Every Single Winning Dish From The Pillsbury Bake-Off
There are some baking classics that you don't even think about. Peanut butter cookies and Bundt cakes are both standard, popular recipes that have been around forever, right? Wrong! These recipes (and many, many more) only entered the American recipe rolodex thanks to the Pillsbury Bake-Off.
The iconic contest has been revolutionizing the way home cooks bake and make quick and easy dinners for 69 years. Though one might expect the Pillsbury Bake-Off to take place on an annual basis, that has not always been the case. Since its inception in 1949, the contest has been held 47 times. For its first 27 years, it was an annual event. From 1978 to 2012, the contest was held only during even years, though there were sometimes multiple grand prize winners. Since 2013, the Pillsbury Bake-Off has been an elusive beast, being held in both 2013 and 2014 before taking a four-year hiatus and returning in 2018 and again in 2019.
While its frequency may be a little confounding, the end result is 55 incredible, award-winning desserts and dishes.
1949: No-Knead Water-Rising Twists
The original Pillsbury Bake-Off winner is a simple, sweet bread recipe that's a major breakfast upgrade from plain ol' toast.
1950: Orange Kiss-Me Cake
Citrus and strudel isn't the most obvious combination, which is why this surprising dessert won the judge's hearts (and stomachs).
1951: Starlight Double-Delight Cake
Adding frosting into cake mix isn't just for cake pops! This cake recipe uses the same technique, making the dessert incredibly moist and rich.
1952: Snappy Turtle Cookies
Children will snap up these snappy turtle cookies. Almonds make turtle legs and a head. They're so darn charming!
1953: "My Inspiration" Cake
This cake is so stunning and delicious, your friends and family will swear you bought it from a bakery. But you made it yourself (and it was so easy).
1954: Open Sesame Pie
Forget your everyday nutty pie, this dish (and its crust) have a surprise ingredient: sesame seeds!
1955: Ring-A-Lings
This beautiful, braided bread will be a most welcome addition to any breakfast or brunch table.
1956: California Casserole
A mix between a schnitzel and chicken and dumplings, this recipe is one of the few savory winners of the Pillsbury Bake-Off.
1957: Accordion Treats
A unique method of folding tinfoil gives this subtly sweet cookie a unique shape.
1958: Spicy Apple Twists
A lighter, miniature version of a classic apple dumpling, these individual desserts are less spicy and more spiced.
1959: Mardi Gras Party Cake
If you're not a big fan of king cake, consider this New Orleans-inspired winning dessert instead.
1960: Dilly Casserole Bread
This herby, savory bread is a great accompaniment to any number of stews or soups.
1961: Candy Bar Cookies
Chocolate, caramel, and nuts are such a beloved candy combination, this quick and easy recipe translated that to a cookie.
1962: Apple Pie '63
This dish is less of an apple pie and more an apple and cream cheese bar. Also, it won in 1962 and not 1963. What can we say? It is delicious, though.
1963: Hungry Boys' Casserole
If you do need to feed a bunch of hungry boys, this protein-packed casserole certainly will do the trick, thanks to a hearty amount of ground beef and chickpeas.
1964: Peacheesy Pie
This twist on a peach pie uses cream cheese and pumpkin pie spice to give this classic dish a new life.
1966: Golden Gate Snack Bread
This cheesy bread is the perfect thing to serve alongside a big bowl of chili.
1967: Muffin Mix Buffet Bread
A can of condensed Cheddar cheese soup adds a ton of flavor to this bread with very little effort on the part of the cook.
1968: Buttercream Pound Cake
Lemon and poppy seed is always a winning combination. This beautiful pound cake recipe is no exception.
1969: Magic Marshmallow Crescent Puffs
Refrigerated crescent rolls make this marshmallow treat magically flaky and magically easy to make.
For the Magic Marshmallow Crescent Puffs recipe, click here.
1970: Onion Lover's Twist
Parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, and onion make this twisted roll truly a lovable bread.
1971: Pecan Pie Surprise Bars
The surprise in this sweet and delicious pecan pie bars? Cake mix!
1972: Quick and Chewy Crescent Bars
Why buy your dessert from the store when you can make this insanely simple dessert yourself? The name doesn't lie; these bars really are quick and easy — and chewy.
1972: Streusel Spice Cake
Coconut, chocolate, nuts, and a hint of cinnamon pack this beautiful cake with tons of deliciousness and texture.
1973: Banana Crunch Cake
Oats, coconut, and the always-favorite pecan make this cake crunchy, while the banana adds a lovely subtle flavor.
1973: Quick Crescent Pecan Pie Bars
Pecan bars are clearly a favorite for the Pillsbury Bake-Off judges and contestants. These bars have just a handful of ingredients and a great nutty flavor.
1974: Chocolate Cherry Bars
Chocolate and cherry is a decadent, romantic combination. These bars are the perfect dessert after a dinner for two at home.
