Mother’s Day Cake Ideas to Show Mom How Much You Love Her For Our Francophiles Celebrating on May 11th
Whether you call her Maman, Mom, or Ma Chérie, there’s no better way to say “I love you” this Mother’s Day than with a beautiful homemade French dessert. Here are five classic and crowd-pleasing cakes with easy-to-follow mini recipes—each one steeped in French charm.
1. Fraisier – The Elegant Strawberry Cake
Light, elegant, and bursting with strawberries, the fraisier is a classic French treat that combines layers of sponge cake soaked in kirsch, crème mousseline, and fresh berries. It’s as beautiful as it is refined—just like Mom. Decorate with a marzipan top and a few edible flowers for an extra wow factor.
This stunning cake layers genoise sponge, crème mousseline (custard + butter), and fresh strawberries.
Quick Recipe
- Bake 1 genoise sponge (use a 9-inch pan). Slice in half.
- Make crème mousseline: whisk 2 cups milk, 1/2 cup sugar, 4 egg yolks, 1/4 cup cornstarch, vanilla. Cool, then beat in 1 stick of butter.
- Line strawberries along the edge of the bottom sponge. Fill center with cream and berries. Top with second layer. Chill.
- Optional: cover with marzipan and a dusting of powdered sugar.
2. Gâteau au Chocolat – Dark & Dreamy
Sometimes, simplicity wins. A rich gâteau au chocolat made with dark chocolate, butter, and just a hint of sea salt is a divine way to show your love. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Bonus: It’s gluten-free if you skip the flour altogether.
French chocolate cake that’s rich and fudgy with just a few ingredients.
Quick Recipe
- Melt 200g (7 oz) dark chocolate and 150g (5 oz) butter.
- Add 4 eggs, 1/2 cup sugar, and 2 tbsp flour (or almond flour for gluten-free).
- Pour into a greased pan and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 20–25 minutes.
- Let it cool. Serve with crème fraîche or berries.
3. Tarte Tropézienne – Riviera Cream Dream
This dreamy cake from Saint-Tropez is a pillowy brioche filled with orange blossom pastry cream. Said to have been named by Brigitte Bardot during a film shoot in the 1950s, it’s an airy yet indulgent treat that brings a taste of the French Riviera to your kitchen.
Brioche filled with orange blossom pastry cream, invented in Saint-Tropez.
Quick Recipe
- Make brioche dough (or buy a round brioche). Bake and cool.
- For the filling: combine pastry cream with whipped cream and 1 tsp orange blossom water.
- Slice brioche horizontally, spread filling, reassemble, and chill.
- Sprinkle pearl sugar on top before serving.
4. Lemon Madeleines – For Tea with Mom
If your mom prefers something light with her tea, make a batch of madeleines. These shell-shaped sponge cakes are flavored with lemon zest and a touch of honey. Dip them in a light glaze or dust with powdered sugar. Perfect for a chic afternoon gathering.
These shell-shaped French cakes are light, buttery, and perfect with tea.
Quick Recipe
- Whisk 2 eggs, 1/2 cup sugar, zest of 1 lemon.
- Add 3/4 cup flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 cup melted butter.
- Chill batter 30 minutes, spoon into madeleine mold.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar or dip in lemon glaze.
5. Paris-Brest – A Showstopper for Nut Lovers
Shaped like a bicycle wheel, this choux pastry filled with praline cream was originally created to honor the Paris-Brest-Paris cycling race. Its nutty, creamy center and crispy shell make it an unforgettable dessert—and a beautiful centerpiece.
Named after a bike race, this choux pastry is filled with praline cream.
Quick Recipe
- Make choux dough (boil 1/2 cup water + 1/2 stick butter, stir in 1/2 cup flour, then 2 eggs). Pipe into a ring shape and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30 min.
- For the filling: blend 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup pastry cream, and 2 tbsp hazelnut praline paste.
- Slice pastry in half, pipe in cream, sprinkle with almonds, and dust with sugar.
Where to Find Them
Not a baker? No problem. Many French bakeries across the U.S.—from the newly opened Café Central in Las Vegas to French Riviera Bakery, the sister of La Tropérienne Bakery Las Vegas and Baguette Café on Sunset Boulevard in Summerlin and Eastern Avenue in Henderson—offer ready-made versions of these cakes. Call ahead to reserve yours or check delivery options.
Whatever you choose, remember: it’s not just about the dessert, but the love you put into it. A handwritten note, fresh flowers, and a shared moment over cake will mean the world to her.
Celebrate her with sweetness, style, and a touch of French flair. Joyeuse fête des mères!
Header Photo Credit: cottonbro studio https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-white-knit-sweater-smiling-while-little-girl-licking-icing-on-her-spoon-3992391/
Related Posts
Why the French Café Culture Is About More Than Just Coffee →
An Interview with Chef Alain Ducasse: “give our guests the experience of a Grand Siècle dinner, the Age of Louis XIV” →
Understanding Sous Vide: The French Cooking Technique Revolutionizing Kitchens →
I cannot tell you how excited I am to get your book. I'm trying to write a story involving Reunion…