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Top 10 Must-Try Recipes from 2017: Crowd-Pleasing Favorites

It’s always fun to see which recipes on Downshiftology were the most popular each year. This year’s Top 10 is a balanced mix of simple, foundational dishes, a few desserts, a cocktail, and several healthy meals. Did your favorites make the list?

The top 10 recipes on Downshiftology.com in 2017. All gluten-free recipes.

Here we are at the end of another year. I’m wrapping up 2017 with a stubborn cold, but fingers crossed I’ll be well by January 1. Still, I’m ready to say goodbye to 2017 and hello to 2018.

Looking back on the year, 2017 was fantastic for Downshiftology. The site grew tremendously — content on Downshiftology received 3 million views in 2017, up from 1.2 million in 2016. That more-than-double growth was thrilling to see.

In 2017 the site also received a major redesign and now has a fresh new look, which I absolutely love.

My YouTube channel, which was just starting at the end of 2016, expanded in 2017 as well. I created 31 new videos and 26,000 of you subscribed — thank you! I also produced several fast-motion social videos for simpler recipes like my Balsamic Reduction and Salted Caramel Sauce.

Back to the recipes: it’s interesting that four of the top 10 are straightforward or foundational recipes — things like Vegan Alfredo Sauce, Sweet Potato Hash Browns, and Brisket Dry Rub. Those healthy basics are perfect for anyone beginning a healthier way of eating.

And of course, dessert is a crowd-pleaser. I laughed while compiling my top nine Instagram photos for 2017 because desserts dominated — it’s no surprise a few of them landed in the top 10 here. My Amazing Paleo Chocolate Cake and Vegan Caramel Cheesecake were especially popular this year.

Here are the top 10 most viewed Downshiftology recipes of 2017:

1. Amazing Paleo Chocolate Cake

(Psst — due to popular demand, a yellow/white cake version of this is coming in 2018!)

(gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free) This paleo chocolate cake recipe is unbelievably rich, decadent and moist. It's the perfect chocolate birthday cake.

2. Brisket Dry Rub

This brisket rub is the perfect combination of sweet and smoky. It adds enormous flavor to smoked brisket or oven brisket, making it the best brisket rub.

3. Vegan Caramel Cheesecake

This gluten-free vegan caramel cheesecake is drizzled with a rich salted caramel sauce. The cheesecake is made from soaked cashews and is super creamy and decadent.

4. Vegan Alfredo Sauce

This vegan alfredo sauce is incredibly rich and creamy. It's a cashew-based, dairy-free sauce with a savory, cheesy-like flavor.

5. Vegan Chocolate Buttercream Frosting (paleo, dairy-free)

This vegan chocolate buttercream frosting is dairy-free and can be adapted to a paleo buttercream. It's rich, decadent, and delicious.

6. White Sangria with Mango and Berries

This white wine sangria with mango and berries is a fruity, refreshing cocktail—perfect for summer.

7. Coconut Curry Chicken

(gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo) This coconut curry chicken is a flavorful, healthy weeknight dinner. Chicken simmers in curry spices and coconut milk for an easy one-pan meal.

8. Sweet Potato Hash Browns

(gluten-free, vegan, paleo) These sweet potato hash browns are delicious and make a healthy breakfast.

9. Cold Brew Coffee

Cold brew coffee is simple to make at home. With a few tips you'll have a perfect cup and won’t need to buy it anymore.

10. Cream of Celery Soup (dairy-free)

(dairy-free) This cream of celery soup is light, fresh, and healthy. It's naturally vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo.

Those were the top 10 most popular recipes posted in 2017. If you’re curious about the all-time favorites since Downshiftology began in late 2014, here are the leaders:

  • All-Time Most Popular Recipe: Chocolate Mug Cake (gluten-free, paleo)
  • All-Time Most Popular Post: How to Make and Cook Zucchini Noodles (The Most Popular Methods)
  • All-Time Most Popular Video: Spiralizer Beginner’s Guide: 10 Vegetables to Spiralize

It will be interesting to watch how these all-time rankings evolve as the blog and the Downshiftology community continue to grow. Best wishes to all of you for a happy and healthy new year!

xo, Lisa

PS – If you’re keeping track, here were the Top 10 Recipes of 2016.