55 Mother’s Day Cakes To Celebrate A Sweet Mama

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Chocolate Bundt Cake

Boxed cake mix and brownie mix are the secret to this beautiful cake. Drizzle with chocolate frosting and top with edible pansies for a simple but elegant touch. You can find them at specialty grocers.

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Chocolate Strawberry Cake

A chocolate-covered strawberry in cake form? Sign us up. Finely chop the strawberries so they blend well with the creamy frosting. Place fresh strawberry halves on top, or add chocolate dipped strawberries for an extra special touch.

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German Chocolate Cake

Three chocolate cake layers and Coconut-Pecan Frosting come together to create one of the most classic and decadent Southern cakes. Though this cake hails from Dallas and not Germany, it's been popular since its creation in a 1957 recipe that called for German sweet baking chocolate. Strong brewed coffee enhances the chocolate flavor, and a rich coconut-pecan frosting takes it over the top.

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Strawberry-Rosé Snack Cake

Light, fluffy, and pretty in pink, this rosé snack cake can be enjoyed all day long. Freeze-dried strawberries and rosé contribute to the color and flavor. This cake comes together with just 15 minutes of hands-on time, and you can mix the ingredients together in one bowl.

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Blueberry-Lemon Cake

As tasty as it is pretty, this bright cake doesn't require a lot of fuss to assemble. For an alternative, make cupcakes and skip the layers altogether.

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Glazed Buttermilk Donut Cake

A cross between a glazed donut and a Bundt cake, this wow-worthy dessert will be the star of your Mother's Day brunch spread. The secret to the cracked surface is added leavening, making it resemble old-fashioned donuts. Extra layers of glaze provide a crackly finish.

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Strawberries-And-Cream Sheet Cake

Sheet cakes are easy to bake, transport, and ice, yet still deliver plenty of flavor. This pretty pink version celebrates strawberry season and Mama, and it's great for a crowd. A little strawberry-flavored gelatin enhances the taste.

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Mint Chocolate Chip Cake

If Mama likes mint chocolate chip ice cream, she'll love this pretty pastel cake that takes on the same flavor. This recipe is a great way to use the mint overflowing in the garden. Both the devil's food cake and the buttercream frosting get subtle flavor from the mint.

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1234 Cake With Chocolate Frosting

This layer cake comes together with pantry staples you probably already have on hand, so it's even easier to pull together than running to the store for a boxed mix. Its name is an easy way to remember the main ingredients: 1 cup of butter, 2 cups of sugar, 3 cups of flour, and 4 eggs. Sprinkle with jimmies or leave it plain—either way it's good.

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White Chocolate Raspberry Loaf Cake

If you're looking for a brunch dessert that's not too sweet, this loaf is the perfect recipe for serving with post-meal coffee or tea. Drizzle white chocolate glaze over the berry-studded pound cake. Add nuts for crunch.

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Chocolate-Zucchini Cake

Mama will never guess that this decadent chocolate cake is really packed full of veggies. Brown Butter-Pistachio Frosting is a perfect match for this sweet, rich chocolate cake.

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7UP Bundt Cake

This Bundt cake is oh-so-easy and absolutely delicious. It's based on a classic recipe that uses lemon-lime soft drink. Fresh lemon and lime zest ramp up the citrus flavor.

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Pecan Pie Cake With Browned Butter Frosting

We turned everyone's favorite pie recipe into a decadent layer cake that's sure to please Mama. Cake layers made tender by buttermilk, rich pecan pie filling, and browned butter frosting are a dream combination. This cake can be made up to 48 hours ahead of time.

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Lemon Loaf Cake

This easy loaf can be prepared in advance and shared with Mama on her special day. Line your pan with parchment paper to keep the cake from sticking and easy removal. This cake can be made up to three months ahead of time and frozen, unfrosted.

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Strawberry Vanilla Cake

If you can't decide between a vanilla and a strawberry cake, this recipe gives you the best flavors of both. You can make this cake ahead of time, but don't add the strawberry topper until just before serving.

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Classic Coconut Cake

Between our fluffy frosting and the mounds of toasted coconut, this cake is an absolute showstopper. And it has coconut in every layer—the cake, filling, frosting, and topping—so it will satisfy any coconut lover.

