Simple but Delicious Chocolate Mother’s Day Cake Recipe
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Mother’s Day
Servings
10
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Calories
450
Mother’s Day is the perfect time to spoil Mum with something extra special, and what could be better than a homemade chocolate cake?
This tasty but easy-to-make Mothers Day cake recipe is packed with rich chocolatey goodness, topped with a luscious milk chocolate buttercream, and finished with adorable chocolate heart decorations.
Bake it as a surprise for her or a centrepiece for a family celebration—it’s guaranteed to make your Mum's day unforgettable.
Add a sprinkle of edible glitter or some fresh flowers for that extra festive flair! 🌸🍫✨
Ingredients
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200g plain flour
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200g caster sugar
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75g cocoa powder
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1½ tsp baking powder
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150ml buttermilk (or 150ml milk + 1 tbsp vinegar, left to sit for 5 minutes)
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100ml vegetable oil
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150ml hot water
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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200g unsalted butter (softened)
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300g icing sugar (sifted)
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75g milk chocolate (melted and cooled)
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2-3 tbsp milk
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Chocolate hearts (store-bought or homemade using a heart-shaped mould)
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Optional: edible flowers, glitter, and a “Happy Mother’s Day” cake topper
For the Mother's Day Cake:
For the Milk Chocolate Buttercream:
For the Decoration:
Directions
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Preheat the Oven: Set to 160°C (fan) / 180°C / Gas Mark 4.
Grease and line two 8-inch round cake tins.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and bicarbonate of soda.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract.
Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until smooth.
Stir in the hot water (the batter will be thin – this is normal).
Bake: Divide the batter between the prepared tins and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Cool completely before decorating.
Step 2: Prepare the Buttercream
Cream the Butter: Beat the softened butter until fluffy.
Add Icing Sugar and Chocolate: Gradually add the icing sugar, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the melted milk chocolate.
Adjust Consistency: Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the buttercream is smooth and spreadable.
Step 3: Assemble and Decorate
Layer the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of buttercream on top.
Add the second layer and coat the entire cake with the remaining buttercream, smoothing it out with a palette knife.
Add Chocolate Hearts: Arrange the chocolate hearts around the edge of the cake for a simple, elegant design.
Optional Extra Touches:
For going all out, add edible flowers, a sprinkle of edible glitter, and a “Happy Mother’s Day” cake topper to complete the look.
Serving Tip
Pair the cake with a cup of Mum’s favourite tea or coffee for a heartwarming Mother’s Day treat.
Enjoy celebrating the most special woman in your life with this sweet creation!
Recipe Notes
If you have any questions and this Mother's Day Chocolate Cake, please post a comment below and we will get back to you asap.
Servings: The recipe typically yields about 10 delicious portions of chocolate cake for Mother's day.
Calories per serving: 450 calories.
Remember: Tag #whitakerschocolates with your marvellous Mother's Day cake baking creation!
Is a Homemade Cake a Good Gift for Mothering Sunday?
A homemade chocolate cake makes an ideal Mothering Sunday gift because it continues the holiday's historical tradition of food-giving while showing genuine care through time and effort.
The personal touch of baking creates a meaningful centerpiece for family gatherings, especially when customized with your mum's favorite flavors and decorative touches.
The recipe provided is achievable for most home bakers yet feels special with its rich chocolate buttercream and decorative elements.
Making it more personal by adding her preferred toppings like fresh berries or edible flowers, and serving it alongside her favorite tea or coffee, transforms a simple cake into a thoughtful expression of appreciation.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Energy | 450 kcal |
| Fat | 22g |
| - saturates | 10g |
| Carbohydrate | 60g |
| - sugars | 45g |
| Fibre | 3g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Salt | 0.5g |
A Brief History of Chocolate Mother’s Day Cake
Mother’s Day has ancient roots. It began with festivals for mother goddesses in Greece and Rome.
In the UK, Mothering Sunday started in the 16th century. People visited their mother church on the fourth Sunday of Lent.
They brought simnel cakes as gifts. Modern Mother’s Day in the US began in 1908.
Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother. It became a national holiday in 1914.
Chocolate cakes gained popularity in the 19th century. With baking powder and cocoa processing improvements.
Chocolate cakes for Mother’s Day became common in the 20th century. They symbolise indulgence and love for mothers.
Why Do We Celebrate Mother's Day?
In the UK, Mother's Day (officially called Mothering Sunday) is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent, about three weeks before Easter.
The tradition dates back to the 16th century when people would return to their "mother church" (the main church or cathedral in their area) for a special service.
Originally, domestic servants were given the day off to visit their mothers and families.
Children would pick wildflowers on their walk home to give as gifts, leading to the modern tradition of giving flowers.
Today's celebration combines these religious roots with the American-style Mother's Day that emerged in the early 20th century, focusing on honoring mothers with cards, gifts, and special treatment.
The date varies each year since it's tied to Easter. In 2025, UK Mother's Day will fall on March 30th.
