eat dessert first
This plum cake might be the perfect dessert. It’s easy to make, and can be served as morning coffee cake or as a sweet treat after dinner. As the weather gets chillier, at least here in the upper Midwest, we turn our attention over to apples and pears. The summer […]
Ever wondered how bakers make illusion cakes or cakes that look like art? Fondant is one of the secrets. The pliable, clay-like texture of rolled fondant allows it to hold all kinds of shapes, and it gives an elegant, sleek look when flat. Homemade fondant is for the adventurous, but […]
This apple pumpkin cake is a perfect fall recipe. It combines two favorite flavors into one moist, delicious cake. Pumpkin cake is topped with a layer of sautéed apples, which is then topped with streusel and baked. Serve with vanilla ice cream and an apple chip!
Whether or not you’re from the Midwest, a kringle is a must-try dessert. It’s perfect for the holidays, and this almond raspberry kringle is made with pie dough for a flaky, buttery dessert. It wasn’t until I moved to Minnesota that I truly understood the magnificence of Scandinavian baking. There […]
Poached pears are one of the easiest and sexiest desserts there are. They sit on the plate like a jewel, filled with the essence of wine. The house becomes scented with spices and vanilla. Once these regal beauties are tender and succulent, they can be paired with pastry cream, ice […]
This is my take on a classic Boston Cream Pie. It’s made with layers of my hot milk sponge cake, pastry cream and chocolate glaze. It’s a cake with a curious name. These soft buttery cakes were once baked in pie tins, then sandwiched around a thick layer of vanilla […]
A good caramel sauce is thick enough to hold up, but pourable for drizzling on cakes, ice cream and any other treat. I like my caramel a little smoky, and this caramel sauce recipe delivers, but you can adjust yours to find the perfect flavor. Find all of my favorite […]
These corn pancakes are a fun and tasty way to enjoy summer sweet corn! A few whole kernels of corn add a pop of texture and flavor inside a classic pancake. Try them with or without blueberries for a little extra summer sweetness. This recipe is perfect for the sweet […]
This Philadelphia-style peach ice cream is the perfect cool treat for summer. Layer in the optional raspberry coulis for a Peach Melba-style dessert that’s irresistibly refreshing on the hottest days. The summeriest fruit is a perfectly ripe peach. It is exquisite all on its own but made better paired with […]
We all remember the ice cream sandwich bar from our childhood. The one with dark chocolate cookie rectangles stuffed with fluffy vanilla ice cream and wrapped in paper. This homemade ice cream sandwiches recipe takes that classic frozen treat up a notch using the Chocolate Wafers from my book, Zoë Bakes […]
This berry cobbler with shortcake is sensational and summery! It’s a perfect treat for fresh picked berries, and I even added a little thyme from the garden. This mashup is the best of two biscuit worlds, the cobbler and the shortcake. Both involve flaky tender biscuits and fruit, so why […]
My family loves scones. In fact, it was Graham’s request for scones that launched my son Charlie’s homemade scone pop-up when he was 12 years old.
I'm Zoë François, Emmy-nominated host of Zoë Bakes on HBO and a New York Times best-selling author sharing bakery-quality recipes that are doable for everyone! More...
