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
Wow! I cant believe I havent tried any of these! I have a few pinned, but none I have tried! If I have LOVED all your recipes I have made that arent on this list…..these ones are going to blow my mind! Yummmmy! Pinning the rest right now :)
These will be the perfect sweet treat for me to enjoy for my a reward after a hard training run or my 18 miler coming up again this weekend. Just because I am elite, doesnt mean I dont deserve a treat…that even rhymed :) It must be true!
Wow, I want to make so many of these! I think the Peanut Better Balls sound most exciting! As far as timing goes, I feel like I haven’t gotten away from chocolate since, oh, Thanksgiving…so why try? :)
For some reason having them all together they look so much more epic!!!! I want them all! This is so awesome and it is not just because I’m so hungry! I love this compilation. Good to help the winter sweet tooth to turn healthier.
Oh my gosh… this is like a SUPER post. All these amazing recipes in one post – amazing!! I can’t wait to try these :) Always look forward to your posts… this one totally rocked!!
I am TOTALLY make the Raw Almond Butter Cups ASAP!!! :)
The trailmix cookies are our go-to dessert around here (with the addition of dried cherries). I’m eating one right now!
So glad you reminded me of the 3-layer bars! I love that kind of thing and I can’t wait to make them. I tried making the peppermint patties but mine had a little too much of a cashew taste for my liking. They were however quite popular with my guy friends :) I also forgot about the peanut better balls. I want those in my life (and stomach) ASAP! Also, I’m making those peanut butter cup brownies from your recipe bundle to bring into work on Friday. My coworkers doubted the deliciousness of vegan desserts….we will show them…
your pictures are stunning! these desserts look incredible – definitely one to try!!
Thank you so much for your hard work, Angela! I absolutely love the chilled chocolate pie, and have used it to both convince my family that veganism can be decadent and delicious, and to seduce a certain boy. So I would say your recipe is a complete success :P
All the best for the next year of desserts!
I will definitely be making the peppermint patties. I love mint and chocolate together!
These all look wonderful! I’ve made the chocolate pie on repeat and am looking forward to trying the fudge or peanut butter cups next.
Where do you find pure vanilla extract? I can only find vanilla with an alcohol or glycerine base.
You had me completely at the raw almond butter cups. <3
Anything from your website gets my tastebuds to dance! I really admire the work you have done!
I am loving all of these! I agree with your number 1 though – I need to make those asap :)
These peppermint patties look amazing!! I need to make them ASAP!
— Alex at brainyGirlsBeauty.com
I see a very ‘chocolate’ theme here…woman’s best friend.
Awesome List. I need to try all those items!!
I will definitely be making some of these!
Angela, I love you. I rarely comment but I read your blog every WEEK! I’m celebrating a year of being vegan and it was made SOOO much easier by you! I didn’t know where to start when I began, but thanks to your blog, it was possible. I make your recipes all the time. Last year I had my first baby and the first few months would have been much harder without your chocolate walnut fudge recipe. I ate it constantly and it made me feel better… haha! And I love your dark chocolate chilled pie with compote (so many people loved it too). Keep doing what you’re doing. You make a difference in the world. :)
Hey Angela.. it is kinda hurting me watch those desserts which cannot be eaten from your website. :(
I just love anything that has chocolates!
Thank you for the round-up. I make your cookie dough bars every couple of weeks. We enjoyed your chocolate pie recipe for Christmas. And the raw almond butter cups are on regular rotation as a treat for me and my husband. Thank you. Can’t wait for your cookbook!