65 Mother's Day Dessert Ideas That Are Perfectly Sweet (2024)

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Updated: May 27, 2024

Give mom what she wants this holiday: a dessert fit for a queen. Whether she likes fruity, creamy or chocolaty treats, she'll love these Mother's Day desserts.

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Strawberry Buttermilk Skillet Shortcake

This scratch-made strawberry buttermilk cake is a family favorite. The recipe is over 100 years old, and I remember my grandma making it. We still carry on the family tradition by making this old-fashioned recipe each summer. —Claudia Lamascolo, Melbourne, Florida

2/59

Lemon Tiramisu

I created this lemon tiramisu to please everyone in my family. It’s a cross between cheesecake and tiramisu with a refreshing lemony flavor. Garnish with fresh berries if you have them on hand. —Monica Marolt, Willowick, Ohio

3/59

Berry-Cream Cookie Snaps

My mom and I made up this Mother’s Day recipe by combining two others. These cute cookies are crispy on the outside and light and fluffy inside. You could also bake the cookies flat and serve the filling as a cookie dip if you like. —Crystal Briddick, Colfax, Illinois

4/59

Lavender Honey Cheesecake

I love the scent of lavender, and the edible flowers make this cheesecake one of the most spectacular I’ve tasted. You can use lavender honey in this Mother’s Day recipe for extra flavor, but even without it, the lavender is very distinct. —Julie Palmer, Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania

5/59

Armagnac Chocolate Almond Tart

I am a pecan pie lover…this is my twist on pecan pie. I use almonds instead of pecans and golden syrup instead of corn syrup. Both chocolate and Armagnac make this tart really special. Don’t skip on toasting the almonds, it brings out the nuttiness of the pie. —Phoebe Saad, Framingham, Massachusetts

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Lemon-Lime Bars

This easy Mother’s Day recipe is a dessert that will wow your guests. I baked these bars for a luncheon on a hot summer day. A gentleman made his way to the kitchen to compliment the cook who made them. —Holly Wilkins, Lake Elmore, Vermont

7/59

Mamaw Emily's Strawberry Cake

My husband loved his mamaw's strawberry cake recipe. He thought no one could duplicate it. I made it, and it’s just as scrumptious as he remembers. —Jennifer Bruce, Manitou, Kentucky

Celebrate your mamaw with a gorgeous Mother’s Day cake.

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Air-Fryer Brownies

These small-batch fudgy air-fryer brownies come together so quickly, and no oven is required. Top with nuts or powdered sugar for a quick homemade treat. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

9/59

Lime Divine Tarts

Winter is prime time for limes, so why not showcase them at your holiday party? These cute cups are impressive but easy to make. —Ann Yri, Lewisville, Texas

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Rhubarb Cheesecake Squares

It’s rhubarb season, so now’s the time to try this rich and tangy cheese bar. It’s bound to be a hit with the rhubarb lovers this Mother’s Day. —Sharon Schmidt, Mandan, North Dakota

11/59

Makeover Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Both of my boys loved this makeover version of a family favorite, and even my husband, who is a bit picky, wanted a piece for lunch! —Mary Lou Moeller, Wooster, Ohio

12/59

Lemon Olive Oil Cake

Olive oil cakes are tender and moist, and stay that way longer than butter-based cakes, so they are wonderful if you need to make dessert ahead of time. Serve this recipe with fresh berries when your favorite are in season. —Nicole Gackowski, Antioch, California

13/59

Strawberry Gelato

You'll love this smooth and creamy gelato with bright strawberry flavor and just a hint of sea salt and honey. Fresh raspberries or blackberries can be substituted for the strawberries if you prefer. If your berries are tart, add a touch more sugar or honey. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon

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Simple Lemon Mousse

This classic, simple lemon mousse recipe is the refreshing dessert you need this Mother’s Day. Serve it with fresh fruit or eat it alone. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

15/59

Mango Almond Icebox Cake

This Mother’s Day recipe was inspired by my friend who asked me to make a mango cake. It’s easy to prepare, refreshing, light, and tastes absolutely fantastic. Strawberries can be used as well. —Rachel Simoneau, Danbury, Connecticut

16/59

Rhubarb Crumble Ice Cream

This rhubarb crumble ice cream combines two of my favorite desserts into one fantastic creation! If you close your eyes, it actually tastes like you’re taking a bite of fresh rhubarb crumble with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Throw this into a waffle cone and enjoy a classic summertime treat! —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta

17/59

Frozen Peanut Butter and Chocolate Terrine

This terrine can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer. When served, it cuts easily, revealing the lovely layers of banana, peanut butter and chocolate. —Jennifer Jackson, Keller, Texas

18/59

Pineapple Coconut Tassies

These cookies may sound and look fancy, but they’re rather easy to make. Their simplicity makes them an ideal choice for baking with children. My granddaughter enjoys helping me measure the ingredients. Children also can help shape the dough into balls, and then you can finish them together. —Connie Shuff, York, Pennsylvania

