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Mother’s Day Dessert Ideas

May 2, 2026 · In: Featured, Recipes, Seasonal, Spring

Mother’s Day isn’t complete without a delicious dessert for mom to indulge in! I’ve collected 30+ of my favorite recipes you can use to celebrate your mama – desserts that are easy to make ahead like S’mores Icebox Cake and No-Bake Cheesecake, small batch cake recipes for more intimate family celebrations, and classics that my own mother loved to bake like Berry Crisp.

mothers day dessert ideas

A quick note about dietary restrictions: I have a small but growing collection of gluten-free dessert recipes, eggless cake recipes, and vegan dessert recipes in case you need them!

  • Gluten-Free Desserts
  • Eggless Cake Recipes
  • Vegan Cake Desserts

Mother’s Day Dessert Ideas

strawberry cupcakes recipe with strawberry frosting

Strawberry Cupcakes

These cupcakes are delightful and bursting with natural strawberry flavor! They are a labor of love (you’ll have to cook some strawberries) but worth it for mom.

Get the Recipe

no churn vanilla ice cream berry crisp toppings

No-Churn Berry Crisp Ice Cream

Inspired by my love for berry crisp a la mode (and how it reminds me of my mom!), this berry crisp ice cream is smooth no-churn vanilla ice cream with ribbons of berry filling and buttery oat streusel clusters! 

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strawberry swirled no-bake cheesecake topped with strawberries

No-Bake Marbled Strawberry Cheesecake

Tangy no-bake cheesecake with swirls of beautiful strawberry reduction, set on a buttery graham cracker crust. Stunning, delicious, and perfect for making ahead!

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strawberry lemon cake recipe

Strawberry Lemon Cake

Soft and zesty lemon cake layers with bright strawberry buttercream that’s bursting with authentic flavor – this is the BEST strawberry lemon cake and it’s unbelievably easy to make.

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no bake cheesecake recipe by sugar and sparrow

The Perfect No-Bake Cheesecake

Velvety smooth, creamy filling that has all the traditional flavor of cheesecake (without any baking!) set on a buttery graham cracker crust. This one is perfect for making ahead!

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hummingbird cake recipe by sugar and sparrow

Hummingbird Cake

As a mom, I can attest that this cake is so comforting! Stick-to-your-fork moist, perfectly spiced, and has incredible flavor between the ripe banana, crushed pineapple, and toasted pecans.

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fruit pizza with berries recipe

Berry Fruit Pizza

A giant chewy sugar cookie with cream cheese frosting, dressed up with fresh berries for a dessert that will impress your mom big time! It’s quick, easy, and so fun to decorate.

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easy smores icebox cake recipe

Easy Smores Icebox Cake

Layers of graham crackers (which soften into a cakey consistency), easy chocolate ganache, and pillowy soft homemade marshmallow meringue that gets toasted on top! An easy make ahead dessert that mom will obsess over.

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lemon cupcakes with lemon frosting

Lemon Cupcakes

These lemon cupcakes are light and refreshing, perfectly fluffy, bursting with natural lemon flavor, and irresistible topped with lemon cream cheese buttercream.

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berry crisp recipe with vanilla ice cream

Berry Crisp

This always reminds me of my mom – she made it all the time growing up and I think of her every time I make it! A warm dish of mixed berry crisp topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is so comforting.

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small batch raspberry chocolate cake recipe by sugar and sparrow

Small Batch Raspberry Chocolate Cake

Decadent chocolate cake with delicious raspberry buttercream and a beautiful chocolate ganache drip, perfectly portioned for 2-4 people! Perfect size for a small family celebration.

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lemon blueberry cupcakes with lemon cream cheese frosting on a cupcake stand

Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes

Super soft yet moist lemon cupcakes with fresh blueberries perfectly suspended inside and irresistible lemon cream cheese frosting. These are always a hit and I have a layer cake version too!

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sugar and sparrow small batch strawberry cake

Small Batch Strawberry Cake

The perfect amount of strawberry cake for 2-4 people and bursting with natural strawberry flavor! You can bake this as a mini 4-inch layer cake OR a single layer 6-inch cake.

