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Photo: Photographer: Stacy K. Allen; Prop stylist: Julia Bayless; Food stylist: Ana Kelley
Your new favorite dessert might just be in this collection of recipes. From easy cheesecake bars to comforting banana breads, these are the highly-rated treats that got the most attention fromEatingWellreaders in 2023. You seriously don’t want to miss out on mouthwatering desserts like our High-Protein Lemon Blueberry Muffins and Fresh Apple Cake Recipe as you make your way into the new year.
01of 20Lemon-Blueberry Cheesecake BarsThese lemon-blueberry cheesecake bars feature the rich, creamy flavor of cheesecake without the fuss. A thin layer of cheesecake flavored with lemon surrounds a mound of fresh blueberries bursting with sweet fruity flavor. You can use this easy recipe as a template, easily swapping out the blueberries for another berry or chopped fruit. Lime zest and juice can be used in place of lemon.View Recipe
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Lemon-Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
These lemon-blueberry cheesecake bars feature the rich, creamy flavor of cheesecake without the fuss. A thin layer of cheesecake flavored with lemon surrounds a mound of fresh blueberries bursting with sweet fruity flavor. You can use this easy recipe as a template, easily swapping out the blueberries for another berry or chopped fruit. Lime zest and juice can be used in place of lemon.
View Recipe
02of 20Oatmeal Banana BreadPhotographer: Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Shell RoysterThis oatmeal banana bread features old-fashioned oats, which provide texture. This banana bread is subtly sweet and well balanced, making it perfect for tea time, breakfast time and anything in between.View Recipe
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Oatmeal Banana Bread
Photographer: Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
This oatmeal banana bread features old-fashioned oats, which provide texture. This banana bread is subtly sweet and well balanced, making it perfect for tea time, breakfast time and anything in between.
03of 20High-Protein Lemon-Blueberry MuffinsPhotographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle, Food Stylist: Julia LevyThese lemon-blueberry muffins are so good, you’ll think they came straight from a bakery. A sprinkle of sugar creates a nice crunch on the outside, while strained yogurt ensures the muffins stay moist on the inside. The yogurt also provides a boost of satisfying protein, making these muffins perfect for breakfast or snack time. If using frozen blueberries, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand. They will add a purple hue to the batter, but it won’t affect the delicious end result.View Recipe
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High-Protein Lemon-Blueberry Muffins
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle, Food Stylist: Julia Levy
These lemon-blueberry muffins are so good, you’ll think they came straight from a bakery. A sprinkle of sugar creates a nice crunch on the outside, while strained yogurt ensures the muffins stay moist on the inside. The yogurt also provides a boost of satisfying protein, making these muffins perfect for breakfast or snack time. If using frozen blueberries, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand. They will add a purple hue to the batter, but it won’t affect the delicious end result.
04of 20This Fresh Apple Cake Is Perfect for Apple SeasonPhotographer: Stacy K. Allen; Prop stylist: Julia Bayless; Food stylist: Ana KelleySuper-juicy apples flavor this mildly spicy fresh apple cake that pairs beautifully with a warm cup of tea. The glaze offers a sweet finish. If you like a thicker glaze, use less buttermilk to thin it. Honeycrisp apples are sweet and slightly tart, but you can use any combination of apples you like, keeping in mind the tarter the apple, the less sweet the cake will be.View Recipe
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This Fresh Apple Cake Is Perfect for Apple Season
Photographer: Stacy K. Allen; Prop stylist: Julia Bayless; Food stylist: Ana Kelley
Super-juicy apples flavor this mildly spicy fresh apple cake that pairs beautifully with a warm cup of tea. The glaze offers a sweet finish. If you like a thicker glaze, use less buttermilk to thin it. Honeycrisp apples are sweet and slightly tart, but you can use any combination of apples you like, keeping in mind the tarter the apple, the less sweet the cake will be.
05of 20No-Bake Lemon-Blueberry Cheesecake BarsPhotographer: Carson Downing, Food stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Joseph WanekHere we make a no-bake cheesecake with a simple pressed graham cracker crust and a cream cheese and strained yogurt filling that sets as it chills. Blueberries tossed in store-bought lemon curd add sweetness and tang. This easy cheesecake works well with any berry. If you’re using strawberries, slice or quarter them and let them drain a bit before adding them to the cheesecake.View Recipe
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No-Bake Lemon-Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
Photographer: Carson Downing, Food stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek
Here we make a no-bake cheesecake with a simple pressed graham cracker crust and a cream cheese and strained yogurt filling that sets as it chills. Blueberries tossed in store-bought lemon curd add sweetness and tang. This easy cheesecake works well with any berry. If you’re using strawberries, slice or quarter them and let them drain a bit before adding them to the cheesecake.
