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Lemon Drop Cakes Recipe

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4.4 from 121 reviews

These Lemon Drop Cakes are delightful mini treats bursting with fresh lemon flavor. Tender, moist cakes are baked in mini muffin tins, then dipped in a tangy lemon glaze for a perfect balance of sweet and citrusy zest. Ideal for parties or anytime you crave a light, refreshing dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted (for glaze)

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ teaspoons fresh lemon zest
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for batter)
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray two 24-count mini muffin tins with baker’s spray to ensure easy removal of the cakes after baking.
  2. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand or handheld mixer on medium speed, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  4. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Reduce the mixer speed to low, then add the eggs and egg yolk one at a time, fully mixing after each addition. Blend in the vanilla extract and fresh lemon zest. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure everything is combined.
  5. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the whole milk, fresh lemon juice, and sour cream until smooth.
  6. Mix Flour and Wet Mixtures: Add half of the flour mixture to the creamed butter mixture on low speed, mixing just until incorporated. Next, add the milk mixture and mix until combined. Finally, add the remaining flour mixture and mix until fully incorporated. Scrape the bowl sides and bottom to ensure even mixing. The batter should be thick.
  7. Fill Muffin Cups: Using a small cookie scoop, fill each mini muffin cup about half to two-thirds full (approximately ¾ tablespoon of batter). Avoid overfilling the cups. There may be some batter left over.
  8. Bake the Cakes: Bake for 9 to 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center of a cake comes out clean.
  9. Cool Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 5 minutes. Then carefully flip them out onto a wire rack with the bottoms facing up. Allow the cakes to cool completely.
  10. Prepare Lemon Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, melted butter, and whole milk until smooth and pourable. If the glaze is too thick, adjust the consistency by adding additional milk one teaspoon at a time.
  11. Glaze the Cakes: Dip each cooled cake into the lemon glaze, fully coating the bottom and sides. Let any excess glaze drip back into the bowl. Place the glazed cakes back onto the wire rack, bottom side up, to let the glaze set completely.
  12. Serve: Once the glaze has set, arrange the lemon drop cakes on a serving plate and enjoy this zesty, sweet treat.

Notes

  • Make sure all dairy and eggs are at room temperature for the best batter texture.
  • Using fresh lemon zest and juice is key for bright, vibrant lemon flavor.
  • Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep the cakes tender.
  • If you do not have mini muffin tins, you can use regular muffin tins but adjust baking time accordingly.
  • Store leftover cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Allow the glaze to fully set before stacking or storing to avoid sticking.

Keywords: lemon drop cakes, mini lemon cakes, lemon glaze, lemon dessert, easy lemon cake, party desserts, mini muffins, citrus cakes

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/lemon-drop-cakes-recipe/