These Mini Lemon Drop Cakes are a delightful blend of airy, tender, and moist textures. If you have a penchant for all things lemon and enjoy the simplicity of homemade treats, then this recipe is tailor-made for you.
Lemon Drop Mini Cakes
Mini Lemon Drop Cakes are a delightful treat that embodies the essence of summer with their vibrant lemon flavor and sunny disposition. Imagine biting into a miniature cake that tastes like the most delicious lemonade in the world—refreshing, tangy, and utterly irresistible. These mini lemon cakes have a magical ability to melt in your mouth, leaving behind a burst of citrusy goodness that will leave you craving for more.
When I think of these mini lemon drop cakes, I’m instantly transported to sunny summer days filled with warmth and cheer. Interestingly, I often find myself baking them on rainy days to lift my spirits and infuse my kitchen with a burst of sunshine. With their beautiful golden hue, rich lemon aroma, and delicate texture, these mini cakes never fail to bring a smile to my face.
What’s even better is that preparing these mini lemon drop cakes is a breeze. Chances are, you already have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Gather some all-purpose flour, sugar, powdered sugar, fresh lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, butter, water, sour cream, an egg, milk, baking soda, and salt, and you’re all set to embark on a culinary adventure.
FAQs
- Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice? While fresh lemon juice is preferred for its vibrant flavor, you can substitute bottled lemon juice if that’s what you have on hand. Just be aware that bottled lemon juice may have a slightly different taste compared to fresh.
- Can I omit the sour cream from the recipe? Sour cream adds moisture and richness to the cakes, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with an equal amount of plain yogurt or buttermilk for similar results.
- Can I make these Mini Lemon Drop Cakes ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cakes ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you prefer, you can also freeze the cakes for longer storage.
- Can I use a different type of flour, such as whole wheat flour? While all-purpose flour is typically used for its neutral flavor and light texture, you can experiment with different flours. Just keep in mind that using whole wheat flour may result in a denser texture.
- Can I adjust the sweetness of the glaze? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the glaze to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less powdered sugar until you reach the desired level of sweetness.
Pro Tips:
- Invest in Quality Muffin Tins: Using non-stick muffin tins ensures that your Mini Lemon Drop Cakes release easily without sticking. Additionally, consider using Baker’s Joy or a similar baking spray designed specifically for muffin tins. Generously greasing the muffin cups with shortening and dusting them with flour is another effective method if you don’t have Baker’s Joy. Avoid using cooking spray as it may not provide sufficient non-stick properties.
- Opt for Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: The key to achieving the best flavor in your mini cakes is using fresh lemon juice and zest. Freshly squeezed lemon juice imparts a bright and vibrant citrus flavor, while lemon zest adds depth and intensity to the lemony taste. Don’t skip the lemon zest, as it is essential for achieving that authentic lemon flavor.
- Prepare for Easy Cleanup: To streamline the cleanup process, place waxed paper under the cooling racks before adding the glaze to the mini cakes. This way, any excess glaze that drips off the cakes will be caught by the waxed paper, preventing it from making a mess on your countertop. This simple trick helps to keep your kitchen tidy and makes cleanup a breeze.
By following these pro tips, you’ll ensure that your Mini Lemon Drop Cakes turn out perfectly every time, with a deliciously moist texture and irresistible lemon flavor. Happy baking!
Mini Lemon Drop Cakes
Course: DessertCuisine: American4
servings25
minutes12
minutesLooking for a delightful dessert that’s bursting with lemony goodness? Try our Mini Lemon Drop Cakes recipe! These tender and moist cakes are infused with fresh lemon juice and zest for an irresistible citrus flavor. Perfect for any occasion, from brunches to afternoon tea parties, these homemade mini cakes are sure to impress. Plus, they’re super easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. Don’t forget to top them off with a tangy lemon glaze for the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients
For the mini cakes:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
½ tsp salt
½ tsp baking soda
½ cup butter
½ cup water
¼ cup sour cream
1 egg
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tbsp lemon juice
For the glaze:
1 ½ cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp milk
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp butter, melted
Directions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda.
- Prepare butter mixture: In a small saucepan, melt butter. Add water, stir, and bring to a boil.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the hot butter mixture into the dry ingredients. Use an electric mixer to combine until just mixed.
- Add flavor: Mix in sour cream, egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Prepare muffin tin: Grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Bake: Fill each muffin cup with batter. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Make glaze: While the cakes cool, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, milk, and melted butter. Heat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Glaze the cakes: Dip each cooled cake into the glaze, then return to the rack.
- Serve: Allow the glaze to harden, then serve and enjoy!
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