19/59

Gooey Butter Cake

A friend gave me a quick version of this gooey butter cake recipe using a cake mix, but I prefer baking from scratch, so I came up with my own. My family can’t get enough! The middle will sink a little; this is normal. This dessert is delicious served warm or cold. —Cheri Foster, Vail, Arizona

20/59

Strawberry Cupcakes with Whipped Cream Frosting

Fresh strawberries are full of water, so they have a tendency to weigh down cake batters and make soggy cakes. That’s why these strawberry cupcakes rely on strawberry jam or preserves. The concentrated flavor is just right for light and tender cupcakes. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

21/59

Lavender Peach Gelato

This sophisticated herbal gelato can be served as an appetizer, a palate-pleaser between courses or a dessert that tastes like heaven on a spoon. —Christine Wendland, Browns Mills, New Jersey

22/59

Italian Cream Cheese Cake

Buttermilk makes every bite of this awesome Mother’s Day recipe moist and flavorful. I rely on this recipe year-round. —Joyce Lutz, Centerview, Missouri

23/59

Pineapple Orange Cake

This is one of my favorite Mother’s Day cakes. It’s moist and light yet so satisfying. I’ve been adapting it for years and now it’s almost guilt-free. —Pam Sjolund, Columbia, South Carolina

24/59

Raspberry Moscow Mule Cake

This Moscow mule cake is my favorite cake I’ve ever made from scratch. It’s so moist and flavorful, and it reminds me of my favorite co*cktail. —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri

25/59

Favorite Dutch Apple Pie

Everything about this Dutch apple pie recipe (especially the crumble!) makes it the top request at our family gatherings. The oat crust reminds me of a cookie, and the tart apple filling just can't be beat during harvest time. —Brenda DuFresne, Midland, Michigan

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Strawberry Trifle

I won first prize in a dairy recipe contest with this tasty strawberry trifle. You can double the recipe and make two for large groups. —Norma Steiner, Monroe, Wisconsin

27/59

Bread Pudding Pie

This unique dessert is a bread pudding-pie combo. It was created by my paternal grandmother’s family. They had a farm and made their own bread, which made this a low-cost dessert. —Kelly Barnes, Lexington, Indiana

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Apricot Mud Hen Cake Bars

These mud hen bars have been in my family for generations. My maternal grandmother gave this Mother’s Day recipe to my mother, who shared it with me. I’ve been told the name comes from the speckled meringue topping that resembles the coloring of hens. —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, New York

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Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

After sampling this flavor at an ice cream stand, I kept trying to duplicate it until it was just right. This blueberry cheesecake ice cream is a hit! —Melissa Symington, Neche, North Dakota

30/59

Ginger Plum Tart

Sweet cravings, begone: This free-form plum tart is done in only 35 minutes. It's extra awesome when served warm. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

31/59

Chocolate-Glazed Raspberry Eclairs

I first made choux pastry in high school for a French class assignment, and I was fascinated. Since then, chocolate-glazed raspberry eclairs have been my favorite pastry to make. I garnish each eclair either with a single fresh raspberry or with a sprinkling of crushed freeze-dried raspberries. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

32/59

Old-Fashioned Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A pleasingly moist cake, this treat is the one I requested that my mom make each year for my birthday. It's dotted with sweet carrots and a hint of cinnamon. The fluffy buttery frosting is scrumptious with chopped walnuts stirred in. One piece of this carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is never enough—it's better than all the other carrot cakes I've tried! —Kim Orr, West Grove, Pennsylvania

33/59

Pineapple RumChata Shortcakes

This deliciously different dessert is made in the slow cooker instead of in the oven. When done, add final touches to the cooled pineapple shortcake jars and serve. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

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Jelly Donut Cake

Cake. Doughnuts. Now you don’t have to choose between the two. Impress your family with this easy Mother’s Day recipe. Try your best to center the jelly in the middle of the half-filled Bundt pan so that it will not leak out the edges of the cake. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

35/59

Cookie Butter Pie

I tasted Biscoff cookie spread at a grocery store one day, and it was so delicious that I decided to create a no-bake pie with it. You can make this pie your own by substituting peanut butter or another kind of spread for the Biscoff spread and then matching toppings. —Katrina Adams, Mount Olive, Alabama

36/59

To make a dairy-free dessert, I created chocolate peanutty bars. My kids and their friends gobble them up. I've written about it on my blog, joyfulscribblings.com. —Dawn Pasco, Overland Park, Kansas

37/59

Strawberry Lemon Cupcakes

My granddaughter Sydney has acquired a love of baking. While I was visiting her in Tampa, we made these light, fluffy cupcakes. She’s a natural—these turned out fantastic! —Lonnie Hartstack, Clarinda, Iowa

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Chocolate-Stuffed Peanut Butter Skillet Cookie

A surprise chocolate filling makes this peanut butter chocolate skillet cookie extra delicious! Serve warm from the oven this Mother’s Day with a scoop of your favorite ice cream. —Andrea Price, Grafton, Wisconsin

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Elegant Fresh Berry Tart

This elegant tart was my first original creation. If other fresh fruits are used, adjust the simple syrup flavor to match. —Denise Nakamoto, Elk Grove, California