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Maple-Cinnamon Sweet Potato Bread
This comforting sweet potato bread is perfect with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or served with a dollop of maple ice cream or sweetened whipped cream for a light dessert. Be sure not to overcook the sweet potato in the microwave—a dry sweet potato will make the bread less moist.
07of 20Mini Muffin-Tin Lemon-Raspberry CheesecakeJason DonnellyCream cheese and lemon combine with raspberries and a splash of vanilla in these mini muffin-tin cheesecakes. This easy recipe is perfect for brunch or any time you need a cute dessert to feed a crowd.View Recipe
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Mini Muffin-Tin Lemon-Raspberry Cheesecake
Jason Donnelly
Cream cheese and lemon combine with raspberries and a splash of vanilla in these mini muffin-tin cheesecakes. This easy recipe is perfect for brunch or any time you need a cute dessert to feed a crowd.
08of 20Classic Banana BreadLee Harrelson; Styling: Jan Gautro, Laura ZapalowskiThis versatile bread is the perfect on-the-go breakfast, gift for a host, or holiday gift. Top it with whatever you like, and even throw some additional ingredients like chocolate chips. It’s the bread that everyone can get behind. Banana bread should form a crack down the center as it bakes–a sign the baking soda is doing its job. Serve toasted with a smear of cream cheese, Greek yogurt or peanut butter and top with mixed nuts, if desired.View Recipe
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Classic Banana Bread
Lee Harrelson; Styling: Jan Gautro, Laura Zapalowski
This versatile bread is the perfect on-the-go breakfast, gift for a host, or holiday gift. Top it with whatever you like, and even throw some additional ingredients like chocolate chips. It’s the bread that everyone can get behind. Banana bread should form a crack down the center as it bakes–a sign the baking soda is doing its job. Serve toasted with a smear of cream cheese, Greek yogurt or peanut butter and top with mixed nuts, if desired.
09of 20Capirotada (Mexican Bread Pudding)Karry HosfordThiscapirotada, or Mexican bread pudding, features layers of nuts, cheese, dried fruit and bread drizzled with cinnamon-infused sugar syrup.View Recipe
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Capirotada (Mexican Bread Pudding)
Karry Hosford
Thiscapirotada, or Mexican bread pudding, features layers of nuts, cheese, dried fruit and bread drizzled with cinnamon-infused sugar syrup.
10of 20Banana-Blueberry Protein MuffinsPhotographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Julia BaylissThese super-moist and tender muffins get a protein boost with the addition of cottage cheese and peanut butter. The banana, which adds natural sweetness, doesn’t overpower the flavor of the blueberries. Frozen blueberries work just as well as fresh. For a different twist, try raspberries or chopped apple.View Recipe
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Banana-Blueberry Protein Muffins
Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayliss
These super-moist and tender muffins get a protein boost with the addition of cottage cheese and peanut butter. The banana, which adds natural sweetness, doesn’t overpower the flavor of the blueberries. Frozen blueberries work just as well as fresh. For a different twist, try raspberries or chopped apple.
11of 20Banana MuffinsJason DonnellyThis banana muffin recipe pairs nutty whole-wheat flour with sweet, ripe banana and dark chocolate chips for an irresistibly moist and tender grab-and go-breakfast or snack.Banana Muffins
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Banana Muffins
This banana muffin recipe pairs nutty whole-wheat flour with sweet, ripe banana and dark chocolate chips for an irresistibly moist and tender grab-and go-breakfast or snack.
12of 20The Best No-Sugar-Added Apple PiePhotographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist: Julia BaylessThis no-sugar-added apple pie gets its natural sweetness from antioxidant- and fiber-rich dates. Cider vinegar helps to enhance the flavor. We like Gala apples for their sweetness and crisp texture, but any sweet, firm apple will work well. If you like your apple pie on the tart side, add a Granny Smith to the mix. We use frozen pie crusts for the bottom and top of the pie. The dough should release easily from the tin for the top crust within about 10 minutes out of the freezer. If not, let it sit out a bit longer until it releases easily.View Recipe
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The Best No-Sugar-Added Apple Pie
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
This no-sugar-added apple pie gets its natural sweetness from antioxidant- and fiber-rich dates. Cider vinegar helps to enhance the flavor. We like Gala apples for their sweetness and crisp texture, but any sweet, firm apple will work well. If you like your apple pie on the tart side, add a Granny Smith to the mix. We use frozen pie crusts for the bottom and top of the pie. The dough should release easily from the tin for the top crust within about 10 minutes out of the freezer. If not, let it sit out a bit longer until it releases easily.
