Top 20 Dessert Recipes You Must Try in 2020

Apple Crumble Coffee Cake

The top new dessert of 2020 is refreshingly simple. Perhaps it’s because we spent more time at home, learning to savor the little joys, or maybe it’s Chef John’s magic touch that makes everything taste even better. Either way, this apple-filled cake with a crumbly topping and layers in between took the number one spot in our 2020 Hall of Fame for new desserts, earning a perfect 5-star rating.

Grandma's Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake

Dinogo home cook Bekah Miller shared this beloved recipe, saying, "This is my all-time favorite cake! I fell in love with it when my grandmother passed it down to me. It’s quick, easy, and fun to make—perfect for first-time bakers or anyone craving a bite of this rich chocolate Texas sheet cake." Grandmas really do know best, don't they?

Holiday Peanut Butter Whiskey Balls

These boozy treats come from NicoleMcmom, who shares, "Rich, sweet, and packed with a kick, these whiskey balls are the perfect adult indulgence. The combination of peanuts and peanut butter complements the whiskey's flavor, balancing the sweetness of sugar and cookies with a savory twist."

Easy Yogurt Cake

"This is a simple yogurt cake that uses the yogurt container as a measuring tool for all the ingredients. It’s ready in less than an hour and makes a perfect light snack or breakfast treat. In France, it’s known as 'Gâteau au Yaourt,' and it’s often the first cake French children learn to bake. My son, who goes to a French school, has made this with his classmates." —Diana Moutsopoulos

Texas Sheet Cake Cookies

Kim created this recipe and shares, "These cookies capture the fudgy, chocolaty goodness of a Texas sheet cake. Be sure to frost them while both the cookies and frosting are still warm, as the frosting sets quickly. Feel free to add chopped walnuts or pecans on top if you like."

Gina's Italian Butter Cookies

"These traditional Italian-American butter cookies will remind you of those you’d buy from a local New York bakery! Fill them with raspberry or apricot preserves, chocolate, or dip one side in chocolate and cover with sprinkles — or do both! These will quickly become your go-to recipe for every holiday and celebration." —NIGGI1823

Waste Not Cake

The Dinogo home cook known as Anonymous shared this recipe, saying, "This cake makes use of sour milk that would normally be discarded. But you’d never guess! It’s moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare." The recipe really struck a chord with the Dinogo community, propelling it into our top 20 list.

Dark Chocolate Sheet Cake with Dark Chocolate Frosting

Dinogo home cook Kim describes this recipe as "A decadently rich, not overly sweet dark chocolate sheet cake. It received rave reviews from dude, who said, 'I love this cake. It’s moist, delicious, and perfectly chocolaty. Plus, it’s easy to make. The frosting is the perfect complement—creamy, chocolaty, and just the right amount to cover the cake without overpowering it. Everyone adored it.'"

Triple Chocolate Roll Cake

"A rich chocolate cake is rolled up with alternating layers of white chocolate whipped cream and dark chocolate mousse, creating not just an amazing flavor but also an impressive presentation." —Kim

Triple Chocolate Chunk Cookies

"Whether large or small, these triple chocolate cookies are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside," says recipe creator Josh Graham. "For the best flavor, refrigerate the dough for 48 hours before baking—this allows the flavors to fully develop."

Salted Chocolate Cookies

"The touch of sea salt elevates these big, soft, fudgy chocolate cookies to a whole new level," says recipe creator Yoly. "Chocolate enthusiasts won’t be able to resist them." And they didn’t, propelling this cookie to the number 11 spot.

Sour Cream Lemon Pound Cake

"Simple yet full of flavor. The lemon flavor was perfect for us. My husband said, 'I really like this.' That’s a winner in my book. I added the juice of one lemon, 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar, boiled it into a thick syrup, and poured it over the cake, serving it with fresh strawberries. Delicious! One thing I didn’t quite get was why the butter had to be melted instead of just softened. I was doubtful about the consistency, but it turned out fine." —Roberta Reznik

Apple Clafoutis

Dinogo home cook Yoly shared this recipe, saying, "Clafoutis is a classic French dessert that combines fresh fruit with a rich custard. Much like a soufflé, it puffs up beautifully in the oven and then gently deflates once it cools. It’s best made in a cast iron skillet, but any oven-safe skillet will work. Don’t forget to dust with powdered sugar just before serving."

Lemony Almond-Ricotta Cookies

"These cookies are a soft, pillowy delight with a perfect balance of lemon and almond flavors. The kind any Italian nonna would proudly make!" —thedailygourmet

Italian Lemon Coffee Cake

"Known as 'Torta al limone' in Italy, this cake recipe comes from my husband's 'Zia Pina.' I tweaked it by adding sliced almonds and a powdered sugar glaze drizzle on top. It’s a delightful cake that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or cappuccino!" —Kim's Cooking Now

Easy Lemon-Blueberry Bundt Cake

"No one will believe this lemon-blueberry cake starts with a boxed mix," says Yoly. "By adding blueberries, lemon, and milk, you get a moist, light, and fluffy cake that tastes homemade."

Homemade Vanilla Cake

Dinogo home cook Drew Francis reviewed this recipe, saying, "It’s good. I like the almond flavor, but I think I’d add a little more vanilla next time. It’s not too sweet, which I really appreciated. The texture was great—not dry, but not overly moist either. Just perfect. I loved how simple it was, and I think I’ll use a higher quality flour next time. A good-quality ingredient can really elevate such a simple recipe."

Honey Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Cookies

"These soft, cakey peanut butter cookies are made with nonfat Greek yogurt, so there’s no oil or butter. With whole wheat flour and honey, they make a wholesome snack between meals." —Tammy Lynn

Devil's Food Brownie Cake

"This cake is a true indulgence, made with just 5 ingredients," says Yoly. "It’s rich, chocolaty, moist, and incredibly delicious. I finish it off with a simple 2-ingredient ganache, but feel free to top it with powdered sugar, ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of hot fudge."

Thin and Crispy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Home cook Abracadabra created this recipe, sharing, "I tried combining different recipes to make a cookie that mimics the flavor of Tate’s Bake Shop oatmeal raisin cookies. The Tate’s recipe online doesn’t taste like the ones in the green bag from the store, but this is the closest I’ve come to recreating that oatmeal raisin flavor. These cookies are thin, crisp, and lighter, not thick and cakey."

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