eat dessert first
I love this banana pudding recipe featuring homemade Nilla wafers, pastry cream (pudding), and perfect whipped cream. It’s a simple, elegant dish that you can serve in a large glass container or in individual jars. The quintessential southern dessert is found on the back of the box of Nilla wafers. […]
My banana cream pie is a family favorite that features chocolate shavings on top for a little extra fun and flavor. Banana Cream Pie is a classic and one I don’t visit nearly enough. I had a craving for it and decided to bring it, along with a couple of […]
This homemade vanilla extract recipe is a fast and fun way to infuse flavor into your baking. You only need two ingredients to keep the best vanilla extract ever on hand. Vanilla extract is probably the most-used ingredient in my kitchen after flour and sugar. It is also my go-to […]
Vanilla is a staple in the kitchen. Learn all about vanilla beans and how to get the most out of the unique flavor. This is one of my favorite ingredients and essential in the pastry kitchen. Vanilla beans come from the fruit of an orchid and are not cheap, second […]
Happy New Year! We all say it every year—the days flew by! My 2025 was packed with more amazing experiences, recipes and fun. I hit a personal milestone with my Substack (thank you for subscribing!), led trips in Italy and Paris, and am planning several others for next year.
This Cinnamon Swirl Bread recipe is sponsored by Diamond Crystal Salt Co. All opinions are my own. This super tender, cinnamon spiced, perfectly balanced salted caramel treat is made for your holiday gatherings. It’s like the perfect cinnamon bun, just more fun. Great for Christmas morning or swap out the […]
This homemade marshmallows recipe is perfect for hot chocolate, s’mores or just snacking. You’ll find ways to add extract flavors to your marshmallows, too. And don’t forget my homemade graham crackers recipe to go with them! I really, really wanted to start this post by bitching about the weather. Something […]
This is one of the most Christmas-time cookies in Zoë Bakes Cookies. The warm spices and light touch of molasses make for the most flavorful and delightful snappy cookie. You can leave them unadorned but a lemon-flavored Royal icing is a beautiful finish. Cookie cutters are hands down the best […]
My Granny Neal always made this espresso shortbread around the holidays. It’s studded with hunks of walnuts, and the specks of espresso give the shortbread a rich bold flavor and an elegant look.
A Christmas Croquembouche seems like the perfect way to celebrate this holiday season. Cream puffs held together by swirls of delicate caramel make for a gorgeous, festive display. More Holiday Recipes
Bûche de Noël is a fun, festive cake resembling a holiday yule log. It’s a beautiful cake that’s perfect as a Christmas dessert. This is a classic French dessert that is served at Christmas time. Bûche de Noël translates as the “Christmas Log” and is meant to look like the […]
I love making Sufganiyot for Chanukah. Below is a recipe for a jelly-filled donut, but you can fill and top these with whatever you want. More Holiday Favorites
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...
