Best Sweet Recipes of 2018: Smitten Kitchen’s Favorite Desserts
Explore Smitten Kitchen's most celebrated sweet recipes from 2018, including classic pies, decadent cakes, and irresistible tarts for every baker.
Best Sweet Recipes of 2018: Smitten Kitchen’s Favorites
Each year, Smitten Kitchen reviews its most beloved sweet recipes, capturing the perfect balance of inventive flavors, classic techniques, and crowd-pleasing desserts. 2018 was an exceptional year, marked by decadent tarts, innovative cakes, nostalgic pies, and elegant puddings. Here is a comprehensive guide to the highlights, culinary notes, and baking wisdom gleaned from Smitten Kitchen’s top sweet selections in 2018.
Chocolate Caramel Tart
The Chocolate Caramel Tart offers richness and depth, marrying bittersweet chocolate ganache with luscious, homemade caramel on a crisp chocolate crust. This tart is distinguished by its restraint of sweetness and careful layering, giving each bite nuance and complexity.
- Chocolate Crust: Combines butter, flour, confectioners’ sugar, cocoa, egg yolk, and vanilla, pressed into a round tart pan for optimal texture.
- Caramel Layer: Sugar, water, and corn syrup are cooked until amber before butter, cream, and crème fraîche (or sour cream) are incorporated. The caramel sets in the fridge until firm.
- Ganache Topping: Simmered cream poured over chopped chocolate is whisked smooth and spread atop the cooled caramel layer. The tart is finished with flaky sea salt, providing balance and sophistication.
- Serving Suggestions: For clean slices, use a hot knife. Serve quickly for the neatest appearance, as the tart becomes soft at room temperature.
Chocolate Caramel Tart: Quick Table
| Layer | Components | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Crust | Butter, flour, cocoa, sugar, egg yolk, vanilla | Chill before baking |
| Caramel | Sugar, water, corn syrup, butter, cream, crème fraîche/sour cream | Cook to deep amber color, pour carefully |
| Ganache | Chocolate, cream | Whisk until smooth, set in fridge |
Sunken Black Forest Cake
The Sunken Black Forest Cake draws inspiration from the classic German Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte. It features a chocolate sponge layered with boozy cherries and airy whipped cream, but with a modern twist: the cake deliberately sinks in the center, creating a rustic, dramatic effect and intense chocolate flavor.
- Chocolate Layer: Moist chocolate cake forms the base.
- Cherry Filling: Cherries are steeped in kirsch or brandy for a signature boozy profile.
- Whipped Cream: Freshly whipped cream softens the bold chocolate and fruit notes.
- Assembly: The sunken center is filled with whipped cream and cherries, embracing imperfections as part of its charm.
Even More Perfect Apple Pie
The Even More Perfect Apple Pie is an evolution of a classic, maximizing apple density and buttery crust for an exemplary pie. With 4.25 pounds of apples packed into each pie, the emphasis is on fruit-forward flavor and a flaky, tender pastry.
- Apple Selection: Tart, crisp apples are preferred for the filling.
- Crust Technique: A blend of butter and flour ensures both flavor and structure. Chilling the dough is crucial for flakiness.
- Filling Preparation: Apples are peeled, sliced, and tossed with sugar and spices before being densely packed.
- Baking Advice: Frequent venting helps prevent sogginess. Baking at a high temperature ensures a crisp base.
Layered Mocha Cheesecake
The Layered Mocha Cheesecake showcases the best of coffee and chocolate in a creamy, multilayered dessert. Espresso and cocoa are woven through rich cheesecake, yielding defined layers and deep, aromatic notes.
- Cheesecake Base: Smooth, baked cream cheese foundation.
- Mocha Swirl: Espresso-infused chocolate or cocoa is incorporated for contrasting stripes.
- Assembly: Careful layering and swirling as the batter is poured achieves visual appeal and complex taste.
- Finishing Touch: Chilled overnight for firm yet delicate texture.
Flapjacks
Flapjacks, traditional British oat bars, are celebrated for their chewy texture and toasty flavors. Simple yet versatile, these bars are ideal for breakfast, snacking, or a sweet treat with tea.
- Base Ingredients: Rolled oats, golden syrup, brown sugar, and butter.
- Mix-Ins: Dried fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips for customization.
- Baking Strategy: Press mixture firmly into a lined baking pan for uniform thickness.
- Portioning: Cool completely before slicing for neat edges.
Invisible Apple Cake (Gâteau Invisible)
The Invisible Apple Cake is a French-inspired dessert where ultra-thin apple slices are layered in a light batter, creating a baked treat that is as much fruit as cake. Its elegant translucence showcases the apples, making for a visually stunning presentation.
