What to Bake for Mom this Mother’s Day

Lemon Poppy Seed Layer Cake

If mom’s a lemon lover then you can’t go wrong with this tried and true flavor combination, and I bet she’s never had a cake like this before. It’s a pretty, spring-y ending to any Mother’s Day.

Norwegian Rhubarb and Almond Cake

Mom’s who don’t do sweets are hard to bake for, for sure, but this simple, elegant Nordic breakfast cake is a Mother’s Day recipe sure to win her heart. Tart, juicy rhubarb and nutty almond are fabulous together in this understated coffeecake. A dusting of sparkling sugar makes it extra pretty for the brunch table.

Flourless Mexican Chocolate Cake with Berries

Did you inherit the chocoholic gene from mom? Then this is the cake for both of you! It’s dense, rich, and oh-so-chocolatey, and can easily be made gluten free if you like. This recipe has been one of my entertaining mainstays over the years, and people always rave about it. 

Ina Garten’s Coconut Cupcakes

If your mom lost count of how many cupcakes she made for her kids after about 5,000 (raising my hand!)…treat her to some gorgeous, fluffy coconut cupcakes of her very own this Mother’s Day.

Perfect Buttermilk Pound Cake

This is the perfect Mother’s Day recipe for the no frills kind of mom. Buttermilk poundcake recipe is simple, but perfected, so she’s bound to be impressed. Flavorful enough to serve on its own ~ divine paired with fruit. Think fresh berries, strawberry sauce, Cherry Dessert Sauce, or rhubarb compote.

Victoria Sponge Cake

For the mom who’s watched every season of The Great British Baking Show, twice, this version of a classic Victoria Sponge Cake will be a hit. She’s probably love Queen Elizabeth’s Chocolate Biscuit Cake, too.

Rhubarb Crumble Tart

Want to surprise mom with something she’s never tasted before?  Try this gorgeous rhubarb tart ~ it’s super easy to make, and showcases that unique rhubarb flavor.

Strawberry Sheet Pan Pancakes

For the mom who taught you that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  These sheet pan pancakes are a genius way to feed warm pancakes to a small crowd without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Raspberry Lemon Cake

This is payback for all those birthday cakes ~ a sophisticated layer cake studded with fresh raspberries. The lemon frosting is worth the price of admission, I know she’ll love it.

Sparkly Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

If you can’t see mom in person, pack up a box of these strawberry cookies, they’ll ship well and keep their crunch. Dehydrated strawberries give them a true, fresh, berry flavor.

Raspberry Almond Puff Pastry Danish

A Mother’s Day recipe for the mom who loves to sleep in ~ homemade Danish on her breakfast-in-bed tray is the way to go. And no worries, this recipe uses easy puff pastry for a delicious shortcut.

Pansy Topped Shortbread Cookies

These cookies are the ultimate homage to mom’s who have a green thumb.

Toasted Almond Pavlova

This show-stopping dessert is guaranteed to wow the gluten free mom who doesn’t like to settle for second best.

Scottish Shortbread

For the mom who hates to make a fuss about Mothers Day, slip her a batch of simple buttery shortbread.