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4th of july desserts no bake

Small Batch Strawberry Cake

The dreamiest cookies and cream cheesecake made without any baking! Rich and creamy french vanilla filling studded with Oreo cookies on a delicious Oreo crust.

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strawberry crunch ice cream cake recipe

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

This cake is so nostalgic – any mom from the 90’s would remember a strawberry shortcake ice cream bar! This cake version is no-churn strawberry and vanilla ice cream with layers of strawberry crunch.

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berry chantilly cake recipe inspired by whole foods

Berry Chantilly Cake

Inspired by the iconic Whole Foods bakery dessert, this cake features layers of fluffy white cake, Chantilly cream frosting, and fresh berries throughout. 

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brown butter chocolate chip skillet cookie recipe

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

The ultimate chocolate chip skillet cookie made with rich brown butter! Perfectly gooey, crisp on the edges, and amazing whether served warm with ice cream or sliced at room temperature. Mom will love this!

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neapolitan ice cream cake by sugar and sparrow

Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake

Layers of delicious no-churn ice cream in classic neapolitan flavors (chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla), paired with decadent chocolate cake. Nostalgic and easy!

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chocolate chip cookie dough cake recipe with edible cookie dough

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cake

For the mom who can’t help herself to the cookie dough: soft and moist chocolate chip cookie cake, decadent brown sugar buttercream, semi-sweet chocolate ganache, and edible cookie dough!

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oreo icebox cake recipe

Easy Oreo Icebox Cake

7 layers of Oreo cookies and homemade whipped cream, refrigerated until the cookies soften into the perfect dessert consistency. Just four ingredients, easy to make, and every bite tastes like a milk-dunked Oreo.

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millionaire's cake recipe from scratch

Millionaire Cake

Inspired by a $22 slice of cake at Disneyworld, this recipe is so indulgent: decadent chocolate cake, thick caramel filling topped with shortbread crumbles, caramel buttercream, and whipped chocolate ganache frosting. Mom will feel like a millionaire!

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no-churn strawberry shortcake ice cream

No-Churn Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream

No-churn vanilla ice cream with sweetened strawberries and baked shortcake crumbles in every bite. So dreamy and easy to whip up (no ice cream maker needed)!

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small batch churro cake by sugar and sparrow

Small Batch Churro Cake

For the Disney moms (or just moms who enjoy churros), this small batch version of my churro cake recipe is soft churro-flavored cake, smooth Mexican chocolate ganache, and cinnamon-vanilla buttercream. Makes just enough to serve 2-4 people.

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smores ice cream cake recipe by sugar and sparrow

The Ultimate S’mores Ice Cream Cake

I am such a big fan of s’mores and this would be my dream mother’s day dessert! Layers of no-bake graham cracker crust, homemade hot fudge, chocolate ice cream, and toasted marshmallow ice cream.

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lemon raspberry layer cake with raspberry filling and lemon raspberry frosting

Lemon Raspberry Layer Cake

Layers of soft lemon cake with raspberries baked into each layer (and perfectly suspended!), fresh raspberry cake filling, and lemon raspberry buttercream. 

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flourless chocolate cake recipe by sugar and sparrow

Fudgy Flourless Chocolate Cake

This extra fudgy, decadent cake tastes like it came from a high brow restaurant and it’s so easy to make! It’s naturally gluten-free and will make Mother’s Day feel a little fancier.

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oatmeal creme pie cake recipe

Oatmeal Creme Pie Cake

Another nostalgic bake for any 90’s mom! Inspired by the classic after school treat, this Oatmeal Creme Pie cake is layers of deliciously moist oatmeal brown sugar cake and homemade marshmallow creme filling.

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the best snickers candy bar cake by sugar and saprrow

The Ultimate Snickers Cake

For the candy bar loving mom: layers of moist chocolate cake, chocolate peanut butter nougat, and thick peanut caramel, all wrapped up in chocolate buttercream frosting. I’ve also got a Milky Way Cake and a Twix Cake if either of those are her favorites!

