Copycat Baskin Robbins Mother’s Day Cake Recipe

Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate the incredible women in our lives who deserve all the love—and dessert! If your mom has a sweet tooth or an appreciation for delightful cakes, why not surprise her this year with a delicious homemade twist on Baskin Robbins Mother’s Day cake? Not only will this recipe let you channel your inner baker, but it also adds a personal touch that she’ll cherish forever.

How to make Baskin Robbins Mother’s Day Cake

Baskin Robbins Mother’s Day cakes offer a delightful way to celebrate the special women in your life.

Ingredients

For the Cake Base:

• 1 box of your favorite cake mix (or scratch-made cake recipe)
• Eggs, oil, and water (as required by the cake mix)
• Round cake pans (8-inch or 9-inch)

For the Ice Cream Layer:

• 1½–2 pints of mom’s favorite Baskin-Robbins ice cream (classic choices include Vanilla, Strawberry, or Cookies & Cream)
• Parchment paper or plastic wrap

For the Frosting and Decorations:

• Whipped cream or buttercream frosting (choose your preferred flavor and color; tinted pastel colors work beautifully)
• Fresh strawberries, raspberries, or edible flowers for garnish
• Melted chocolate (optional for writing messages like “Happy Mother’s Day”)
• Sprinkles, candy pearls, or fondant flowers for extra embellishments

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers

1. Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions.
2. Prepare the cake mix and divide it equally into two greased round cake pans. Bake as directed.
3. Allow the cake layers to cool completely. Once cooled, wrap each layer in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer for easier handling later.

Step 2: Prepare the Ice Cream Layer

1. Let the ice cream soften slightly at room temperature for 5–10 minutes.
2. Line another round cake pan with parchment paper or plastic wrap. Spread the softened ice cream evenly into the pan, creating a smooth, compact layer.
3. Freeze the ice cream layer for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one of the chilled cake layers on a serving dish or cake board.
2. Carefully transfer the frozen ice cream layer onto the cake base, removing the parchment paper/plastic wrap.
3. Top with the second cake layer, aligning everything nicely. Freeze the entire cake for 30 minutes to set.

Step 4: Frost and Decorate

1. Remove the cake from the freezer and frost the sides and top with whipped cream or buttercream frosting. Use a spatula or piping bag to achieve a clean, smooth finish.
2. You can decorate the cake as creatively as you like! You can add fresh strawberries, edible flowers, sprinkles, candy pearls, or fondant shapes.
3. If desired, use melted chocolate or colored frosting to write a message like “Happy Mother’s Day” or personalize it with her name.

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Ice Cream: Baskin-Robbins offers endless ice cream flavors—pick one that complements the cake flavor. For example, pair chocolate cake with mint chocolate chip ice cream or vanilla cake with strawberry ice cream.
• Freezing Matters: Keep the ice cream layer and cake layers cold throughout the process. Working quickly and freezing between each step prevents melting disasters!
• Focus on Presentation: Pay attention to detail to mimic the elegance of Baskin-Robbins cakes. For a polished look, use pastel frosting colors, floral designs, or simple fondant shapes.
• Improvise if Needed: Don’t worry if your cake doesn’t look perfect—Mom will adore the effort and love behind your creation!

What to serve with

Serving Baskin Robbins Mother’s Day Cake can create the centerpiece for a delightful celebration! Pairing it with complementary foods and drinks can enhance the experience for mom and guests, making the occasion even more special.

1. Desserts to Serve Alongside the Cake

A. Mini Pastries

• Macarons: These delicate, colorful treats can match the pastel theme of the Baskin Robbins Mother’s Day cake and provide a variety of flavors (like lemon, pistachio, or raspberry).
• Eclairs: Chocolate-glazed eclairs filled with creamy custard offer a timeless pairing with an ice cream cake.
• Fruit Tarts: Small tarts filled with custard and topped with fresh berries complement the sweetness of the Baskin Robbins Mother’s Day cake with their refreshing tanginess.

B. Cookies: Include elegant sugar cookies decorated with floral designs or icing that matches the cake colors. Alternatively, chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies would pair well with the creamy texture of the ice cream cake.

C. Individual Sorbet Cups: For guests who might prefer lighter alternatives, serve small bowls of sorbet (like lemon, mango, or raspberry). The bright, fruity flavors balance the richness of the Baskin Robbins Mother’s Day cake.

D. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These elegant treats add a romantic touch and are perfect for Mother’s Day. Use white, milk, or dark chocolate and drizzle them with pink or pastel-colored icing for decoration.

2. Drinks to Serve Alongside the Cake

A. Coffee or Tea

• Coffee Options: Serve freshly brewed coffee, espresso, or lattes. Adding a flavored creamer (like vanilla or hazelnut) creates a luxurious pairing.
• Tea Choices: Offer a variety of herbal teas, such as chamomile, jasmine, or green tea. For added flair, garnish the tea cups with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves.

