Best of 2014

See also: Best of 2012 and Best of 2013

The past year has been a trial for me–definitely the most difficult year of my life. Yay, adulthood! However, in terms of oatmeal, the year looked invincible! The year began with a pomegranate infatuation, then it discovered white chocolate chips, experimented with parfaits, fell in love with herbs, and–of course–found even more ways to combine banana and peanut butter.

It wasn’t easy, but here are ten (plus some runner ups) of the best recipes of 2014.

1. Fan Favorite Recipe

Mocha Brownie Batter Oatmeal with Almond Butter: When I shared this recipe, you all “ooohed” and “ahhhed” on Facebook. Many of you even shared it on your own News Feeds! You pinned it on Pinterest, made it in your own kitchens, and posted the evidence on Instagram. Thank you dearly! Runner up: Sweet Potato Fudge Oatmeal

2. Pinterest Queen

Tiramisu Overnight Oatmeal: This recipe was the most popular pin on my board “The Oatmeal Artist.” This isn’t an exact science, considering it all depends on what day and what time of day I pin the recipe, but regardless, this was the one that gathered up the most repins!

3. Best Steel-Cut Oatmeal

Carrot Halwa Steel-Cut Oatmeal: I’ve said this before, but steel-cut oatmeal isn’t exactly my jam. It takes so long to cook, and a serving size is so tiny, and so on. However, there was one steel-cut recipe I was super proud of this year: this carrot halwa.

4. Best Baked Oatmeal

Salted Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal: You know I love anything that’s salted. 🙂 But you all loved this one, too! This received an immense amount of love on Pinterest, as well as heaps of page views on the blog. Runner up: Peppermint Brownie Baked Oatmeal

5. Best Savory Oatmeal

Herbed Pumpkin & Leek Oatmeal: My savory recipes don’t receive much love, so I picked this based on my own personal preferences. This oatmeal had me drooling the entire rest of the day after I ate it. That’s how I know it’s special! Runner Up: Biscuit Baked Oatmeal with Vegan Sausage Gravy.

6. Best Non-Porridge Recipe

Elvis Oatcake Stack: It was tough to pick an oatcake recipe to feature. Without a doubt, all of them were my most popular recipes this year, racking up tons of Facebook likes, Pinterest pins, and Instagram shots. There was not a clear favorite from my readers, so I picked my personal favorite: the Elvis. Runner up: Black Forest Oatcakes.

7. Chocolate Oatmeal of the Year

Sweet Potato Fudge Oatmeal: This is probably the runner-up for “Fan Favorite,” so it made sense to give it this title. I could not believe how popular this recipe was! It receives lots of love on Instagram. Thanks for sharing your pictures everyone! #oatmealartist Runner up: Berry Blackout Oatmeal

8. Non-Chocolate Oatmeal of theYear

Apple Baked Oatmeal with Espresso Almond Butter Frosting: If there’s anything I learned this year, it’s that you guys love almond butter as much as I do. 🙂 Runner up: Banana Chai Latte Oatmeal

9. Best Cookie-Inspired Oatmeal

White Chocolate Macadamia Baked Oatmeal: Last year, I recreated the beloved the gingerbread cookie, the oatmeal-raisin, and even the peanut butter blossom. However, 2014 was all about the white chocolate macadamia cookie. <3

10. Best Muesli

Grape & Dark Chocolate Chunk Muesli: 2014 brought us less muesli recipes than 2013, but this recipe still knocked my fuzzy socks off. What could be better than a chopped up dark chocolate bar in your breakfast? NOTHING, that’s what.

Did any of your favorites from 2014 not make the list? Comment below!