This year I took some time to look back through the archives and see which recipes on the blog have resonated most with you. The list below is based on page views for each post from January through to now, and it’s been lovely to rediscover old favourites alongside newer recipes that have quickly become popular.
As 2018 draws to a close, reflecting on the year feels fitting. Much of my focus this year has been on developing new recipes, improving photography and learning more about SEO so more people can find the recipes they’ll love. Seeing newer posts appear in this top 10 reassures me that the time spent experimenting, testing and refining presentation has paid off.
It’s also no surprise the list leans heavily toward desserts and sweets—comfort, flavour and texture matter when you’re baking—but there’s a healthy savoury option tucked in at number 10 to kick things off.
Here are the top 10 recipes from Eight Forest Lane for 2018, in order of popularity.
10. Turmeric Fried Rice
Starting the list with something wholesome and vibrant, this turmeric fried rice is a simple, nutritious dish that’s full of colour and warming spices. It’s an easy weeknight meal that packs well for lunches and works as a lighter contrast to the sweeter recipes on the list.
9. Banana & Oat Bread
This banana and oat loaf is one of my personal favourites—easy to make, naturally sweetened and adaptable with a vegan option. It’s great for breakfast, snacks or slicing for lunchboxes, and the texture is reliably moist thanks to the oats.
8. Dairy Free Lemon Cupcakes
Citrus-baked goods are always a hit, and these dairy-free lemon cupcakes deliver bright lemon flavour with a tender crumb. They’re a lovely option when you want something light, zesty and dairy-free without sacrificing taste or appearance.
7. Vanilla Layer Cake
A classic for a reason: vanilla layer cake is elegant and universally loved. This recipe is designed to be visually pretty while remaining straightforward to make, ideal for celebrations or whenever you want a timeless, comforting cake.
6. Cookies & Cream Cupcakes (Vegan)
Originally posted in 2016, these vegan cookies and cream cupcakes continue to be a crowd-pleaser. Anything featuring Oreo-style cookies tends to get attention, and this recipe pairs that familiar flavour with a rich, creamy vegan frosting.
5. Chai Spiced Tea Cake
This chai spiced tea cake is my pick for favourite recipe of the year. Warm spices and a tender crumb make it perfect for cosy afternoons with a cup of tea, and it’s a great way to introduce chai flavours into baking in an approachable way.
4. Easy No-Bake Lamington Bars
For when you want lamington flavour without the oven time, these no-bake lamington bars are an easy alternative. They capture that nostalgic coconut-and-chocolate combination in a quick, portable bar format.
3. Vegan Vanilla Buttercream
I’m thrilled to see a 2018 recipe in the top three. This vegan vanilla buttercream is my go-to frosting: smooth, whip-able and reliably sweet without being cloying. It pairs beautifully with a wide range of cakes and cupcakes.
2.Earl Grey Cupcakes with Lavender Frosting
There’s a reason these Earl Grey cupcakes with lavender frosting sit at number two: delicate tea-infused cake and a floral frosting combine for a refined, memorable treat. They’re beautiful to serve and offer a subtle, grown-up flavour profile.
1. Vegan Sticky Date Pudding with Caramel Sauce
The most popular post on the site this year is the vegan sticky date pudding with caramel sauce. It’s rich, comforting and indulgent—exactly what many people crave when they want a dessert that feels like a hug. I’m not surprised it topped the list.
Thank you to everyone who visited the blog this year and tried out any of these recipes. I love sharing dishes that bring people together, and your feedback and photos have been a real highlight. What would you like to see more of on the blog in 2019—more vegan desserts, quick weeknight dinners, seasonal bakes or something else? Let me know, and I’ll be excited to create and share more recipes with you.
Sally x