Desserts Archives - Page 10 of 11

Rustic Almond Coffee Cake with Cranberries

October 30, 2021March 22, 2022 Zoë François 26 Comments

This is a cake from Zoë Bakes Cakes and in the book, I baked it with grapes; juicy, sweet, but slightly tart, table grapes. It’s curious why grapes are rarely used in baking, unless dried into raisins. They are juicy and have such a wide range of sweetness and flavor, depending on the variety. They’re also a perfect match for almond paste, an ingredient with which I’m more than just a bit smitten; there are so many ways to play with the slightly creamy, earthy flavor. Together with the olive oil, the combination makes a gorgeous cake that’s just as suited for a holiday table as it is for a Tuesday-morning coffee cake. The moist cake is also one that lasts for days, so if you need a cake you can bake ahead for your holiday morning, this is the one!

Crisps, Cobblers and Crumbles + Pumpkin-Apple Caramel Hot Dish

October 28, 2021October 28, 2021 Zoë François 1 Comment

If you’re looking forward to fall and winter parties — from the fun and informal to big holiday gatherings — this post is for you. There are all kinds of desserts you can make for your get-togethers, but some of the best feature fruit, sugar and topped with something delicious. For informal occasions, a nice, quick crisp will do the trick. The more fancy dinner parties may call for your very best pie, but this post will help you make the dessert decision with an overview of crisps, crumbles and cobblers. Plus the similarities and differences between each. (And a little bonus pie content.)

Meringue Cake with Roasted Pears

October 26, 2021October 26, 2021 Zoë François 2 Comments

I started the Zoë Bakes blog in 2007 as a way to stay connected to pastry while I was raising my boys and working on the Breadin5 bread books. I quickly found my community of online peers and Aran Goyoaga and her blog, Cannelle et Vanille, was at the center of it. Her recipes and photography stood out and became the bar the rest of us tried to reach. All these years later I am still striving to create the beauty she seems to produce with such immense grace and ease as if pastry is an innate talent. She grew up in a baking family and so, perhaps she was born with a touch of magic in her hand.

Pear Cake with Cardamom Glaze from Zoë Bakes Show

September 16, 2021January 9, 2022 Zoë François 16 Comments

Host Zoe Francois with her pear cardamom cake, as seen on Zoe Bakes, season 1.

When I heard about the Scandinavian concept of Fika, I knew this pear cake would be on the menu and I was going to really dive into the theme by adding lots of cardamom and almond paste, which are flavors I associate most with baking from Scandinavia.

Baking at High Altitudes

August 31, 2021January 18, 2022 Zoë François 1 Comment

Devils Food Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing on a tray.

I live in the Midwest, which is perhaps the flattest place in the country, so I am by no means the reigning expert on high-altitude baking, but I have baked in the mountains of Colorado, and this is what I learned.

12 Desserts For A Crowd

May 26, 2021September 21, 2023 Zoë François 8 Comments

Banana Pudding | ZoeBakes by Zoë François

From Memorial Day to the Fourth of July to Labor Day, summer is all about weekend gatherings with friends and family. A good meal should always accompany a get-together, which means you’ll need some tasty desserts for a crowd. I put together a list of some of my favorite cookies, cupcakes, and bars that are sure to please everyone at your party.