Even if you’re short on time, you don’t have to settle for a boring box of drugstore chocolates. Treat your mom (or mee-maw, or auntie) to what she really wants: a decadent dessert made just for her. These desserts are beautiful but can be thrown together in minutes—perfect for Mother’s Day procrastinators. We’ve got options for easy cakes, pies, icebox cakes, and more.
Cupcakes with Browned Butter Frosting
Recipe: Cupcakes with Browned Butter Frosting
Fancy up a simple boxed pound cake mix with this luscious, rich frosting made with aromatic browned butter. Can’t find edible flowers? Try topping the cupcakes with raspberries or sliced strawberries.
Coconut Sheet Cake
Recipe: Coconut Sheet Cake
If Mom loves coconut cake but you’re not sure you can pull off a tall, multi-layered dessert, try this sheet pan version. It’s light, fluffy, and delicious and covered in Coconut-Cream Cheese Frosting.
Deep-Dish Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
Recipe: Deep-Dish Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
Even novice bakers will have no problem making this giant chocolate cookie. Make her day by baking the cookie in a cast-iron skillet she can add to her collection.
Creamy Lemonade Pie
Recipe: Creamy Lemonade Pie
This sunny pie will brighten anyone’s day. The recipe takes minutes to come together, but needs 8 hours chilling time. Make it the day before Mother’s Day to make sure it has enough time to set up in the refrigerator.
Salted Caramel Strawberries
Recipe: Salted Caramel Strawberries
A quick dip in luscious caramel and a salty roll in finely chopped nuts turns fresh strawberries into a gourmet treat. These are half-dipped, leaving a top of fresh fruit and a bottom covered in caramel and nuts. These can be served shortly after being made, or they can be prepared and chilled for up to eight hours before being served. Top picks: A ripe berry will have a shiny, deep red color from the tip of the berry to beneath the green cap. Check the carton from top to bottom for any damaged or moldy fruit—they’ll cause the others to deteriorate quickly.
Strawberry-Lemon-Buttermilk Icebox Pie with Baked Gingersnap Crust
Recipe: Strawberry-Lemon-Buttermilk Icebox Pie with Baked Gingersnap Crust
A spicy gingersnap crust pairs wonderfully with the smooth, tangy filling in this creamy pie. Top with macerated strawberries or blueberries, if Mom prefers.
Chocolate-Bourbon-Butterscotch Icebox Cake
Recipe: Chocolate-Bourbon-Butterscotch Icebox Cake
A homemade butterscotch pudding (with bourbon!) makes this icebox cake stand out from the rest. Give yourself an extra day to allow the layers to chill in the refrigerator before serving.
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