eat dessert first
When making homemade ice cream, you have to start with a really great base, which for me means lusciously smooth, with a dense and silky texture. The flavor should be rich, but not too buttery (greasy) and I always start my “French custard” ice cream base with vanilla. So start […]
Don’t be fooled into thinking you can’t put together a beautiful dessert table when the weather is hot. Summer days call for cool treats, but also anything with fresh berries. Here are some of my favorite red, white and/or blue 4th of July desserts. More Summer Favorites
Does any fruit say summer quite like strawberries? These strawberry desserts will help you make the most of the season of fresh berries! Strawberry season is nearly upon us and I can hardly wait to get my hands on those perfectly sweet ruby red berries and make some amazing strawberry […]
Father’s Day is a holiday that doesn’t seem to be tied to any specific food. A nice BBQ, perhaps? But the lack of a traditional meal is kind of nice because it means you can make exactly what your dad loves. To help, I’ve put together this guide of Father’s […]
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 […]
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. More...
