A Decade In Desserts : The Most Popular/Searched For Recipes From 2022

For more reasons than one, popular dessert recipes stood to gain the love they did for a good reason. Whether it is for their sheer versatility or the changing trends basis the season, delicious desserts really kept one going through the chaos of emerging from the pandemic and still having something sweet and comforting to turn to. As we’re on the cusp of watching yet another year come to an end, let us skim through some of the most widely searched recipes, according to the search engine in 2022.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

The perennial favorite cookies studded with gooey chocolate chips haven’t failed to sweep the masses off their feet every single time. The combination of sweet, chewy dough and melty chocolate chips are a classic treat that is simple yet versatile, allowing for variations like the addition of nuts, different types of chocolate or even adjusting the cookie texture to be chewy or crispy – based on personal preferences. Whether homemade or store-bought, chocolate chip cookies tend took the internet by storm, not only because of the many bakeries that came up with some mouth-watering versions, but also for its easy adaptability in home kitchens.

Mango Pie

Showcasing the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh mangoes, the mango pie became especially popular during the time of Thanksgiving – much to the surprise of pumpkin spice fans. Similar to other fruit pies, the mango version typically consists of a flaky pie crust filled with a mixture of ripe mangoes in fruit or custard form, sugar and spices like cinnamon or ginger for added depth of flavor.

Quick Pancakes

Despite busy schedules and hectic days, a breakfast of quick pancakes are a staple loved for their fluffy texture, indulgent nature and versatility. Given the sheer number of customisations that are made possible – pancakes topped with blueberries, chocolate chips, bananas or walnuts, and people drizzled with maple syrup, honey or fruit compote, became a recipe that was addictive and on repeat for many. This of course, excludes the parallel varieties like crepes, Dutch baby and Japanese soufflé pancakes, each with its unique texture and taste.

Squid Game Cookie

The Dalgona candy or honeycomb candy, also manifested as the ‘Squid Game Cookie’ – all thanks to the internet show, rose to its popularity. The traditional Korean treat that gained attention due to its appearance in one of the episodes where the characters played the game involving shapes and a needle is not exactly a cookie, but shaped and cooled into bite-sized pieces. What became a pop culture phenomenon was also inevitably one of the most popularly searched recipes.

Cinnamon Rolls

The soft, doughy, cinnamon-scented rolls with a delicious cinnamon-sugar filling are a natural entrant on the list of the most popular desserts for good reason. Buttery, dripping with cinnamon sugar and a soft, cinnamon-drenched centre topped with cream cheese frosting is a good enough way to sell this dessert to contend for popularity. A popular choice for breakfast with coffee or as a dessert, and many enjoy them fresh out of the oven when they’re still warm and gooey. The delightful comfort food that brings warmth and sweetness to any occasion, makes them perfect for the autumn-winter season, when eaten alongside a cup of hot chocolate.

Mug Cake

This popular and convenient dessert option that gained immense popularity for its simplicity and short cook time. The basic idea of combining flour, sugar, baking powder, oil, milk and cocoa powder in a microwave-safe mug results in a single-serving cake that's fluffy and moist. Known to be particularly popular as a midnight snack option for when the cravings strike, the versatile mug cake was also popular in its vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free variations.

Semolina Halva

What is known to most as suji ka halwa or rava kesari, the semolina halva is a buttery, sweet pudding made with ghee, sugar and plenty of dry fruits. The aromatic dessert, popular in many cultures like India, the Middle East and Mediterranean cuisines typically involves roasting the semolina in ghee until it turns golden brown, bringing out its nutty flavor, after which it is cooked until fluffy in a sugar syrup or sweet milk. Some versions also include additions like cardamom, saffron, and raisins for added flavor and texture.

Pumpkin Spice Cake

Captures the warm, comforting flavors of the autumn season, pumpkin spice cake really was the flavor of the fall in 2022! The moist and tender cake infused with pumpkin puree and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger has a lovely orange hue, creating that distinct pumpkin spice taste that is wildly popular during the fall season. Often complemented with cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze, the overall sweetness with a hint of tanginess is thereby enhanced greatly – making it a treat that is on repeat!