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strawberry shortcake layer cake

Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake

Layers of moist and fluffy white cake, homemade whipped cream frosting, fresh sweetened strawberries, and baked shortbread crumbs. So light and refreshing!

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small chocolate cake recipe serves 2

Small Batch Chocolate Cake

For the chocolate loving mom and perfectly portioned for 2-4 people! It’s an easy one-bowl recipe, super moist and decadent, and can be baked as a mini layer cake OR single layer 6-inch cake.

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london fog cupcake recipe with earl grey tea

London Fog Cupcakes

If your mom is a black tea lover, these cupcakes are right up her alley! They’re single serve portions of my beloved London Fog cake recipe – super soft and moist, infused with Earl Grey tea, and full of black tea vanilla flavor. 

Get the Recipe

I hope you found the perfect Mother’s Day dessert on this list! Let me know what you make in the comments and feel free to share on Instagram. Be sure to tag @sugarandsparrowco if you post a photo – I love to see what you bake!

By: Whitney · In: Featured, Recipes, Seasonal, Spring · Tagged: mothers day

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SALTED CARAMEL BUTTERCREAM ✨I could eat this salty SALTED CARAMEL BUTTERCREAM ✨I could eat this salty-sweet caramel frosting by the spoonful but it’s absolutely delicious on cakes, cupcakes, macarons, and more 🙌🏽 I use my homemade EASY salted caramel recipe here but you can use any salted caramel sauce that you love.⁣

✨Full recipe (including homemade salted caramel) + cake pairing suggestions are on my blog at https://sugarandsparrow.com/salted-caramel-buttercream-recipe/ 
⁣
SALTED CARAMEL BUTTERCREAM⁣
Yield: 2.5 Cups ⁣
⁣
INGREDIENTS⁣
1 Cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature⁣
3 1/2 Cups (420g) powdered sugar⁣
2 tsp vanilla extract⁣
1/2 Cup (120ml) salted caramel sauce, room temperature⁣
Pinch of salt⁣
⁣
INSTRUCTIONS:⁣
1. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip the butter on high until it’s creamy and light in color, 5-6 minutes. ⁣
2. Turn the mixer to low and add the powdered sugar a few cups at a time, scraping down the bowl and paddle after each interval.⁣
3. With the mixer still on low, mix in the vanilla extract, salted caramel, and a pinch of salt. Continue mixing on low speed until fully combined. ⁣
⁣
#saltedcaramel #caramel #cakedecorating #frosting #buttercream
NO-CHURN BERRY CRISP ICE CREAM✨you don’t need any NO-CHURN BERRY CRISP ICE CREAM✨you don’t need any fancy equipment to whip up this delicious ice cream that tastes JUST like berry crisp a la mode! I layered my favorite 3-ingredient no-churn vanilla ice cream base with ribbons of homemade berry filling + buttery oat streusel in every bite. Even if you’ve never made ice cream from scratch before, I promise you can master this recipe!! 
 
🍦Full recipe linked in my bio or find it at https://sugarandsparrow.com/no-churn-berry-crisp-ice-cream/

#nochurnicecream #icecream #icecreamlover #berries #summerdessert
STRAWBERRY SHEET CAKE 🍓based on my favorite strawb STRAWBERRY SHEET CAKE 🍓based on my favorite strawberry layer cake recipe, this sheet cake version is so fun to decorate + such a crowd pleaser! I love using a combination of fresh and freeze-dried strawberries to create the most powerful authentic flavor ✨
 
