As the year draws to a close, it’s a great time to pause and reflect before diving into the new one. For bloggers, this reflection is especially useful: reviewing the past twelve months of content helps identify what resonated with readers and guides planning for the year ahead.
Last year I shared the top 10 recipes from 2018 and enjoyed the process so much I decided to do it again for 2019. This year’s list is based on pageviews for each post from January through December, giving a clear picture of which recipes drew the most attention. Comparing 2018 and 2019 was particularly interesting — some longtime favourites returned while several new recipes climbed into the top ranks.
Of the ten recipes that made this year’s list, six are returning favourites and four are newcomers. I love seeing familiar dishes continue to perform well, and it’s exciting to watch new recipes find an audience. If you haven’t spent much time browsing the archives, this roundup is a great place to start and discover recipes you might have missed.
Below, I’m counting down the top 10 recipes of 2019 from Eight Forest Lane. Each entry links to the full recipe post so you can view ingredients, instructions, and tips.
10. Crispy Tofu and Zoodles with Peanut Sauce
A newcomer at number 10, this dish is a weeknight winner. Golden, crispy tofu and light zucchini noodles are tossed in a creamy, slightly spicy peanut sauce. It’s quick to make, packed with flavour and texture, and works well as a healthy, satisfying dinner option.
9. Coffee and Walnut Loaf Cake
This classic flavour pairing makes the list in its first year on the blog. The cake balances rich coffee notes with crunchy walnuts, and it’s one of my favourite bakes when you want something comforting but not overly sweet. It’s ideal for afternoon tea or a weekend treat.
8. Easy No-Bake Lamington Bars
These no-bake lamington bars slipped a few places compared to last year but remain a reader favourite. They’re quick to prepare, portable, and make a great snack or dessert when you need something nostalgic and delicious without the oven time.
7. Lady Grey Cupcakes with Lavender Frosting
Once ranked number two last year, these floral, tea-infused cupcakes sit at number seven this year. They’re elegant and fragrant, with a delicate Lady Grey flavour and soft lavender frosting — perfect for special occasions or whenever you want a refined cupcake.
6. Turmeric Fried Rice
This simple turmeric fried rice continues to climb the list because it’s tasty, colourful and easy to throw together. The warm, earthy turmeric not only adds flavour but gives the dish a vibrant golden hue. It’s a great way to use leftover rice and makes a wholesome weeknight meal.
5. Dairy Free Blueberry Muffins
These dairy-free blueberry muffins have been on the site since 2015 but received renewed attention after a refreshed post last year. Soft, tender and bursting with berries, they’re a reliable favourite for breakfast, lunchboxes or a grab-and-go snack.
4. Cookies and Cream Cupcakes (Vegan)
Jumping up from number six last year, these vegan cookies and cream cupcakes prove that plant-based treats can be just as indulgent. They’re moist, chocolaty and topped with creamy frosting studded with crunchy cookie pieces — a crowd-pleaser for vegans and non-vegans alike.
3. Vegan Chocolate Buttercream
Finding a simple, dairy-free chocolate buttercream can be difficult, but this version delivers rich chocolate flavour and a silky texture without dairy. I eventually gave it its own post, and clearly many of you have found it indispensable for frosting cakes and cupcakes.
2. Vegan Vanilla Buttercream
The versatile older sibling to the chocolate buttercream, the vegan vanilla buttercream earns the number two spot. Its clean, sweet vanilla flavour makes it perfect for a wide range of cakes and cupcakes, and it’s a staple for many bakers looking for a reliable dairy-free frosting.
1. Vegan Sticky Date Pudding with Caramel Sauce
For the second year running, the vegan sticky date pudding with caramel sauce takes the top spot. It’s a rich, comforting dessert with moist sponge and a deeply caramelised sauce — clearly a favourite for celebrations and cosy dinners alike. I’m delighted it remains a go-to recipe for so many readers.
Thank you to everyone who visited the site this year. I love sharing recipes and hearing how they turn out in your kitchens, so thank you for making them and for sharing with friends and family. I’d love to hear what types of recipes you’d like to see on the blog in 2020 — please leave a comment on the posts or tell me your ideas.
Sally x