equipment Archives

FAQ: Baking Equipment

January 19, 2022January 31, 2022 Zoë François 77 Comments

Host Zoe Francois introducing her quick breads and muffins as seen on Magnolia Workshop: Quick breads & Muffins with Zoe Francois.

For National Baking Month I asked on Instagram for your baking questions. When I got hundreds of responses, I decided to make this a series of posts on my site. So far we’ve discussed Pies + Pie Crust, Cakes + Decorating, Meringue, Bread Baking, vegan desserts and now Baking Equipment. If you have any questions I haven’t answered, please leave them in the comments and I’ll do my best to get to every comment that I can!

Best Stand Mixers for Baking

April 8, 2021August 16, 2021 Zoë François 5 Comments

I often get asked about my go-to baking equipment and one of the things people ask the most is what I think is the best stand mixer. A good mixer is the workhorse of a baker’s kitchen—it does so much of the work for you. In fact, I have three!

Mini Apple Tarte Tatin (French Apple Tarts)

January 10, 2021February 24, 2022 Zoë François 8 Comments

Swirled Apple Tarte Tatin | ZoëBakes photo by Zoë François

Swirled Apple Tarte Tatin is a modern take on a French classic dessert. This twist on the classic French tarte tatin is elegant and delicious. Using apples, puff pastry, and caramel, these mini apple tarts are sure to impress.

My Favorite Baking Equipment

December 6, 2020December 12, 2023 Zoë François 46 Comments

‘Tis the baking season and time to give gifts to your loved ones who bake pie, cake, bread, cookies and so much more. I’ve had lots of questions about my favorite baking equipment and what to get the bakers in your life. You can always find the list of what I am using in my kitchen in my “Shop” tab at the top of my website. I only post the products that I actually use and love. You’ll find a link my beloved torch below.

I’m also including some gift ideas from small businesses I love. Enjoy!

Gift Ideas from Small Businesses

The Wreath of Joy – You can DM your orders to Como Harriet Design on Instagram to get one-of-a-kind bespoke silk flower wreaths made by my good friend, Joy Summers.

Zoë François wearing Silk Oak Designs necklace

Silk Oak Designs – My Mom’s leather and stone handmade necklaces can be worn as chokers (as I prefer in the kitchen) or as looser single and double strands. Visit her site to get more ideas and see the selections of designs. They’ve become the only jewelry I wear and each piece tells a story.

Apple Pie with Lacy Whole Wheat Lattice Crust

March 1, 2020September 5, 2023 Zoë François 1 Comment

Apple Pie with Whole Wheat Lattice Crust | ZoeBakes photo by Zoë Francois

This Apple Pie with Whole Wheat Lattice Crust is not just any pie, but a lacy lattice pie. It looks super fancy, but really it’s simple to make with the right tools.

Blackberry Opera Torte (Diva Cake)

September 12, 2018January 15, 2022 Zoë François 30 Comments

I set out to bake a traditional Opera Torte, but I ended up getting distracted and took off in an entirely different flavor direction. In the end I created this Blackberry Opera Torte (which I have named the Diva Cake) and I’m not sure I’ll ever go back.