1974: Savory Crescent Chicken Squares
Want the deliciousness of a chicken pot pie with way less effort? These chicken squares are the perfect quick dinner for you!
1975: Easy Crescent Danish Rolls
No need to make a trip to the bakery for a Danish. This recipe allows you to make your own at home with ease.
1975: Sour Cream Apple Squares
Sour cream may sound like an unappetizing dessert ingredient, but it adds a subtle, distinctive flavor that is impossible to resist.
1976: Crescent Caramel Swirl
You just need four more ingredients to turn your crescent rolls into this chewy, sweet dessert.
1976: Whole Wheat Raisin Loaf
Perfect for breakfast or a midday snack, this whole wheat raisin bread recipe is nutritious yet delicious.
1978: Chick and Broccoli Pot Pies
Mini chicken pot pies with a flaky biscuit crust make a delicious dinner the whole family can enjoy.
1978: Nutty Graham Picnic Cake
This orange cake with a graham cracker twist truly is the perfect thing to take on a picnic.
1980: Italian Zucchini Crescent Pie
This take on a quiche has a stunning presentation and a great savory taste. Plus, it's full of vegetables, so it's good for you!
1982: Almond-Filled Cookie Cake
Almonds? Good. Cookies? Delicious! Cake? Amazing! Combine all three and you have one award-winning dessert.
1984: Country Apple Coffee Cake
Cinnamon and apple is a classic combination. This simple coffee cake truly highlights this perfect pair.
1986: Apple Nut Lattice Tart
Everyone has a favorite apple pie recipe. This take on an apple pie combines several dishes to make the best-ever pie.
1988: Chocolate Praline Layer Cake
Using a boxed cake mix saves tons of time and effort in this recipe, allowing you to focus on a stunning presentation.
1990: Blueberry-Poppy Seed Brunch Cake
Topping a beautiful lemon poppy seed cake with a blueberry compote is a colorful and welcome addition.
For the Blueberry-Poppy Seed Brunch Cake recipe, click here.
1992: Pennsylvania Dutch Cake and Custard Pie
Taking inspiration from the shoofly pie, this cake/pie hybrid is everything you could want and more.
For the Pennsylvania Dutch Cake and Custard Pie recipe, click here.
1994: Fudgy Bonbons
What could make a chocolate bonbon even better? More chocolate! With candy inside, these bonbons are a pleasant and fun surprise.
1996: Macadamia Fudge Torte
Who doesn't love a fudgy chocolate cake? With nuts and a caramel sauce, this indulgent recipe is truly scrumptious.
1998: Salsa Couscous Chicken
Having chicken for dinner is healthy, but it can be boring. This recipe is packed with surprising flavors for a fun and festive dinner.
2000: Cream Cheese Brownie Pie
The only way to improve upon brownies is to turn them in to this insanely delicious pie.
2002: Chicken Florentine Panini
Turn one classic Italian ingredient (pizza crust) into this Italian-inspired sandwich with this winning recipe.
2004: Oats and Honey Granola Pie
Old-fashioned oats and granola get a brand new life in this comforting pie.
2006: Baked Chicken and Spinach Stuffing
This winning savory meal is a simple, easy dinner for two that's both healthy and surprising.
For the Baked Chicken and Spinach Stuffing recipe, click here.
2008: Double-Delight Peanut Butter Cookies
Peanut butter cookies are already a delight, but the addition of nuts and a touch of cinnamon makes this recipe truly delightful.
For the Double-Delight Peanut Butter Cookies recipe, click here.
2010: Mini Ice Cream Cookie Cups
If you're entertaining guests, trying to choose between ice cream and cookies for dessert is a struggle. With this playful recipe, you won't have to choose again.
2012: Pumpkin Ravioli With Salted Caramel Whipped Cream
Don't think for a single second that ravioli has to be savory! With pumpkin, cream cheese, and caramel, this toasted dessert is a whimsical take on a standard Italian dish.
For the Pumpkin Ravioli With Salted Caramel Whipped Cream recipe, click here.
2013: Loaded Potato Pinwheels
A loaded baked potato is already comfort food defined. Wrapping that filling into a crescent roll only makes it that much better.
2014: Peanutty Pie Crust Clusters
A deconstructed dessert doesn't have to be pretentious. These quick and easy pie clusters prove that.
2018: Bejeweled Cranberry-Orange Rolls
These beautiful rolls take the iconic flavors of cranberry sauce and turn them into breakfast.
For the Bejeweled Cranberry-Orange Rolls recipe, click here.
2019: Dublin Cheeseboard-Stuffed Appetizer Bread
Inspired by a trip to Ireland, this cheese- and meat-stuffed French bread loaf has all of your favorite cheeseboard flavors in one scrumptious bite. We wouldn't judge if you want to pair this with a pint of Guinness. And after you're done baking these up, brush up on things you didn't know about the legendary Bake-Off contest..
For the Dublin Cheeseboard-Stuffed Appetizer Bread recipe, click here.
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