eat dessert first
These chocolate macarons are bit of a contradiction. They are both light, as a macaron should be and fudge-y, like a brownie. The chocolate macaron shells are made with cocoa powder and then they’re filled with a chocolate ganache, so they’re super deep chocolate fantastic flavor.
Last week my youngest son turned 18. It hit me that he’s a man and about to head out into the world to make his mark. I am so excited for him and looking forward to watching him and his brother become their own men, but it’s a touch bittersweet […]
This apple tart features thin, spiraled apples for a luxurious looking dessert. It’s made with just a few simple ingredients, and is a simple recipe for a special occasion. This apple butter rose tart was inspired by Rory MacDonald’s new cookbook, bake. His book is full sweets, from flaky morning […]
There is nothing more quintessentially breakfast than blueberry muffins. This recipe is easy to make and creates perfect, moist muffins packed with blueberries. For me a blueberry muffin has to be chock full of contrasts. It should have enough sweetness to feel decadent, but balanced by the tartness of the […]
At the core this almond cake is a pound cake that has a perfectly dense crumb and is rich with almond paste, but it is also a tribute to spring. The buttercream roses are a fun way to add beauty for a celebration! The decoration came to me after I […]
The perfect popover is crisp on the outside, tender and airy on the inside and at its very best when served right from the oven. This is a super easy and yet very impressive recipe, that even a first time baker can master and feel like they’ve made magic.
There is really nothing more loving or romantic than baking for the ones you love. And, if it happens to be Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls in the shape of a heart, they are the perfect holiday treat for everyone. These buns are based on our most popular, super easy and […]
This chocolate chip cookie guide is the culmination of a lifetime of testing recipes. It includes all my tricks and tips for the perfect cookie. And if you want to learn more about my baking journey while enjoying 75 additional cookie recipes, order the New York Times bestselling Zoë Bakes […]
I baked this jalapeño cheese bread in the Emile Henry Glazed Long Covered Baker, which I am obsessed with. The closed vessel created a beautifully crisp, thin, caramelized crust without adding steam to the oven. My five-minute dough made with King Arthur Baking Company Bread Flour is rolled with cheese […]
This Mile-High Lime Meringue Tart is the more sophisticated cousin to the Lemon Meringue Pie. It has all the tartness of lemon, but with lime, which I just find a touch more interesting. Don’t get me wrong, I am in LOVE with the lemon version, but this one just sings […]
This pear-cardamom cake, with a cardamom confectioners’ sugar glaze, slices up so beautifully. I love leaving the stems on the pears for extra drama. It’s a fun fall cake, and perfect for the holiday season! Cardamom is the quintessential flavor of the holidays in Scandinavian countries. I hadn’t used it […]
Every baker should have a sugar cookie recipe in their box. They are perfect for just about any special occasion, bake sale, a random Tuesday or holiday. If you are new to making sugar cookies, this is a perfect recipe to start with. It is delicious, simple to make, rolls […]
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...