🍓Full recipe (with strawberry buttercream) at https://sugarandsparrow.com/strawberry-sheet-cake-recipe/
⁣ 
STRAWBERRY SHEET CAKE⁣ 
Serves 24
⁣ 
INGREDIENTS⁣ 
1 Cup (12oz) fresh strawberries, pureed ⁣ 
3/4 Cup (180ml) whole milk, room temp⁣ 
2 1/2 Cups (265g) sifted cake flour⁣ 
2 tsp baking powder⁣ 
1/4 tsp baking soda⁣ 
1/2 tsp salt⁣ 
3/4 Cup (170g) unsalted butter, room temp⁣ 
1 2/3 Cups (350g) granulated sugar⁣ 
3 large eggs, room temp⁣ 
1/3 Cup (75g) sour cream, room temp⁣ 
2 tsp pure vanilla extract⁣ 
1-2 drops pink food coloring (optional)⁣ 
⁣ 
INSTRUCTIONS⁣ 
1. Simmer the strawberry puree in a saucepan over medium-low heat for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally. At this point the puree should have reduced from 1 Cup to 1/2 Cup (if you have more, keep cooking!). Refrigerate until room temp, then whisk together with the whole milk and set aside.⁣ 
2. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease and line a 13×9 inch baking pan. 
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. ⁣ 
4. In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, whip the butter on high until creamy, 2 min. Add the sugar and beat with the butter until light and fluffy, 2 min. Turn the mixer to low and add the eggs one at a time. Add the vanilla and sour cream, then turn the mixer to high and beat for 1 minute.⁣ 
5. With the mixer on low, add all of the dry ingredients at once until just combined, then add the strawberry milk mixture and pink food coloring (if using) until just combined. Give the batter a few stirs by hand to make sure everything is incorporated without over-mixing. ⁣ 
6. Pour batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 35-40 minutes. ⁣ Cool completely to room temperature before topping with strawberry buttercream (full recipe at the li
COOKIES & CREAM ICE CREAM CAKE 🤎 If you’re an Oreo COOKIES & CREAM ICE CREAM CAKE 🤎 If you’re an Oreo lover, this is your sign to make an ice cream cake this summer: no-churn cookies & cream ice cream set on an Oreo cookie crust, topped with hot fudge and whipped cream frosting. The perfect amount of Oreos in EVERY BITE! 

Full recipe link in my bio + at https://sugarandsparrow.com/cookies-and-cream-ice-cream-cake/ 

OREO CRUST
22 Oreo cookies
5 Tbsp melted butter

ICE CREAM LAYER
2 Cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
14 Oz sweetened condensed milk
15 Oreo cookies, roughly chopped

TOPPINGS
12.8 Oz jar of hot fudge
Whipped cream frosting (see full recipe link)
4 Oreo cookies, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Mix together the Oreo crust ingredients and pack tightly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Freeze while you make the ice cream.
2. In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla to stiff peaks. Fold in the sweetened condensed milk until uniform, then fold in the chopped Oreos. Pile the ice cream on top of the Oreo crust, smooth it down, cover and freeze overnight.
3. When the ice cream layer is set, top with the hot fudge, whipped cream frosting, and more chopped Oreos. Store in the freezer until ready to serve! 

#oreocake #icecreamcake #nochurnicecream #birthdaycake #cookiesandcream
EASY OREO ICEBOX CAKE (recipe below) 🤎 You only ne EASY OREO ICEBOX CAKE (recipe below) 🤎 You only need 4 ingredients for this recipe and it sets into the perfect summer dessert in the refrigerator overnight! It’s 7 alternating layers of Oreos and homemade whipped cream + every bite tastes like a perfect milk-dunked Oreo in the very best way ✨
 
Full recipe at https://sugarandsparrow.com/oreo-icebox-cake/ 
 
INGREDIENTS: 
2 Cups (480ml) cold heavy whipping cream 
1/4 Cup (30g) powdered sugar 
1 tsp pure vanilla extract 
36 Oreo cookies 
 
INSTRUCTIONS: 
1. Add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract into a chilled mixing bowl. Using the whisk attachment on your stand mixer or a hand mixer, beat the ingredients until stiff peaks form. 
2. Line a loaf pan with plastic wrap, then add a thin layer of the whipped cream onto the bottom of the pan. Add a layer of Oreo cookies on top (cut some of the Oreos to fit as needed). 
3. Add 1/3 of the remaining whipped cream on top of the Oreo layer, followed by a second layer of Oreos. Repeat until you have seven total layers, ending with whipped cream. 
4. Cover the cake and refrigerate overnight, then enjoy!  
 
#oreocake #vintagecake #nobakecake #oreo #nobake

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