eat dessert first
This spice cake is a beautiful fall recipe. The cranberry filling, spices and gorgeous look makes this cake right at home on a Thanksgiving or holiday dessert table. As the temperature turns chilly and the holiday season nears, it makes me crave all the warm spices. This cake is adapted from my Zoë […]
This caramel apple pumpkin pie is a twofer for those of us who love both apple and pumpkin pies. Both great flavors layered together in a flaky, rich crust. I used apples that kept their shape when I caramelized them, so they would add a bit of texture to the […]
This is the perfect pairing of a sweet, rich, brown butter blondie and the tartness of rhubarb crisp in the spring (or cranberry crisp if you’re feeling festive around the holidays)! This Cranberry Variation is perfect for the Thanksgiving or even Christmas table. I suggest baking a double batch in […]
Thanksgiving is all about pie, but sometimes it’s fun to think outside the box. This list of 15 Thanksgiving desserts goes beyond pie. Don’t worry, I threw in a few bonus pies. Or, you can check out my 22 favorite pie recipes and guide to pie crust. If you’re like […]
Pie dough is notorious for being a difficult pastry. While it can take time and a good recipe to master your pie dough technique, you shouldn’t fear this beloved dessert, even if you’re worried that you can’t match the flakiness of your grandma’s crust. I’ve put together a guide on […]
The Apple Tarte Tatin is a quintessentially French dessert. Below, you will find a more classic recipe with options to use puff pastry, phyllo, or pie dough for the crust. Or you can jump down to the Mini Swirled Apple Tarte Tatin recipe that is elegant, beautiful and perfect for […]
This pear and ginger cake features cozy fall flavors with the natural sweetness of Bosc pears for a tasty treat perfect for Thanksgiving or the holiday season. More Fall Recipes
These easy homemade graham crackers are delicious, and a fun way to swap out the store-bought variety. They’re tasty as a snack, perfect for s’mores or used in the crust of your favorite cheesecake recipe! This recipe comes from my cookbook, Zoë Bakes Cookies! I make these homemade graham crackers […]
When I think of fall flavors, it’s the spices that really set this time of year apart. There is something warm and inviting about baking with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, clove and so many more. Sometimes one spice is featured and other treats have a combination. Pumpkin spice mix may […]
I use this quick or “rough” puff pastry to make my flaky Rugelach cookies from Zoë Bakes Cookies! The recipe is from the book and anyone who has an early copy (editions 1-3) will want to follow these directions, because I have corrected an error from the book.
With its moist texture, soft crumb and depth of apple flavor, this apple bundt cake is perfect for any occasion. I like to use a variety of apples in this cake such as Honey Gold, MacIntosh, Haralson and Prairie Spy. Drizzle with a simple honey cider glaze and serve. I […]
Celebrate the unofficial holiday that is pumpkin season with these 15 favorite pumpkin desserts and be sure to head to my pumpkin basque cheesecake recipe at the bottom of this post. Are you like me and feel that every season is starting to creep into the last? What I mean […]
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...
