The best low carb and keto recipes of 2016. From appetizers and snacks to dinner and dessert, it’s all here!
It’s that time of year again. Time to look back over the past 12 months and think about what you accomplished, what touched you, what changed you, and how you grew as a person. On a personal level, 2016 was an incredibly tough year for me. I am deeply touched, deeply changed, and I can only hope that the things I went through this year help me grow and evolve. Only time will tell.
However, on a professional level, I feel that 2016 was my best year yet. I poured my heart and soul into this blog and I am immensely proud of the recipes I created. It also soared in popularity early in January and stayed high all through the year, with record breaking traffic in almost every single month. My social media following grew at an astonishing rate as well. But through all of that, I flatter myself that I still kept my deep connection with my readers, answering their questions and responding to their emails and comments as much as time would allow. Oh, and did I mention that I signed a publishing deal this year too? Cookbook coming in Fall 2017.
It’s always fun to look into my statistics and see which were the most popular recipes from the past year. This year I look back and I think “Yep, these were all among my favourites too!”. Each one I’ve made multiple times, because they quickly became family favourites. Honestly, they are all winners and I am just so proud of them. Enjoy!
Crispy Baked Buffalo Drumsticks
Using baking powder to crisp up the skin of baked chicken was an absolute revelation to me. And apparently it was to many readers as well because this was far and away my most popular recipe of 2016.
Another absolute revelation was using mozzarella to create a stretchy, tender dough that’s great for pizza, pastry, and other fun applications. I’ve used it in so many ways already and I have so many more ideas for it!
You don’t need any explanation as to why these easy low carb bars are so popular. Peanut butter. Chocolate. No bake. Enough said.
This is one of my favourite desserts from 2016 because it’s so easy to make. Some folks have trouble with the mousse setting properly, so make sure you are using the same ingredients I use. Substitutions may cause your mousse to be runny.
Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake
Sheet cake: feeds a crowd, tastes divine. How can you go wrong, especially with a peanut butter version?
These thin crispy cookies are delicious but admittedly a little tricky to make. From reader feedback, I think that the Yacon syrup works better than the molasses. Watch them carefully so they don’t burn!
Another revelation for 2016 was the Soul Bread movement. An entirely flourless bread based on cream cheese and protein powder. It’s the closest thing to white bread you will ever have on a low carb diet!
Peanut Butter Molten Lava Cakes
Another dessert that needs no explanation: gooey melty peanut butter oozing out of a warm-from-the-oven cake.
I am so glad these hit the top 10! They are so good, they quickly became one of my all-time favourites.
The moment I published this recipe, it became immensely popular. With an easy press-in pie crust and a sweet-tart lemon filling, it’s really a divine low carb dessert.
Any kind of poke cake is delicious. But a poke cake with vanilla pastry cream and chocolate ganache? Well that’s something really special!
When you’re single and you’re hungry, these are definitely the way to go!
Crumbly oat-like crust (with NO oats!) filled with chocolate and caramel. How could these not be amazing???
My husband declared this to be some of the best pizza he’s ever had, low carb or not. You’re welcome.
Some of the best wings I’ve ever had, low carb or not. You’re welcome.
Mexican Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream
I don’t always make dairy-free ice cream, but when I do, it’s delicious.
Cecelia says
I myself and so many people who go on your sight are so blessed to have someone who really takes the time and really care about people. You are a special person and we all love you for all you do. Have a very Blessed new year.
Lisa { Drop The Sugar says
Everything looks so delicious! I especially like the chocolate mousse tart. And the toffee pecan bars sounds like something I need to try.
Melissa says
You recently posted about being on vacation and a great soup you made afterwards. It had daikon radishes and celery, I believe. I made it and loved it, but then I lost the recipe and can’t find it again because I forgot the name! Can anyone help? Thanks!
Mary Anna says
The goulash after the river trip! https://alldayidreamaboutfood.com/2015/10/slow-cooker-low-carb-hungarian-goulash.html
Carolyn says
Thank you!
Kat says
I have a long list of your recipes that I set aside to make – have been chipping away at that list since 2013 but it just keeps getting longer! Guess I need to get busy so I’m ready for your new cookbook this fall. And thanks to your links to recipes created by others I’ve expanded my low carb readings to some additional world class blogs too. Looking forward to another year of learning new things to bake, cook and eat. Thank you.
Cathy says
So many great recipes and so little time. These are all winners. Cannot wait for the cookbook. It should be very special. Have a wonderful New Year.
Molly says
Excited about your upcoming cookbook!
Toni says
Looking forward to the cookbook! You have some awesome recipes!
Toni says
You are awesome I love your recipes thank you so much
Kate says
Such awesome recipes, Carolyn ! I thought I’d kept up this year, but I clearly missed a couple ! Off to the kitchen I go !
Jen says
Holy cow!! I’m so excited to have found this blog! So many absolutely delicious low carb recipes- be still my diabetic heart 😉
Carolyn says
Hope you enjoy them!
Janet says
Of this list, the Carmelita’s are our favorite!
Lauralee Oster says
I am having a terrible time using Swerve. Over the holidays I made almond paste & used it to make an Italian almond cheesecake & almond macaroons. I ended up throwing it all in the trash. It was WAY to sweet & crystallized. I am afraid to try new recipes using it. Please advise. Love your recipes! Love your blog! Can’t wait for the book! Thanks for your help.
Carolyn says
Well I’ve never made almond paste but I never have trouble using it in cheesecake. Do keep in mind that everyone’s palate is different. I no longer use it full strength in comparison to sugar. If I am making over a conventional recipes that takes a cup of sugar, I use 3/4 cup or less of Swerve.
Kat says
Would the use of powdered Swerve/Erythritol vs the granular reduce the risk of crystallization?
Carolyn says
In which recipe?
MELISSA IRVIN says
What a great “best of” list, Carolyn! I have tried MANY of your recipes since my niece introduced me to your site. THANK YOU for sharing your gifts with all of us. I have lost 60 lbs. since June and I know developing a healthy relationship with food and preparing meals at home, the majority from your recipes, has made a huge difference!
Can’t wait for your cookbook to come out.
Carolyn says
Congrats, Melissa!
Tanya Payne says
From this list, I’ve made the Lemon Sour Cream Pie and the Single Serve Chocolate Chip Brownies. Both are excellent! I plan to try the Carmelitas this weekend and expect them to be very good as well. I’m a huge fan of ADIDAF…I, too, am anxiously awaiting the cookbook release.
Sara Blackburn says
Great site. I love your recipes! I can’t seem to locate your list of other recommend low-carb bloggers. Could you help me with that. Happy New Year! I can’t wait for the cookbook.
Carolyn says
I don’t have a list of other bloggers. But I do recommend I Breathe, I’m Hungry; Peace, Love and Low Carb; and Keto Adapted. Those would be my top 3.
Kelli says
The link for the peanut butter lava cake leads to the sesame rolls.