In 1998 I sat next to Rose Levy Beranbaum on a panel of bakers at a Barnes & Noble for a “Celebrity Cook Book Club.” I was freshly out of culinary school and working as a pastry chef at a fine dining restaurant. I was neither a “celebrity” nor a […]
Desserts
How To Make Sourdough Starter From Scratch
This sourdough starter recipe is simple and requires only flour, water and a little patience. Once you have it down, you can keep this starter active and make all the sourdough bread you want. Sourdough starter is easier than you think! It can take a few tries, but really all […]
Easy Homemade Artisan Bread
This homemade artisan bread recipe is a go-to in my house; in fact, this loaf is based on the eight books I co-authored and feature on my show, Zoë Bakes. It’s easy for beginners and has the crisp crust and chewy bite of a loaf from your favorite bakery. There are […]
Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a dessert I first tasted in Little Italy in New York City, when I was a kid in the 1970s. At the time, I felt as if I was getting away with something a little scandalous because of the coffee-and-booze-soaked cake; it all seemed so grown-up and sophisticated.
Vegan Meringue
Did you know it’s possible (and easy!) to make vegan meringue? That’s right. Fluffy, toastable vegan meringue is achievable with a humble can of chickpeas. You simply use the aquafaba (or chickpea water) and whip it to perfection with cream of tartar, vinegar, sugar, and vanilla, much like you would […]
10 Most Popular Recipes of 2025
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.
Homemade Marshmallows
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 […]
20 Fall Dessert Recipes + Fall Spices Guide
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 […]
13 Tasty Pumpkin Desserts For Fall
Celebrate the unofficial holiday that is pumpkin season with these 13 favorite pumpkin desserts. I’ve got something for everyone — from classic pumpkin bread to pumpkin Basque cheesecake! Are you like me and feel that every season is starting to creep into the last? What I mean is that every […]
10 Labor Day Desserts For The End Of Summer
The unofficial end of summer is here, so why not ease into the start of fall? The weather is still warm, and you hopefully still have some fresh fruit on hand to make some of these Labor Day Desserts for one last summer blowout. More Late Summer Favorites
40+ Recipes That are Perfect for Back To School
Whether you’re looking for breakfast ideas before the kids head off to the bus stop, back to school treats to pack in their lunch boxes, after school snacks or meals for kids, or a treat to wrap in a care package for your college student, I’ve got ideas for every […]
10 Sweet Summer Peach Desserts
Sweet and distinct—peaches make me think of summer. These 10 peach desserts are sure to please. And while I don’t always do savory, check out my peach and heirloom tomato caprese salad! It’s a gorgeous dish for the height of summer when peaches and heirloom tomatoes are both in season. […]
