I waited patiently to create this “top 2013 desserts” post until we approached the next chocolate-filled holiday. I really didn’t think you’d want to see this list at the start of January (or did you?). Either way, I hope we’re all ready for some treats! Whether you love or loathe Valentine’s Day, I personally think it’s perfect excuse to indulge in the finer things in life…like chocolate and pasta. Not that I haven’t been doing that since the start of the year, but you know.
Don’t forget to tell us your favourites below! Did any treat fall through the cracks?
#13. 3-Layer Almond Coconut Chocolate Bars
These bars are bursting with three of my favourite flavours – almond, coconut, and chocolate! It’s hard to go wrong. A soft and nutty toasted almond-oat crust forms the base. The middle layer is made up of a no-bake almond butter “fudge” enhanced with rice crisp cereal for a wicked crispy texture. The bars are topped with a dark chocolate “macaroon” coating and garnished with big flakes of toasted coconut. Need I say more?
#12. Creamy Dreamy Peppermint Patties
Luxurious, invigorating, melt-in-your-mouth peppermint patties made from scratch! Even better than store-bought versions. Many of you gushed about these in the comments section. I suggest keeping these in the fridge or freezer for the best texture. The chocolate coating gets all snappy which is a wonderful contrast to the creamy middle.
#11. Peanut Better Balls
These peanut butter balls forgo the powdered sugar and butter and instead use a few lighter ingredients with only a fraction of the sweetener compared to traditional recipes. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without this lighter version!
#10. Super Seed Chocolate Protein Bites
Nut-free chocolate energy bites featuring hemp, sesame, and chia seeds! A balanced on-the-go snack for a quick energy boost.
#9. Chilled Dark Chocolate Pie with Toasted Almond Crust and Strawberry vanilla Compote
A nutty, gluten-free crust is filled with a rich dark chocolate fudge filling all topped off with beautiful strawberry vanilla compote. There are just no words that can convey how much I love this pie! Read through the comments – this one has been a big hit over the past year.
#8. Seductive Raw Chocolate Walnut Fudge
See why my entire family went crazy for this raw fudge!
#7. Vegan + Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake Balls
Cake balls made gluten-free and vegan with a fraction of the sugar. A fun V-day treat when you dress them up in festive heart cupcake liners and homemade pink shredded coconut.
In case some of you aren’t familiar, maple butter (or maple cream) is pure maple syrup that has been boiled to a certain temperature, left to decrease in temperature, and then whipped/stirred like crazy for a good 30-35 minutes. This technique is hard work, but you’ll forget all about it upon first taste!
A quick and easy, minimally sweetened frozen dessert square inspired by the popular Elvis Pie. My version uses almond butter instead of peanut butter and replaces the bacon for chocolate. Be sure to enjoy these straight out of the freezer as they melt really fast!
#4. No Bake Chocolate Macaroons
Super quick & easy no bake chocolate macaroons! All the taste without turning on the oven.
#3. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ‘Larabars’
Homemade Larabar knock-offs for a fraction of the cost! A great bar to store in the freezer for snacking or running out the door breakfasts.
#2. Two-Ingredient Chocolate Fudge Frosting
A luxurious fudge frosting with just two ingredients. No butter or shortening required!
I had no idea these were going to be such a hit. I love them and all, but I had no idea how excited you’d be to try them out! These are inspired by the peanut butter cup candy, but so much tastier and better for you! For the thick chocolate coating, I made my own chocolate using cocoa powder, coconut oil, and sweetener. Feel free to simply use melted dark chocolate if that’s what you have on hand.
So there you have it! You guys seem to love quick & easy, no-bake desserts. I can’t say I’m any different. In case you are curious, my personal favs from this list are: Creamy Dreamy Peppermint Patties, Chilled Dark Chocolate Pie, Raw Chocolate Walnut Fudge, and Pure Maple Butter.
enjoy! <3
that chilled dark chocolate pie is making me swoon….
under my list of things i wish were true…
being your new next door neighbor that by default becomes your new bff/ taste tester is a irrationally high up there.
Dear God! That’s some of the best food porn I’ve seen in a while! Hahaa thanks for sharing, I’ve got my eye on that raw chocolate walnut fudge!! Looks and sounds fabulous! :)
Omg this all looks amazing. Eating a salad while reading this was….painful lol. But can’t wait to try out a few of them!
I love these kinds of posts! They remind me of all the things I want to make! Maple butter……mmmmmm
I love this list no matter what time of year. And I agree Valentine’s day is the perfect time to indulge with lots and lots of chocolate.
Oh man, now I want each and every one of these, riiiiight now!
Yum, thank you for those delish ideas! I’m sooo going to make maybe five of those on Friday! :)
OMG these all look sooooooo good! I can’t wait to try them all. I made the Elvis bars a while ago and they are great. I just posted a recipe for Chocolate Hazelnut truffles that are really similar to your peanut butter balls, yummy!
I am actually salivating – these look amazing esp. the chocolate frosting!! Can’t wait to try the chocolate tart! Thanks for the wonderful list!
WOW! These look unreal!! How do you not eat all of them at once?!
… Seriously I need to know…. I recently ate all the peppermint patties I made. Delicious but definitely not a good choice. Anyone else have some good tips on hot to make the chocolate love last?!
Thanks for the fantastic recipes as always! :)
I vote for the chilled chocolate pie! I made if for a family get-together and it was a hit! So rich though, that I’m considered making them into small bars next time instead, and topping with coconut milk whipped cream to cut it.
I just tore my pantry apart looking for chocolate…any chocolate…not even a chip…WHY DID I READ THROUGH THIS POST!!??
Yum!!! Drooling on my keyboard right now…
I can’t wait to make the Elvis bars, Peanut Better Bars and you Creamy Dreamy Peppermint Patties. I have made and loved the cake balls (although I added too much coconut so dubbed them truffles and everyone loved them!) and one that is missing are your Twix Bars. I have yet to make a recipe of yours that isn’t fantastic. I can’t wait to get your cookbook in March. (Pre-ordered it in Jan!!) Thanks for sharing!
I haven’t made ANY of these recipes. I’m so disappointed in myself haah!! I think I need to stock up my pantry and then pick a day to binge bake!!!!
Oh my gosh, I am drooling!!
Those peppermint patties look soooo good. They are on my must-make list, for sure!
Your roundup posts are always my faves Ange! Because I don’t eat a lot of sweets I can’t say I’ve made many, but those no-bake Elvis Bars and the peanut butter balls are tucked away for the next time I need to make a sweet treat. Even though I consider myself more of the savoury sort, every single one of these photos makes me salivate! Gorgeous!
OH MY! I was wondering why all I want to make lately is desserts…Post like these:) Yummy! Thanks for sharing;)
Your dessert ideas are such an inspiration. I would never imagined or figured how to make these vegan. Certainly not all desserts are created equal. If I had to pick one as my absolute most fav, it’ll be your raw walnut Fudge!