B. Flavored Milk or Milkshakes

• Create a mini milkshake bar where guests can enjoy milkshake flavors that match the ice cream cake. Popular options include vanilla, strawberry, or chocolate milkshakes served with whipped cream and a cherry on top.
• For a simpler option, pair the cake with chilled glasses of flavored milk, like strawberry or chocolate.

C. Fizzy Beverages

Make the celebration more vibrant by serving sparkling beverages like:

• Mocktail Spritzers: Mix sparkling water with fruit juices like cranberry or peach, and garnish with fresh fruits.
• Sparkling Lemonade: Add strawberries, raspberries, or mint leaves to chilled lemonade for a refreshingly fizzy drink.

D. Wine or Champagnes (For Adults)

• Pair the cake with light, sweet wines or dessert wines such as Moscato or Riesling.
• A glass of sparkling rosé or champagne adds elegance to the celebration.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a Baskin Robbins Mother’s Day Cake at home can be a delightful experience, even if you’re working with ingredient substitutes due to dietary restrictions, allergies, or availability issues.

Ice Cream Layers

Ice cream is the star of Baskin Robbins cakes. Here are substitutes based on dietary preferences:

Non-Dairy Ice Cream Alternatives

Perfect for vegan or lactose-intolerant individuals:

• Coconut Milk Ice Cream: Rich and creamy, it mimics the texture of traditional ice cream.
• Almond Milk Ice Cream: Light and nutty flavor.
• Soy Milk Ice Cream: Works well if looking for neutral-tasting ice cream.
• Oat Milk Ice Cream: Has a smooth texture and subtle oat taste.

Homemade Ice Cream Substitutes

If pre-packaged products aren’t available, you can make ice cream alternatives:

• Blend frozen bananas with a splash of almond or coconut milk for instant “nice cream.”
• Add frozen fruits, sweeteners (e.g., agave or maple syrup), and vanilla for flavor variations.

Low-Sugar Ice Cream: If you’re reducing sugar intake, look for low-carb or keto-friendly ice cream brands. Alternatively, use sweeteners like stevia or erythritol when making homemade versions.

Cake Base

Baskin Robbins cakes often feature a sponge cake or brownie-like layer beneath the ice cream. Here are substitutes:

Gluten-Free Cake Base

• Use a gluten-free flour blend like almond flour, oat flour, or coconut flour. Make sure to include a binding agent like xanthan gum or flaxseed meal (if needed).
• Gluten-Free Brownie Mix: Pre-packaged mixes can save time and ensure the correct texture.

Vegan Cake Base

Replace eggs with substitutes:

• Flaxseed “egg”: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let sit for 5 minutes.
• Mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce can also replace eggs.
• Replace regular butter with plant-based butter or coconut oil.

• Sugar-Free Cake: For those reducing sugar intake, use sweeteners like monk fruit, erythritol, or stevia in place of sugar.
• No-Bake Cookie Base: Combine crushed gluten-free cookies, graham crackers, or sugar-free biscuits with melted butter (or coconut oil) and press into the pan. Chill for firmness.

Buttercream or Whipped Topping Decorations

The decorations give the cake its festive and finished appearance. Here are substitutes for the frosting or topping:

Non-Dairy Whipped Topping

Replace traditional whipped cream with:

• Coconut cream whipped topping: Chill a can of coconut cream, scoop out the thick portion, then whip with vanilla and powdered sugar (or sweetener).
• Almond-based whipped cream (available at some stores).

Vegan Buttercream Frosting

Substitute regular butter with plant-based alternatives:

• Use margarine or vegan butter for the base.
• Replace milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk.

• Low-Calorie Frosting: Yogurt-based frostings made with Greek yogurt (or non-dairy alternatives) mixed with powdered sweeteners are lighter and healthier.
• Sugar-Free Options: Opt for powdered erythritol or stevia instead of powdered sugar for frosting.

Fillings/Layered Garnishes

Some Baskin Robbins cakes include fillings or garnishes inside the layers, such as fudge, caramel, or fruit.

• Fudge and Chocolate Syrup Alternatives
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk-based ganache or chocolate syrup.
• Low-Sugar: Sweeten using monk fruit or erythritol.

Caramel Sauce Substitutes

• Vegan: Make caramel with coconut cream and brown sugar or maple syrup.
• Sugar-Free: Combine butter, cream, and erythritol for a keto-friendly version.

Fruit Fillings

• Fresh fruit (e.g., berries, mango, or sliced bananas) for a healthier option.
• Jam or jelly substitutes: Use all-natural or low-sugar preserves.

Final Thoughts

Making a homemade Baskin Robbins Mother’s Day Cake is a sweet way to show your love and appreciation for mom. By customizing flavors and decorations, you can create a unique dessert she’ll never forget. 

More Baskin Robbins Recipes:

• Baskin Robbins Icing on the Cake Ice Cream Recipe