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Lemon Creme Brulee

Here’s a refreshing, tangy twist on a classic Mother’s Day recipe. Don’t have the kitchen torch traditionally used for creme brulee? Simply pop the ramekins under the broiler. —Sara Scheler, Helenville, Wisconsin

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Pecan Roll-Ups

This Mother’s Day recipe is so delicious and is sure to become a favorite of your family. The pecans make them so rich. —Lee B. Roberts, Racine, Wisconsin

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Mocha Hazelnut Torte

I make this cake on birthdays and other special occasions because it looks and tastes so amazing. The combination of mild hazelnut and coffee flavors is impossible to resist. —Christina Pope, Speedway, Indiana

43/59

Cranberry Nutella Sandwich Cookies

I created these cookies for my family after I realized that we had been without Nutella for far too long! Tart dried cranberries are a natural pairing to the hazelnut flavor. We can’t get enough of these sweet cookies!
—Nancy Mock, Colchester, VT

44/59

Slow-Cooker Spumoni Cake

I created this spumoni cake for a holiday potluck one year. It has become my most requested dessert. If you prefer, substitute semisweet chocolate chips for the white chocolate. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri

45/59

Caramel Pretzel Bites

I created this recipe wanting to make my own version of a popular candy store pretzel log dipped in caramel, chocolate and nuts. These bites are smothered with homemade caramel. —Michilene Klaver, Grand Rapids, Michigan

46/59

Chocolate Ganache Peanut Butter Cupcakes

I’ve been baking cakes for years and enjoy trying new combinations of flavors and textures. For this Mother’s Day recipe, I blended peanut butter and chocolate. As soon as I took the first bite, I knew I had created something divine! —Ronda Schabes, Vicksburg, Michigan

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Best Lime Tart

This Mother’s Day treat is the perfect balance between tart and sweet, and the almonds in the crust are just wonderful. This is one of my husband’s favorite desserts. Enjoy! —Charis O’Connell, Mohnton, Pennsylvania

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Cinnamon-Basil Ice Cream

I started experimenting with herbal ice creams when I was teaching classes at our local college. Not only were the ice creams popular with my students, but my family loved them as well! One of our favorites is made with a variety of basil called cinnamon basil; however, unless you grow the variety yourself, it can be rather difficult to find. I decided to try to re-create the flavor, and this delicious basil ice cream recipe is the result! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

49/59

Sunny Citrus Cheesecake

This beautiful layered cheesecake takes a bit longer to make, but the end result is so worth it! Citrus seems to be the perfect ending for a Mother’s Day meal, and the bright flavors really shine in this dessert. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

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Baklava Tartlets

Want a quick Mother’s Day treat that’s delicious and easy to make? These tartlets will do the trick. You can serve them right away, but they’re even better after chilling for about an hour in the refrigerator. —Ashley Eagon, Kettering, Ohio

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Cast-Iron White Chocolate Tart

This decadent Mother’s Day dessert is worth every calorie. If you aren’t a fan of citrus, leave out the orange flavoring and the white chocolate will shine through. —Phoebe Saad, Framingham, Massachusetts

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Coconut-Layered Pound Cake

If you love chocolate, almonds and coconut, this cake is for you. It comes together in a flash and tastes just like an Almond Joy candy bar! —Linda L. Nichols, Steubenville, Ohio

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Heavenly Filled Strawberries

These luscious stuffed berries are the perfect bite-sized dessert for Mother’s Day. —Stephen Munro, Beaver Bank, Nova Scotia

Discover more small-scale Mother’s Day recipes.

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Layered Lemon Pie

This is a great ending for almost any meal. Kids and adults all enjoy it, and the creamy lemon filling is always a hit with my husband. —Elizabeth Yoder, Belcourt, North Dakota

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Triple Berry No-Bake Cheesecake

I’ve made many cheesecakes and enjoy them all, but they’re usually time-consuming. When I first tried this recipe, my husband said it was better than the baked ones, and that was a big plus for me! —Joyce Mummau, Baltimore, Maryland

56/59

Favorite Banana Cream Pie

Homemade banana cream pie is my mom’s specialty, and this dreamy dessert has a wonderful banana flavor. It looks so pretty, and it cuts easily too. —Jodi Grable, Springfield, Missouri

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Coconut-Macadamia Biscotti

I came up with this recipe after my husband and I returned from our first trip to Hawaii. Dipping these tropical treats in a good cup of coffee brings us right back to the wonderful memories we made there. —Shannon Koene, Blacksburg, Virginia

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Kentucky Butter Cake

I found this Kentucky butter cake recipe in an old cookbook I bought at a garage sale and couldn’t wait to try it. I knew it had been someone’s favorite because of the well-worn page. —Joan Gertz, Palmetto, Florida

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Lemony Gingerbread Whoopie Pies

These spiced-just-right whoopie pies combine two popular flavors in one fun treat. The moist cookies are rolled in sugar before baking for a bit of crunch. —Jamie Jones, Madison, Georgia

Originally Published: April 12, 2022