eat dessert first
A New Year’s resolution doesn’t have to be about giving something up, it can be about setting out to create new things. What if we shake things up a bit and resolve to get into the kitchen to try a new cooking or baking technique this year? No matter where […]
This is a classic chocolate pecan pie recipe. The twist? I made it dairy free! The recipe below gives you the option of making a classic pie packed with butter or opting for the dairy free version. Would you ever guess this chocolate pecan pie is dairy free? Even the […]
With the holidays upon us, you’re probably whipping up all kinds of breads, cakes, pies and cookies. Or, you might be receiving baked treats as gifts. With all those goodies around, you might be wondering how to keep them fresh. Today, I share how to store leftover baked goods. Let […]
The holiday season is upon us! It should come as no surprise that in my house this is a time of year for desserts and baked treats (as if there is a time of year that isn’t). It’s also a time for gathering with friends and family and sharing some […]
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.
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...