13of 20Raspberry-Jam BitesSara BaurleyIt doesn’t get easier, or more delicious, than this simple, three-ingredient snack. Chia seeds and raspberries add fiber to these healthy frozen bites. Chocolate provides a touch of sweetness to balance the tartness of the berries.View Recipe
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Raspberry-Jam Bites
Sara Baurley
It doesn’t get easier, or more delicious, than this simple, three-ingredient snack. Chia seeds and raspberries add fiber to these healthy frozen bites. Chocolate provides a touch of sweetness to balance the tartness of the berries.
14of 20Easy Lemon-Blueberry CookiesPhotographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Holly DreesmanThese lemon-blueberry cookies are sweet and tangy with a chewy center, thanks to the addition of cream of tartar that gives them a texture similar to a classic snickerdoodle. They spread as they bake, so be sure to give them a full 2 inches of space on the baking sheet.View Recipe
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Easy Lemon-Blueberry Cookies
Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman
These lemon-blueberry cookies are sweet and tangy with a chewy center, thanks to the addition of cream of tartar that gives them a texture similar to a classic snickerdoodle. They spread as they bake, so be sure to give them a full 2 inches of space on the baking sheet.
15of 20Cranberry-Lemon Cheesecake BarsAlexandra ShytsmanThese festive cheesecake bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Cranberries add a pop of color and tang.View Recipe
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Cranberry-Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Alexandra Shytsman
These festive cheesecake bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Cranberries add a pop of color and tang.
16of 20Easiest Apple TartsPhotographer: Carson Downing, Food stylist: Annie Probst, Prop stylist: Joseph WanekThese apple tarts look and taste like they came from the bakery but are so easy to whip up yourself. An ultra-flaky, buttery puff pastry crust frames tart-sweet Granny Smith apple slices, while the warm flavors from the fruit soak into the pastry. To prevent your apple tarts from becoming soggy, leave any juices from the apple slices behind in the mixing bowl.View Recipe
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Easiest Apple Tarts
Photographer: Carson Downing, Food stylist: Annie Probst, Prop stylist: Joseph Wanek
These apple tarts look and taste like they came from the bakery but are so easy to whip up yourself. An ultra-flaky, buttery puff pastry crust frames tart-sweet Granny Smith apple slices, while the warm flavors from the fruit soak into the pastry. To prevent your apple tarts from becoming soggy, leave any juices from the apple slices behind in the mixing bowl.
17of 20Peach CrispPhotography / Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling / Margaret Monroe DickeySweet summer peaches star in this easy peach crisp. The crunchy topping adds nutty flavor and texture to juicy peach filling. When peaches are out of season, you can use frozen peaches instead. Be sure to let them thaw completely before using.View Recipe
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Peach Crisp
Photography / Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling / Margaret Monroe Dickey
Sweet summer peaches star in this easy peach crisp. The crunchy topping adds nutty flavor and texture to juicy peach filling. When peaches are out of season, you can use frozen peaches instead. Be sure to let them thaw completely before using.
18of 20Puff-Pastry Apple Turnovers with Brown ButterPhotographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell RoysterThe filling of these flaky apple turnovers is made with browned butter, giving it a nutty flavor. Granny Smith apples offer a nice balance of sweet and tart, plus they hold their shape when cooked for a pleasant texture. If you want your turnovers sweeter without increasing the sugar, swap them out for a sweeter apple like Gala or Honeycrisp.View Recipe
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Puff-Pastry Apple Turnovers with Brown Butter
Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
The filling of these flaky apple turnovers is made with browned butter, giving it a nutty flavor. Granny Smith apples offer a nice balance of sweet and tart, plus they hold their shape when cooked for a pleasant texture. If you want your turnovers sweeter without increasing the sugar, swap them out for a sweeter apple like Gala or Honeycrisp.
19of 20Banana Nut BreadPhotographer: Jennifer Causey, Food stylist: Ruth BlackburnWalnuts add crunch and tangy sharpness in this healthy banana nut bread recipe. Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots, or even black bananas, as they will provide more sweetness. The banana nut bread is tender, with a caramelized crust.View Recipe
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Banana Nut Bread
Photographer: Jennifer Causey, Food stylist: Ruth Blackburn
Walnuts add crunch and tangy sharpness in this healthy banana nut bread recipe. Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots, or even black bananas, as they will provide more sweetness. The banana nut bread is tender, with a caramelized crust.
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Sweet Potato Dump Cake
This lightly sweetened sweet potato dump cake with a crumble topping is similar to a sweet potato casserole but with a firm, cake-like texture. If you can’t find a spice cake mix, you can use a vanilla cake mix and add cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, ginger and cloves.
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