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Angel Food Cake

Angel food cake for the original angel in your life. Top this airy cake with anything Mom likes, from chocolate syrup to fresh fruit. Use a tube pan for this recipe. Don't use any cooking spray or a nonstick pan so the batter will climb the sides as it bakes.

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Lemon-Cheese Layer Cake

Cream Cheese Layer Cake — Hector Manuel Sanchez

Think of this masterpiece as a combination of the flavors of a layer cake and a cheesecake in one. The lemon curd that goes between the layers needs to chill for eight hours before using, so make it in advance. Lemon-Orange Buttercream Frosting elevates the decadence.

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Cookie Cake

If mom prefers cookies to cake, this is the perfect solution. Milk powder adds a milk-and-cookies flavor reminiscent of childhood. Bake the cookie in a springform pan.

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Classic Chocolate Pound Cake

This one's for all the chocolate-loving mamas out there. The decadent chocolate pound cake is topped with a simple dusting of powdered sugar. Add a scoop of ice cream, fruit, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup to make it just right for Mom.

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Strawberry Dream Cake

This cake is pretty on the outside but, just like Mom, what's on the inside is even more lovely. Cut into this cake to reveal neat rows of strawberries. Dreamy Whipped Frosting fills all the nooks and crannies.

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Key Lime Pound Cake

Bring a taste of the tropics to your Mother's Day celebration. Key lime juice and zest infuse the cake with zippy flavor, and a Key lime glaze adds tang. Brush the glaze over top of the cake while still warm.

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Mini Confetti Cakes

You'll be surprised how few ingredients you need for these mini cakes, and they're a snap to make. Start with a sheet cake and use a round cutter to create small cakes. Homemade whipped cream frosting spreads easily. Adorn with edible flowers.

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Wacky Cake

If you want to make a delectable baked good but you're short on time, this Wacky Cake is the perfect, extra-fudgy solution. The cake recipe was created when common kitchen ingredients were hard to come by or rationed. It doesn't use any eggs, milk, or butter.

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The Lane Cake

If you're really looking to impress, the Lane Cake is a timeless classic. The cake won first prize in a Columbus, Georgia, county fair and gained fame when it was featured in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee in 1960. This version is topped with Peach Schnapps-flavored frosting.

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Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

This cake is three layers of pure, chocolatey goodness. The secret ingredient? Mayonnaise. We know it's good on tomato sandwiches, but who knew it could make a cake so moist and dreamy?

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Dreamy Lemon Cheesecake

The secret to a crack-free cheesecake is cooking it gently in a water bath. This cake has lemon in every layer. Make the crust with cream-filled lemon sandwich cookies and top the lemon-infused filling with lemon curd after baking.

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Strawberry Swirl Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Place cut strawberries in the center of this pound cake for a sweet surprise. Use store-bought strawberry glaze for the swirl. Garnish with more fresh strawberries and whipping cream.

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Luscious Lemon Cake

Frosting just the top and between the layers saves you time and is perfect for a casual occasion. You can frost the whole cake for a more formal gathering.

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Mama's Rum Cake

We took a page out of Mama's book with this classic Rum Cake. The recipe comes from Mildred "Mama Dip" Council of Mama Dip's Kitchen in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. There's rum in the cake and the glaze for double the flavor.

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Heavenly Angel Food Cake

For the sweetest Mama, nothing but this Heavenly Angel Food Cake will do. Make it as a sheet cake and frost with lemon cream cheese frosting, then cut the cake into single-serving petits fours. Sugar flowers make a sweet garnish.

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Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Cream cheese ensures that this pound cake stays fluffy and moist the whole way through. Top with fresh fruit and a spoonful of whipped cream.

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Chocolate Fudge Layer Cake With Caramel Buttercream

Mama is worth the extra effort required to make this decadent cake. Spoon a thick layer of ganache over the cake layers and spread with the rich caramel buttercream frosting. Freezing between layering allows the ganache to set.

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Best Carrot Cake

Celebrities and home bakers alike have sung the praises of our classic Carrot Cake—if it can impress Chrissy Teigen, it can certainly impress Mama. We'll tell you how to bake it and store it so it stays perfectly moist for Mother's Day brunch.

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Sea Salt-Caramel Cake

Gingerbread Latte Cake with Vanilla Whipped Cream Frosting — Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

This layer cake masterfully balances salty and sweet. Mama will be coming back for a second slice. The caramel frosting takes a few extra minutes, but it's worth it.

