ZoëBakes

13 Tasty Pumpkin Desserts For Fall And Beyond

September 18, 2023September 18, 2023 Zoë François 1 Comment

Pumpkin Pie with Toasted Marshmallows on top — Erin McDowell’s Pumpkin Pie from *The Book On Pie* with Homemade Toasted Marshmallows!

Are you like me and feel that every season is starting to creep into the last? What I mean is that every holiday season, official or unofficial, seems to be starting earlier and earlier. We’ve all seen those Christmas decorations showing up before Halloween, right? I don’t think this is a bad thing, especially when it comes to seasonal dessert flavors. A good example is pumpkin desserts. It’s a distinct flavor and one that is so distinctly tied to fall that its seasonality will always be at least somewhat baked in, but who doesn’t want to let pumpkin creep into more of their life? With that in mind, whether it’s early September or late February, here are some of my favorite pumpkin desserts to enjoy.

Best-Ever Homemade Carrot Cake

September 15, 2023September 15, 2023 Zoë François 32 Comments

This carrot cake is perfectly spiced, moist and unbelievably good! Using candied carrot peels as decoration (optional), cream cheese frosting and sweetened shredded coconut, this cake is simply the best — I make it all the time.

18 Delicious Apple Desserts

September 11, 2023September 11, 2023 Zoë François 2 Comments

Host Zoe Francois picks apples at Sweetland Orchard, as seen on Zoe Bakes.

Apple desserts are a staple of fall and winter baking. And if you have the opportunity, go pick your own apples! I happen to be very lucky because I live in Minnesota where the state fruit is the Honeycrisp apple, a delicious variety developed by the University of Minnesota, and where 29 other varieties have been released by the U of M since 1888 when the apple breeding program began.

It’s a wonderful feeling to learn about different types of apples, pick your own and then head home to make some apple desserts with your bounty.

Lemon Nemesis

September 8, 2023September 16, 2023 Zoë François 196 Comments

This beautiful lemon ice cream cake is from Amy Thielen’s new book, Company. She calls it lemon nemesis because it combines three of her personal temptations into one dessert: a salted butter-cracker bottom, lemon custard middle and swirly toasted meringue topping. It is perfect to me for so many reasons, not the least of which is the chance to whip out my trusty blow torch!

Coffee Chiffon Cake

September 8, 2023September 8, 2023 Zoë François 3 Comments

Host Zoe Francois works on her Coffee Honeycomb Chiffon Cake while filming an episode of "Zoe Bakes."

This is the coffee chiffon cake I make on season 3 episode 10 of Zoë Bakes in celebration of one of my mentors and first lady of the Twin Cities culinary scene, Sue Zelickson. Sue has been my mentor, a friend, and a shining example of power and grace.

Coconut Oatmeal Rum Raisin Cookies

September 1, 2023September 5, 2023 Zoë François 30 Comments

These Coconut Oatmeal Rum Raisin Cookies are a family favorite and a no-brainer for my upcoming book Zoë Bakes Cookies (coming out in 2024)! In season 3 episode 9 of Zoë Bakes I enlist two of my best taste testers, my sons Henri and Charlie, to taste test some recipes for the book.