eat dessert first
This chocolate zucchini cake recipe is from my book Zoë Bakes Cakes! It’s moist and sweet, but not overly so, and intensely chocolate-y for a decadent and addicting dessert. This chocolate zucchini cake was inspired by one I ate while in college in Burlington, Vermont. I worked as a photo assistant, […]
Chocolate ganache is a simple, versatile recipe that every baker should have in their repertoire. All you need is some chocolate (this recipe uses bittersweet) and heavy cream for a smooth, delicious ganache. When I walk into a pastry shop, the glossy, perfectly smooth chocolate cakes covered with poured ganache […]
When the first warm days of spring and early summer hit, it’s time to make rhubarb desserts. Start with the classic roasted rhubarb recipe below, and then try one (or all) of my 9 favorite rhubarb recipes. The rhubarb is short, so whether your grow your own or head to […]
I love an olive oil cake for the texture and flavor. Olive oil lends an earthy, sophisticated flair to a very simple cake. Add the savory note of rosemary and you’re practically transported to a Tuscan vineyard. A big pile of softly whipped cream and berries or supremed orange segments […]
I originally created this recipe for Easter. Around Easter, the tulips are starting to make their way out of the frozen earth and the trees are hinting at color. It’s usually been a long winter and all of these little changes are so very welcome. It seems fitting to make […]
This list of 11 Passover desserts features some original and fun recipes like my matzoh crack s’mores and classic recipes like pavlova that are perfect for the holiday. I love Passover desserts. If you’re used to looking for the packaged version of Passover-approved treats in your grocery store, I’m here […]
How do you make a classic Lemon Meringue Pie even better? Add a little lemon thyme. It’s optional, but it has a distinct citrus flavor that adds an extra hint of lemon flavor, and serves as a beautiful garnish. This lemon meringue pie recipe is sponsored by Diamond Crystal Salt. […]
The spring weather doesn’t lend itself to many fresh fruits in Minnesota, but I am always thinking about bright, fun colorful treats come March and April. I put together a list of spring desserts to satisfy that craving for all things light and bright after the long winter. Looking for […]
Easter Desserts add a little color and brightness to early spring. This list of my favorite Easter recipes includes beautiful show-stopping cakes, fun cupcakes and plenty of color. Especially here in Minnesota, Easter is one of those first milestones of spring. By this time of year we are getting some […]
Get into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day with these favorite desserts. You’ll find everything green, festive cupcakes to chocolate cakes with an Irish twist! I’ve had the good fortune of traveling to Ireland twice. It’s such a beautiful place with friendly people, and St. Patrick’s Day gives me an […]
Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Here is a simple, but delicious St. Patrick’s Day cupcakes recipe to help you celebrate this greenest of holidays. You can watch me bake and decorate these St. Patrick’s Day cupcakes in my Instagram videos. You’ll also see me save a buttercream from ruin and bring […]
This is an easy pizza recipe anyone can make! It’s a great one for beginners and experienced chefs alike. I used 00 flour for its wonderful chewy texture. You truly don’t need much to create amazing pizza at home, and it starts with great pizza dough. This is such a […]
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...
