(s)Mothered: Cakespy's Ideas for the Overbearing Mom this Mother's Day
Tuesday, May 6, 2008 
Before anything else, we're going to admit that at Cakespy, we're all total brats about Mother's Day. While we like the idea of celebrating dear mom, something about the whole Laura-Ashley-and-tea-party image of the holiday just doesn't sit right with us. Because really, doesn't that make grand assumptions about mom--that she's a meek little lady who just wants some tea and lace? What about those overbearing, in your face, powerhouse moms? The controlling, sometimes calculating ones, who call you four times a day? Certainly something else is in order for those moms.
And so, it's these moms that we choose to celebrate this Mother's Day: following are just a few ideas about how to mom how you really feel about her this year, with some subliminal messages that are sweet nonetheless:
Idea 1: Empty Nester Cupcakes
Made for the mom who just can't let go, how about Empty Nester Cupcakes? These cupcakes have a mini "nest" --we made ours out of crumbled up Shredded Mini Wheats-- with "eggs" -- ours are jelly beans--sitting just outside. Why outside? Well, sometimes it's just time to move on. Mom still having trouble with you having, you know, your own life? Well, this is the perfect way to say "hey mom, I'm gone and I'm never comin' back!".
Idea 2: (s)Mother's Day Cake
This one's perfect for the overbearing mom who clearly just wants to take credit for everything you do, or who likes to suck the joy out of your achievements. Stage moms, soccer moms, moms who steal your boyfriend--we think you know what we mean. This cake actually has a cupcake buried within, so that the bigger layer cake completely obliterates the cupcake. However, once it's cut into, there's your subliminal message: "Hey ma, you've officially smothered me! Thanks a lot!". A bit heady, sure, but you like feeling smart and in the know, don't you?
How we did it: Make a cake (any type you choose, really); if it is a shallow pan, make it a two layer cake so that its height matches that of a frosted cupcake (in fact, you can use the leftover batter, if any, to make the cupcakes--that's what we did). Once the cake has cooled, if two layers, attach them with a dollop of frosting, but do not frost the top. Scoop out a ball from the center, and insert the frosted cupcake; the height should be slightly lower or even with the height of the cake. Frost just as you regularly would, making sure to cover the cupcake so that the frosting doesn't betray the secret within. Garnish to cover up any imperfections. Serve, and enjoy the confused faces as you get a massive amount of joy at your naughty little secret.
Idea 3: No Cake
Show your true colors this Mothers Day with an IOU--you know, something to the tune of "Sorry ma, meant to make you a cake, but I was out all night and stayed with that person I casually date--you know, the one you so clearly disapprove of. I owe you one! Thanks again for, you know, giving birth to me and everything"
Of course, if you must be kind to mom, here are some ideas that we've seen around:
Zabar's is offering a 7" Mother's Day Red Velvet Rose Cake, which is topped with cream cheese icing and filling surrounded with red cake crumbs and a cute little red rose topper. And, they'll ship it anywhere in the US--it Requires 2-day shipping, but wouldn't most things at this point, procrastinator? Available at zabar.com.
Dangerous Pies, whose wares we drooled about on Bmoresweet, is now shipping pies within the US--depending on which side you're on in the pie vs. cake revolution, this might be a nice choice for mom. Our vote goes for the Custard Pie--the owner refers to it as a "White Trash Crème Brûlée "--a midwestern comfort food on crack, if you will? We like the thought of that.
Of course, if you're in the DC area, you may be intrigued by the prospect of these "buttercream blossoms" we read about on DailyCandy--Maryland-based Couture Cupcakes is offering cupcakes formed into little "bouquets"--cute as anything, and far sweeter than flowers, in our opinion. Find them at 301-926-7333 or couture-cupcakes.com.
cakespy mischief, holidays
Reader Comments (52)
heh, i totally want to make that first one for my MIL.
is that wrong?
My mom can't cook... I'm a crappy baker... we've accepted these facts. I'll be buying her a beer.
Too funny! Love it!
Too funny! I'm laughing out loud - here at my desk and now some people are looking at me funny...
That's hilarious!
too funnnnnnnnnnnnnnny! what a laugh....those cupcakes and cake are a riot...
i love the cupcakes and cake!! and your art work is soooo adorable!!! i was just looking at the t shirts and the other stuff you have!! I'm gonna get me some of that girl!!
You are an absolute riot! But how to choose?? It would just be too hard!!
You are so funny. Thank heavens my mom was not the "smothering" type so I would have never had to consider the cake-smothered cupcake. And aw, your artwork is just adorable.
Those crochet cupcakes are a hoot!
Mine has been dropping hints about a strawberry rhubarb pie, but I don't know if my rhubarb plants are going to cooperate in time, ack!
LOL - great original cake ideas for the less than perfect Mom! The bouquet cupcakes from Coutre Cupcakes are just gorgeous.
You guys are funny! I absolutely love the itsy-bitsy cakespy baby, so cute!
Wait what? Couture cupcakes? In Maryland? Ok = I have to find out where they are and get my butt over there! Ok I found their website which is so pretty I'm drooling. ACtually cupcakes too pretty to eat I think. But they don't say where they are! It's just ordering info. I'll have to try it out and let you know oh Cupcake Queen!