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Blueberry Cornmeal Cake

This unique cake makes the most of fresh berries, resulting in a sweet treat that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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Cinnamon Coffee Cake

A special day to celebrate Mama? That warrants cake for breakfast. You can shorten the baking time for a gooey center, or bake for the full time for a more traditional cake.

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Pineapple-Coconut Cake

This cake, bursting with the tropical flavors of pineapple and coconut, will be a new warm-weather staple. Mom will rave over the pineapple compote filling. Serve as is or top with a drizzle of honey, fresh fruit, or lime zest.

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Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake

This sheet cake combines tender, buttery biscuits and fresh strawberries with a tangy mascarpone whipped cream for a dessert bound to impress mom. Skip the individual servings for a stunning cake that feeds a crowd.

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Million Dollar Cake

Make Mom feel like a million bucks with this worthy dessert. Boxed cake mix and instant pudding help this cake come together easily, so you can spend time with the person who really matters.

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Reese's Cake

No one will guess this cake starts with a chocolate cake mix. With a cream cheese-peanut butter filling, two different glazes, and chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, it will win Mom's heart.

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Strawberry Icebox Cake

Turn just five ingredients into this simple and impressive cake. Layer chocolate wafer cookies with homemade whipped cream that's flavored and colored by strawberry jam. Since it needs to chill for a few hours, it's the perfect cake when you need to make it ahead.

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Hummingbird Cake

Moist layers packed with pineapple, pecans, cinnamon, and bananas make this our most popular cake of all time. This cake was first submitted to Southern Living by Mrs. L.H. Wiggins of Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1978.

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Easy Chocolate Cake

Mom doesn't need to know how easy this cake is to pull together. Whisk the batter in one bowl, and bake for 30 minutes. Three easy buttercream frosting variations are included, such as Salted Caramel, Tahini, and Spiced Chocolate.

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Eclair Cake

When it comes to choosing a dessert for Mom, you can't go wrong with this decadent cake that is easy to make. Top layers of graham crackers and thick pudding with rich chocolate ganache, and pop it in the fridge until it's time to serve Mom.

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Cookies And Cream Cake

This rich and fudgy cake has chocolate sandwich cookies throughout its layers. The Italian meringue buttercream takes some extra time, but it's worth the effort.

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Italian Cream Cake

The exact origin of this cake isn't known, but it's been a Southern mainstay since it popped up in the mid-20th century. Top the coconut layer cake with pecans and a nutty cream cheese frosting.

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Peanut Butter Cake

Buttermilk is the key to a moist, tender cake. The cream cheese-peanut butter frosting levels up the peanut flavor and balances the dessert's sweetness.

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Mississippi Mud Cake

Reach for this favorite stand-by to show your mom some love. Bake the fudgy cake, then top it with marshmallows and a generous amount of chocolate frosting. Give yourself plenty of time because Mom won't wait to dig in.

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Swiss Roll Cake

Impress Mom with this cake roll made with a delicate sponge cake, fluffy cream filling, and rich chocolate ganache. It's a good and tasty way to thank her for all of those treats she put in your lunchbox.

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Banana Layer Cake With Caramel Icing

Move over, banana bread. Use those overripe bananas to make a dreamy cake for Mom. This cake can be made as a layer cake, sheet cake, or cupcakes so you can easily pack it up to bring to the celebration.

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Confetti Cake With Vanilla-Sour Cream Frosting

A Mother's Day cake doesn't need sprinkles, but aren't they fun? This sweet, colorful cake adds a cheerful note to Mom's big day.

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Margarita Cake

No salt is needed for this margarita. A tequila-lime syrup infuses each cake layer with margarita flavor, and margarita mixer ramps up the flavor of the frosting.

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Lady Baltimore Cake

This cake has been around for more than a century, believed to have inspired a 1906 novel by the same name. White cake is studded with raisins softened with rum extract and topped with billowy, marshmallowy frosting.

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Strawberry-Lemonade Cake

The combination of two fresh flavors, lemonade and strawberry, make this pastel cake taste like spring. Homemade strawberry-lemonade jam is sandwiched between layers of lemon cake. Make the pink strawberry frosting with cream cheese and fresh strawberries. Bake the cake ahead of time and freeze the layers, or bake and assemble up to two days in advance.

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55 Mother’s Day Cakes To Celebrate A Sweet Mama

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