Category: dessert

15 Thanksgiving Desserts That Go Beyond Pie

Zoë François 3 Comments
A sliced Pumpkin Basque-style cheesecake on a white cake pedestal with a serving utensil
Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl Bundt Cake

If you’re like me, by the time November hits you’re already thinking ahead to Thanksgiving desserts. The holiday meal, of course, has plenty to offer, but what stands out more to your guests than the grand finale? Whether you are looking for simple or classic fall flavors, or want to try something a little different this year, I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite Thanksgiving Desserts. Of course, if you want to keep it simple, you can always make a classic apple pie. Or better yet, if your guest list is big enough make the apple pie and one or two of these recipes.

These 15 desserts will help you shake things up if you are looking for something other than pie this year. And if you are looking for even more Thanksgiving Dessert ideas, check out some of these favorites:

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Labor Day Desserts

Zoë François Leave a comment

If Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer, then it’s a good time to make some of your favorite summer recipes. The weather is still warm, so you may not be ready for fall favorites yet, and it’s a great time to use up some berries before freezing them for the fall and winter. Or to make one more ice cream treat before the weather gets too cold. Whatever you’re going for, these are some great Labor Day desserts to wrap up your summer and get ready for fall.

Looking for more seasonal fruit filled treats? Check out my peach desserts, pear desserts and blueberry desserts!

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Blueberry Bars for Back to School!

Zoë François 41 Comments
Blueberry Bars | ZoeBakes photo by Zoe Francois

This post is originally from 2011 and it is hilarious for me to read it, since my boys are now 17 and 19 years old and no longer have little fingers, because they’re 6 feet tall. The only thing that remains the same 7 years later; they still love these Blueberry Bars!

2011: Yesterday was the official end of summer in my house. Back to school for both boys, and I spent the day wishing they were home again. “Seriously?” You may ask. I spent the past several weeks anticipating the beginning of school with a certain glee, which may have bordered on unhealthy. I couldn’t wait to have peace and quiet in my house, for hours at a time. I looked forward to doing my work without interruption, sans little fingers dipping into the bowl. But, when it came to the actual day, I missed them and couldn’t wait for them to get off the bus.* Instead of pathetically staring out the window waiting, I decided to bake them some Blueberry Bars. Every MN kid loves bars.

For those of you from the coasts, I am referring to a layered dessert baked in a pan resembling a brownie/cookie/pie, but can be made with fruit, caramel, chocolate or anything else your pantry contains. Then they are cut into neat bars. I was first introduced to this concept when I moved to Minneapolis in 1993. Bars are generally served on a buffet table with lots of crock pots filled with “hot dish.” Every family has their own recipe, usually a tightly held secret, mostly kept from the neighbors.

To watch me make these bars and for tips on easy lattice and stable fillings, watch my instagram video. Recipe below.

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15 Festive Holiday Dessert Recipes

Zoë François 9 Comments
Yule Log or Buche de Noel | ZoeBakes

Sure, you could put out a cookie plate, but why not also make a show-stopping croquembouche? Or a modern version of the yule log? From the most dazzling centerpieces to a humble (but delicious!) cookie, this list of Christmas desserts has something for everyone.

Looking for even more holiday favorites? You’ll find something for everyone in these recipe lists:

And don’t forget these helpful guides:

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