Mother’s Day is fast approaching and I can’t think of a better way to show mom some love than with homemade sweets. Ruffled layer cakes, dolled-up whoopie pies, seasonally sweet cheesecake bars – what more could you ask for! Whether you’re hosting brunch, dinner, or just in the market for some beautiful Spring bakes, I’ve got some fantastic desserts to share with you today!
Before we get into cakes and crisps, I want to say a huge thank you to all of you who’ve been baking up lots of the desserts here over the past month. You guys have seriously blown me away with your kind comments and photos, and I’m thrilled to hear you’re enjoying them! Thank you!
Let’s kick off this sweet celebration with one of my favorite and simplest recipes, Vanilla Bean Roasted Strawberries. All I can tell you is if you’re not roasting your strawberries, you’re doing it all wrong! I feel like that should be one of those “the more you know” commercials – food edition! But seriously, as they roast, the strawberries start to caramelize, the flavor intensifies and then they mingle with the vanilla beans and it’s just a big party waiting to happen.
Spoon them over ice cream for the easiest, yet super impressive dessert, or over waffles or yogurt for brunch. My only advice: make extra!
If you’re going to make roasted strawberries, you definitely have to make Roasted Strawberry Banana Bread! Pretty much everything I’ve already said, all wrapped up in a flavor packed banana bread that somehow gets even better the next day – if it lasts that long!
Another one I love for brunch (or anytime of the day!) is Toasted Almond Tiramisu Parfaits. In this twist on the classic dessert, you get an added bonus of almond floating around, and the crushed amaretti cookies parked on top mixed with toasted almonds totally seal the deal. Serve them in little parfait glass or wine glasses, and the best part is you can make them the day ahead and dessert is done!
Another beyond easy dessert that’s always a win is Key Lime Pie with a Twist! I zhushed it up with a gingersnap crust, which gives it the perfect amount of bite to offset the sweet, and then pile on fresh berries for added flavor and color. Don’t forget the homemade whipped cream!
There’s nothing I love to bake more than a beautiful layer cake, and this Raspberry Lemon Ruffle Cake is a definite showstopper. It’s one of those desserts that’s as delicious to look at as it is to eat, and piled high with fresh raspberries, it’s made for entertaining!
Speaking of cakes I dream about, this Lemon Blackberry Layer Cake is all kinds of magical! Tender white cake, bright lemon curd, blackberry compote and whipped cream – bring it on! And that Grand Marnier blackberry ombre buttercream gets me every. single. time!
If you love the idea of cake, but don’t have layer cake kind of time, this Raspberry Cheesecake Icebox Cake is for you! It’s light, satisfying, fruity, flavorful, and did you catch that whole cheesecake thing? Plus it’s pink, so there’s that, and it feeds a crowd! Win, win, guys!
Can you handle one more raspberry dessert? Good, because these Chocolate Raspberry Whoopie Pies deserve a spot on your table! For the moms who love chocolate, these are for you and those hot pink raspberry sprinkles are everything!
We cannot talk Spring desserts without mentioning these Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars! Whether you’re all about rhubarb or haven’t quite figured out your relationship status yet, these cheesecake bars are for you. They’re the perfect balance of bright and fruity meets luscious cheesecake in a production you won’t be able to take your eyes off of, or your hands for that matter. These are especially great if you’re bringing dessert to someone’s house as they’re super easy to transport and look amazing piled up on a pretty platter surrounded by fresh fruit.
Last, but certainly not least, this dreamboat of a blueberry cheesecake is all sorts of YES! It’s one of those classic recipes that always gets raves reviews, and it’s perfect whether you’re doing brunch, dinner, or anything in between. You might also want to make a double batch of that lush blueberry compote while you’re at it, because it’s everything over French toast and ice cream too!
Decisions, decisions, right? I hope you guys give some of these a try, I can’t wait to hear what you bake and think of them! I’m going to make some strawberry rhubarb cheesecake bars asap because I pretty much just convinced myself, and I love all things rhubarb! The promise of pink dessert doesn’t hurt either!
Happy Mothers Day to all the moms out there, especially mine! I hope you all have a beautiful day!
xo
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Liz says
Oh, boy, it would be nearly impossible to pick a favorite! You have so many fabulous treats—now if only I could get one of my family members to whip one up for me 🙂
bblondie says
Thanks so much, Liz! Hope you had a beautiful day!
Summer Hannah says
This was incredible. I made it for my son and daughter in law’s wedding reception and it was a huge hit. There was none left! Instead of the ruffles, I made giant rosettes on the side and top-sides of the cake to save time.
bblondie says
Yay! Thanks so much, Hannah! I’m thrilled you loved it and it was a hit!
Liz says
You always inspire me! Pinning!!! xo