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30 irresistible cake recipes for Mother’s Day

Sweet treats to make for your mum.
strawberry and rhubarb jamPhotography: Tilly Pamment

Whether you’re marking a special celebration like Mother’s Day, catching up with friends over coffee, or simply treating yourself on a quiet weekend, a homemade cake has a way of turning even the simplest moment into something memorable. From that first slice of soft, sweet, and lovingly made goodness to the last crumb, cake always elevates a gather to feel a little indulgent.

To help you create those moments, we’ve gathered no fewer than 30 of our most irresistible cake recipes. From light-as-air sponges to rich, chocolatey showstoppers, these sweets will delight every sweet tooth and bring a little extra joy to your table.

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Chocolate cake recipes

Chocolate cake with whiskey caramel sauce
(Photography: Nicky Ryan)

01

Chocolate cake with whiskey caramel sauce

A splendid decorated layer cake 

It’s always good to have a trusty chocolate cake recipe handy for special occasions. But this isn’t your average chocolate cake.

No bake chocolate truffle cake
(Photography: Cath Muscat)

Make this indulgent chocolate truffle cake ahead of time for a stress-free morning tea. Remember to start the day before so that it can set in the fridge overnight.

(Photography: Nicky Ryan)

03

Ideal for special occasions, this cake’s three layers are sandwiched together with an indulgent milk chocolate and cream cheese icing.

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(Photography: Nicky Ryan & Cath Muscat)

04

Chocolate, cinnamon and pecan babka

Chocolate wrapped in sweet bread

Babka is traditional bread that originated in Eastern Europe and this version combines cinnamon, crunchy pecans and chocolate for a taste sensation.

Mini cake recipes

Strawberry and rhubarb jam victoria sponges
(Photography: Tilly Pamment)

05

Strawberry and rhubarb jam Victoria sponges

For a new twist on a classic favourite

Puff-light Victoria sponges layered with strawberry-rhubarb jam, creamy rosewater filling what a perfect bite-sized indulgence for your next elegant afternoon tea!

Honey madeleines with orange lemon cream
(Photography: Cath Muscat)

Buttery honey madeleines paired with fragrant orange blossom-lemon cream — tiny, elegant treats perfect for brunches, high teas or indulgent desserts.

Lemon verbena friands
(Photography: Nicky Ryan)

07

Lemon verbena friands

Tiny cakes that make every afternoon feel special

Delicate lemon-verbena and orange-zest friands paired with preserved lemon crème fraîche.

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(Photography: Cath Muscat)

08

Gin lime cakes

Stack ’em high and watch them fly!

These petite cakes are the perfect addition to a high tea and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Mini cinnamon wreath recipe
(Photography: Cath Muscat)

09

Mini cinnamon wreaths

A sweet twist on a traditional recipe 

These little sweeties are perfect to share – simple recipe, simple fare.

Lime meringue pie cupcakes
(Photography: Nicky Ryan)

10

Lime meringue pie cupcakes

A simple but delicious treat 

These cupcakes take dessert to the next level with a twist on a classic meringue.

Layer cake recipes

Italian meringue celebration cake
(Photography: Con Poulos /Styling Steve Pearce)

11

Italian meringue celebration cake

A cake that’s perfect for your next gathering

This showstopping vertical layer cake is sure to impress at your next celebration!

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Hummingbird cake with pineapple flowers
(Photography: Con Poulos / Styling: Steve Pearce)

12

Hummingbird cake with pineapple flowers

A showstopping wonder of a cake

With six layers of cake and cute pineapple flowers to decorate, this is almost too pretty to eat.

(Photography: Cath Muscat / Styling: Kerrie Worner)

13

Passionfruit naked cake

The perfect finish to any celebration

Possibly our most popular cake recipe of all time – and what’s not to love?

(Photography: Chris Warnes)

14

Victoria sandwich

A decadent classic 

Tradition and style – the perfect table centrepiece for afternoon tea.

Cheesecake recipes

Basque cheesecake
(Photography: Rochelle Eagle / Styling: Lee Blaylock)

15

Basque cheesecake

A classic cheesecake to make

This cheesecake from the kitchen of Darren Purchese is a cinch to whip up and is taken from The Baker’s Book.

