eat dessert first
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, […]
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. […]
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 […]
This is a cake I recently created from several recipes in Zoë Bakes Cakes, but I rearranged them into this sassy layer cake with a toasted meringue top. It’s a beauty for fall and Thanksgiving! How to Make Pumpkin Cake The pumpkin bundt cake from the book can be baked […]
This bittersweet chocolate tart includes optional (but highly recommended!) Irish Cream. It’s a simple and delicious recipe that is perfect for a holiday gathering. By now I am sure you’re aware of my dear friend Sarah Kieffer of The Vanilla Bean Blog. If you’ve watched Zoë Bakes on Magnolia Network, […]
This homemade applesauce recipe is easy and delicious. Plus, I leave the skins on to make this a fun pink version. Feel free to skin your apples for a classic color instead! What could be better than picking your own apples and then using your bounty to make pies, cakes, […]
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.
You can watch me make these squash scones with my son, Charlie, on my show Zoë Bakes on Max! In this episode my eldest son, Henri, and I head to a pumpkin patch to pick out squash and pumpkins to bake with. We make the scones below, plus a delicious […]
This hot chocolate cake from Zoë Bakes Cakes is unbelievably delicious! Combining layers of moist Devil’s Food cake and creamy, luscious chocolate frosting, the entire cake is topped with homemade toasted marshmallows. This recipe is the perfect dessert for any occasion! With hot chocolate as its inspiration, it has layers of […]
This chocolate peanut butter pie recipe is oh-so delicious. With a graham cracker crust, a smooth peanut butter filling, layer of chocolate ganache, and a whipped cream and candied peanut topping, this dessert is deluxe and irresistible. I typically like to mix up the flavors and styles of the desserts […]
Sometimes a baking fail is just the inspiration I need to try something new. I originally baked my Devil’s Food Cake from Zoë Bakes Cakes in cupcake liners that promised to be sturdy enough not to need a muffin pan to support them. Well, I put them to the test […]
I'm Zoë François and I love to bake. This is where I play with sugar and take the mystery out of baking everything from cookies to wedding cakes. I studied pastry at the CIA (the culinary school, not the spy agency), worked in restaurants, have written 10 cookbooks and you can find more of my creations in my Substack Newsletter and YouTube videos. More...