Stephanie: Yea! Actually some of the ideas were inspired by my ultra-sarcastic and awesome mom.
Recipegirl: Glad you enjoyed it in the face of all of these "Be kind to mom" offers in the world! :-)
Mara: Whoa, I wish I was your mom right now, that cake sounds awesome!
Natalie: Well, true! That does make it easy. My mom doesn't ever want anything for mothers day but then a month later on her Birthday expects something mega awesome. Grrr....
CB: Aww, it's ok! You can put them in the nest for mom if you want.
Krysta: Oooh, a coconut cake would be awesome. lean on them for it!
Stickygooey: Ha! Don't I know it!
Lina: Thanks! Glad you liked 'em!
Grace: Ha!! Hopefully it will be a sweet way to tell her? :-)
Aran: Ha! Actually one day you'll have to give YOUR kids the empty nest cupcakes. If I grew up with all those great pastries around I would never wanna move out!
Ann: I love, love (x32) Roz Chast--what a compliment!! :-)
BMoreSweet: I'm not only glad that you liked it but even more so that you, like me, still drink Tab. (*e-high five*) And damn, do those pies look good. Thanks for introducing us to them!
Finally, I LOVE the strings attached and calorie count cakes. Ohhh cruel!!
Glamah: Aww, thanks! Sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I hope that you'll be able to have some time to think kindly of her on Sunday!! xoxo.
J*amy: Well, I saw this killer chocolate peanut butter pie on the Fields Of Cake blog: fieldsofcake.blogspot.com.
Rosie: Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the diversion!
Veggiegirl: Thanks!! And these sassy ideas easily translate to vegan! :-)
C.L.: Ha! Glad you enjoyed it. Those kids better get you something nice with all that cake you make for them!!
r4kk4: Were you joking...really? (looks at you suspiciously)
Obsessive foodie: HA!! I love the nail file one. Even if she's not in the clink, "Just in case" she ever does go. I just gave my little sis a t-shirt with the violent cupcakes and it looks SO cute on her.
Mevrouw: Glad you liked it! A little conceptual but fun I think!
Sweet Sins: Whoa, double trouble! Good luck with those!
Sarah: thanks! Glad you liked it :-)
T.W.: Now that is the best compliment! :-)
Dana: Yup, Scary White Girl is super cute! Tell us more about the tart!
Michelle: No, it's not wrong. Or at least, we're not gonna be the ones to tell you so :-)
EB: Sounds like an awesome mom!! :-)
SoHo: Glad you liked it! :-)
Deborah: HA! Maybe some of them need to use these suggestions and chill out! :-)
Christina: Thanks! Glad you enjoyed!
Diana: Glad you enjoyed it and got a laugh!!!
Bunny: Awww, thanks!! Glad you enjoy our mind numbingly sweet world.
Ricki: Well, depending on how "special" mom is...maybe a few!
Heidi: Thanks so much! lucky you with the non smothering mom too!
Rural Vegan: WOW! I want to see this pie. Hopefully the rhubarb cooperates!
Cakelaw: Aren't they wonderful looking?
LyB: Thanks so much, glad you like it! I love how sweet they are.
Ello: Just to clarify--I think they're special order only (IE, no retail front). But they're local! Just show up and demand cake. OK, I am not endorsing that idea. or am I?...
Haha this post made me crack up so much! Thankfully my mum is the complete opposite of smothering, clingy and demanding. Although ever since I spat her out a grandchild she does call alot more. I already got my mothers day present and it's awesome. Therefore I have a new found love for the day. I totally deserve something for nothing! Hah!
Just catching up on my blog reads and came across this photo...I thought "cakespy" was on the loose.
http://bp2.blogger.com/_CewF_-RqrS4/SCMorGUJEWI/AAAAAAAAC1s/iN5qZYKUmtw/s1600-h/IMG_1485.jpg
cuuuute!
i love the drawing!!!!! so sweet. want one.
: )
This is just too funny. I fall in the category of must be nice to Mom, cause Mom is totally terrific. However, I sent her money since she LOVES to collect jewelry. She's off to spend her Mother's Day money at Ross Simon's were there are so many beautiful sparkly things.
Natalie @ Gluten a Go Go
Hilarious. Original, doable, and only the mighty Zabar's could top that Mother Smother cake. LMAO.
fantastic post!
love the mama/baby cupcake art.
Jade: Glad you enjoyed! Mamma cakespy is not clingy either, thank goodness. :-)
Jaimee: Ha!!! Too funny!
Anticiplate: Thanks!! :-)
Kate: Thanks so much!
Sheltie girl: Hot! Hope she gets something super shiny!
Caroline: Thanks, glad you liked it (and the art!).
LOL!!! I LOVE the IOU letter! That totally cracked me up! I should have thought of that for my mom! ;)
hahah. my mom would not get the joke however appropriate a smother cake or the other cakes would be, but it made me laugh! the pic of the mama cupcake and baby cupcake is so cute!
This made me laugh so hard Jessie!! Oh my, and I love that cupcake bouquet!!
So which one did your mom get?