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Espresso martini cheesecake
(Photography: James Moffatt / Styling: Steve Pearce)

16

Espresso martini cheesecake

Coffee imbued cheesecake

This creamy cheesecake has an extra kick with espresso martini syrup on top.

Eton mess cheesecake recipe
(Photography: Chris Warnes / Styling: John Mangila)

17

Eton mess cheesecake

Two classic dishes in one delicious cake

Celebrating berries, meringue, and sweet cream cheese—this cake is the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion.

Lemon and poppyseed cheesecake with figs on top

18

Lemon, poppy seed and honey cheesecake

A mouth-watering dessert is sure to impress 

Perfect for a special afternoon tea or to round off a dinner party, this lemon, poppy seed and honey cheesecake is a crowd-pleaser.

Picnic cake recipes

Easy vanilla cake with passionfruit buttercream
(Photography: Alan Benson)

19

Easy vanilla cake with passionfruit buttercream

Classic vanilla cake topped with delicious buttercream

A classic cake that features on the Clove app is the perfect afternoon tea treat.

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Peach and sour cream cake
(Photography: Rochelle Eagle / Styling: Lee Blaylock)

20

Peach and sour cream cake

Laden with delicious fruit

Tinned peaches and sour cream combine for a match made in heaven with this recipe from The Baker’s Book.

Honey lime poppyseed cake
(Photography: Cath Muscat)

21

Lime and poppy seed yoghurt cake

The perfect afternoon treat

Easy to prepare, this tangy classic is all about the lemon drizzle.

Almond iced raspberry scones
(Photography: Cath Muscat)

22

Almond-iced raspberry scones

A traditional treat with a modern twist 

A basic scone recipe perfect for kids to make – even beginner bakers can master this one!

Gluten free cake recipes

Gluten free honey cake
(Photography: Con Poulos / Styling: Steve Pearce)

23

Gluten free honey cake

Filled with the sweetness of honey

This cake uses gluten free flours for a treat that everyone can enjoy.

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Celebration cake recipes

Mimosa cake
(Photography: Con Poulos / Styling: Steve Pearce)

24

Mimosa cake

A cake that’s sure to impress 

Inspired by the mimosa cocktail, this delicious cake is smothered in Champagne icing.

Ginger meringue kiss cake
(Photography: Con Poulos / Styling: Steve Pearce)

25

Ginger meringue kiss cake

Delicious cake for a special occasion

Ideal for ginger lovers, this cake is perfect for your next big bash!

Hazelnut praline cake
(Photography: Con Poulos / Styling: Steve Pearce)

26

Hazelnut praline cake

Add the golden touch

Nutty sponge is paired with crunchy hazelnut praline on top for a taste sensation.

Coffee cake recipes

Coffee fudge cake with toasted coffee meringue
(Photography: James Moffatt / Styling: Steve Pearce)

27

Coffee fudge cake with toasted coffee meringue

Fudgy coffee cake with a crown of meringue

Deep, fudgy chocolate meets bold coffee, crowned with cloud-light toasted meringue for an indulgent showstopper for any coffee lover.

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Flourless coffee, date and hazelnut cake with coffee butterscotch
(Photography: James Moffatt / Styling: Steve Pearce)

28

Flourless coffee, date & hazelnut cake with coffee butterscotch

A caffeine-fuelled pick-me-up for any time of day

There’s a treat with every indulgent bite of this moist flourless cake built on dates and hazelnuts, doused in rich coffee butterscotch.

Lemon cake recipes

Donna Hay's zesty whole lemon cake
(Photography: Chris Court / Styling: Donna Hay)

29

Donna Hay’s zesty whole lemon cake

A zesty delight from Donna Hay

Bright, bold and beautifully simple, this lemon cake is from Donna Hay’s book Sunshine, Lemons and Sea Salt.

Greek lemon yoghurt cake
(Photography: Bonnie Coumbe / Styling: Jess Johnson & Lauren Miller)

30

Greek lemon yoghurt cake

Lemony goodness in the form of a cake

This Greek lemon yoghurt cake is the kind of bake that brings instant joy to the table.

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