

10. Coconut Macaroons

Coconut macaroons became a favorite for their chewy texture and delightful sweetness. These little bites of heaven are not only simple to make but are also gluten-free, making them accessible for many dessert lovers.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 ¾ cups shredded coconut
  • ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 egg whites
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Chocolate for dipping (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, combine shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract.
  3. In another bowl, beat the egg whites and salt until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into the coconut mixture.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool.
  6. If desired, melt chocolate and dip the bottoms of the macaroons in the chocolate. Let set before serving.

These top 10 best dessert recipes from 2014 showcase a variety of flavors and techniques that have continued to delight dessert enthusiasts. Whether you’re planning a special occasion or simply want to satisfy a sweet tooth, these recipes are sure to impress. Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious treats with friends and family!