- Apple Preparation: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to achieve uniform thin slices.
- Batter: Eggs, flour, butter, and milk are whisked together for a crepe-like structure.
- Layering: Apples are tossed with lemon juice and gently mixed into the batter before being poured into a lined loaf pan.
- Baking: Bake until golden, with a delicate, custard-like finish. Optional powdered sugar dusting adds refinement.
- Use tart apples for balanced flavor.
- Slice apples as thinly as possible for best texture.
- Let cool before removing from pan for clean slices.
Opera Cake (Gâteau Opéra)
The Opera Cake is an emblem of French patisserie, notable for its precise layers: almond sponge (joconde), espresso syrup, chocolate ganache, and French buttercream. Its dramatic striped appearance underscores the art of structured, layered desserts.
- Almond Cake: Joconde sponge, lightened with whipped egg whites, is the foundation.
- Espresso Syrup: Brandy and espresso soak the sponge for a moist, aromatic layer.
- Chocolate Ganache: Melted chocolate and cream create a thick, rich topping.
- French Buttercream: Egg yolks and butter, whipped to silky smoothness, bring extra decadence.
- Assembly: Multiple layering–cake, syrup, buttercream, ganache–delivers dramatic effect and balanced flavors.
- Finishing: Chill thoroughly before slicing; careful portioning maintains clean stripes and layers.
Triple Coconut Cream Pie
Coconut lovers will be delighted by the Triple Coconut Cream Pie, a celebration of texture and tropical flavor. Three coconut forms—sweet shredded, toasted flakes, and coconut milk—are combined for layered depth.
- Crust: Coconut and graham cracker base for toasted crunch.
- Filling: Custardy coconut milk filling, with added shredded coconut for contrast.
- Topping: Whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes finish the pie for added flavor and visual interest.
Fig Newtons
The Fig Newtons recipe reinvents the familiar store-bought treat by emphasizing a homemade fig filling enveloped in tender pastry. Real dried figs and orange zest accentuate sweet and earthy notes.
- Fig Filling: Figs are cooked down with sugar and citrus for a thick, rich spread.
- Pastry: Soft, slightly cakey dough yields chewiness without excess sweetness.
- Shaping: Rolling and slicing creates classic bar shapes.
Luxe Butterscotch Pudding
A classic childhood dessert, Luxe Butterscotch Pudding is elevated with deep caramel and butter flavors. Designed for smoothness and silkiness, this pudding is rich and comforting yet sophisticated.
- Caramel Base: Brown sugar is melted and deglazed with butter and cream.
- Eggs: Yolks temper the pudding for extra silkiness.
- Vanilla/Salt: Balances dense sweetness, adding subtle flavor.
- Serving: Chill before serving and finish with whipped cream or flaky sea salt.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
Combining two classic flavors in one handheld treat, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies feature a soft chocolate cookie with gooey peanut butter centers. Easy to portion and perfect for sharing.
- Chocolate Cookie: Rich cocoa dough for bold base flavor.
- Peanut Butter Center: Creamy peanut butter is encased inside each cookie before baking.
- Baking: Careful timing prevents overbaking and keeps interiors molten.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I freeze the Chocolate Caramel Tart?
Yes, both the tart and its individual components freeze well. Wrap tightly in plastic or store in a sealed container. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Why does the Sunken Black Forest Cake collapse in the center?
This is by design; the slightly underbaked center creates a rustic look and an intensely moist, chocolate-rich layer.
What apples work best for Invisible Apple Cake?
Use firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Mutsu. Thin, even slices yield the best texture and appearance.
How can I ensure clean layers in Opera Cake?
Chill each layer before assembly and slice with a hot, clean knife. Even trimming helps maintain signature stripes.
Are Flapjacks the same as American pancakes?
No, British flapjacks are oat-based bars sweetened with syrup and baked, whereas American flapjacks refer to griddle-cooked pancakes.
Final Notes: Smitten Kitchen’s Baking Principles
- Ingredient Quality: Use the best available butter, cream, and chocolate for superior results.
- Technique Matters: Precise measurements, thorough mixing, and careful baking elevate even simple recipes.
- Customization: Many recipes allow for mix-ins or substitutions—creativity encouraged!
- Sharing Joy: These recipes are designed not just for flavor, but for bringing friends and family together around the table.
From rich tarts to nostalgic cookies, Smitten Kitchen’s best sweet recipes of 2018 offer both classic appeal and modern flair. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a dessert enthusiast, this curated collection promises inspiration, confidence, and irresistible flavors for every occasion.
