Mother’s Day is the perfect excuse to slow down, get together with family, and for a lovely brunch. Preferably with a good cup of coffee and some warm Brötchen, cakes, and pastries!
In Germany, Sunday brunch is a cozy tradition full of simple comforts and thoughtful touches (like flowers and morning candelight), and I can’t think of a better way to honor Mama than by bringing a little of that to her special day.
Whether your mom has German roots or just appreciates homemade goodness, this list of my favorite Mother’s Day brunch ideas is packed with inspiration for your family. We’re talking crunchy rolls, buttery pastries, seasonal spring dishes, and a mix of sweet and savory recipes that have been tested and perfected in my kitchen over the past 10 years. Each one has been made with so much love. And I hope they’ll help you share a little of that with the special women in your life.
P.S. If you want to see more ideas for a traditional German breakfast, check out my German breakfast guide! It’s not part of the list below, but it’s a great resource for rounding out your brunch spread.
Mother's Day Bread
Germans have to have good bread with brunch, especially on Mother's Day! Here are a couple of my go-to's that we make over and over again.
German Sunflower Seed Rolls (Sonnenblumenkernbrötchen)
These sunflower seed rolls are everything I want in a good Brötchen, the German breakfast essential. They are golden on the outside, soft on the inside, and covered in nutty, oven-toasted sunflower seeds. Serve them with butter, jam, or cold cuts to start Mom’s Day in the most delicious way.
German Pretzels with Obatzda
Homemade soft pretzels are the best treat all on their own, but pair them with creamy Obatzda (the most delicious Bavarian cheese spread), and you've got a total showstopper. This is perfect for a German-style brunch board, especially if you decide to shape them into hearts for mom.
Pancakes and Waffles
There is nothing quite as German and brunchy as waffles and pancakes.
Kaiserschmarrn (Austrian Torn Pancakes)
This light and fluffy pancake is torn into pieces and is a favorite in Austria AND in our house. Top your Kaiserschmarrn with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, and some whipped cream for an elevated finish.
Easy German Waffles (with Greek Yogurt)
These heart-shaped waffles are soft and slightly tangy thanks to Greek yogurt in the batter. My kids love helping make them, and they’re so pretty topped with hot Rote Grütze (red berry sauce) and whipped cream.
Mother's Day Cakes
Germans love serving cake at brunch, so I thought I would give you a couple of favorite springtime cakes that are perfect to celebrate the moms in your life!
Berry Yogurt Cake
This fruity, not-too-sweet berry yogurt cake is one of my favorite springtime desserts, and it also happens to be the cake I sometimes make for my own birthday! It features a tender sponge base, layers of creamy yogurt, and a bright berry topping that looks as beautiful as it tastes. It's light, refreshing, and I know that Mom will appreciate it!
Bienenstich (German Bee Sting Cake)
Bienenstich is a soft yeast cake with a caramelized almond topping and creamy filling. This classic German cake is rich, elegant, and completely irresistible. It’s the perfect sweet note to balance out your brunch.
Mother's Day Pastries
Moms and pastries have a thing! That's why I also included a special German pastry-related gift idea below for you.
Classic German Donuts (Berliner)
Fluffy, jam-filled, and dusted with powdered sugar, these German donuts (Berliner) are the kind of treat that instantly makes brunch feel like a celebration. They're surprisingly easy to make at home and so worth it!
Franzbrötchen (German Cinnamon Rolls)
If a croissant and a cinnamon roll had a baby, it would be the Franzbrötchen. These flaky, buttery rolls are a must for any brunch and taste just like the ones you’d find in the best Hamburg bakeries!
Strawberry Rhubarb Strudel
A flaky, golden pastry filled with sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb, and buttery streusel, this strawberry rhubarb strudel is spring wrapped in pastry. It’s beautiful to serve and surprisingly simple to make!
Savory Brunch Ideas
White asparagus is THE spring vegetable in Germany, so of course I had to lean on it to give your some savory Mother's Day brunch recommendations. If you can't find the white version, use green asparagus.
White Asparagus Quiche (Spargel Quiche)
Spargelzeit (white asparagus season) is a big deal in Germany, and this asparagus quiche is one of my favorite ways to celebrate it. The delicate flavor of white asparagus in combination with the buttery crust is a perfect centerpiece dish for Mother’s Day.
White Asparagus & Spring Herb Crêpes
These savory asparagus crêpes are filled with tender white asparagus and a mix of fresh spring herbs. They’re delicate, flavorful, and make a lovely brunch option that feels extra special.
How Germans Celebrate Mother’s Day
In Germany, Mother’s Day (Muttertag) is celebrated on the second Sunday in May, aligning with the U.S. holiday. It's a day dedicated to honoring mothers with gestures of appreciation, often involving flowers, handmade gifts, and time spent together as a family.
Traditions and Celebrations
- Flowers and Gifts: Gifting flowers, particularly carnations, is a common practice. Red carnations symbolize a living mother, while white ones honor mothers who have passed away. We would often also pick wild spring flowers and put them in a small vase. It's the thought that counts, and there is nothing more special than a hand-picked bouquet from your kids.
- Breakfast in Bed: Kids often surprise Mama with breakfast in bed, such as a German breakfast spread complete with fresh rolls, pastries, jam, and coffee.
- Handmade Crafts: Just like in America, it's popular for children in Germany to create handmade cards or crafts at Kindergarten or school to give to their moms on Mother's Day.
- Family Gatherings: In Germany, it's common for generations of mothers to gather for a meal or enjoy Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake) together in the afternoon. With our family, we always do both. We start with afternoon coffee time, followed by a Spaziergang (walk) and dinner in the evening.
A brief German Mother's Day history
Mother’s Day was introduced in Germany in 1922 by the Association of German Florists, inspired by the American holiday. During the Nazi era, the day was co-opted for propaganda purposes. This emphasized the role of women as mothers of the nation and awarding them with questionable medals reflecting the number of healthy kids women had during this time.
Thankfully, after World War II, the holiday returned to its original meaning of honoring mothers without a political backstory.
Mother's Day Gift Idea
If you’re still looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift, my German Pastry Course is the one that keeps on giving! This online baking course is filled with step-by-step tutorials for classic German pastries like Franzbrötchen (the iconic Hamburg cinnamon roll croissant) and Laugencroissants (pretzel croissants - yes, they are addictive!).
It makes a thoughtful gift idea for any mom who loves to bake (or who just misses German treats!).
Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Muttertag!
I hope this roundup gives you plenty of inspiration to treat Mama to something truly special that's maybe a bit different from the everyday brunch spread. Whether you’re baking one dish or a whole spread, it’s the love and intention that make it unforgettable.
Wishing you and all the amazing moms out there the most delicious Mother’s Day Brunch!
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