Mini Lemon Drop Cakes – A Bite-Sized Citrus Delight

These Mini Lemon Drop Cakes are light, fluffy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor! Topped with a sweet lemon glaze, they’re the perfect treat for spring gatherings, afternoon tea, or whenever you crave a little zing of lemony goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Light & Moist – Soft, tender cake with a perfect crumb.
  • Zesty & Sweet – The tangy lemon pairs beautifully with the sweet glaze.
  • Perfectly Bite-Sized – Great for snacking, parties, or gifting!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cakes:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup buttermilk

For the Lemon Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or use mini cupcake liners.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
  4. Add Eggs & Flavoring: Mix in eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice, beating until smooth.
  5. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients: Alternate adding the dry ingredients with buttermilk, mixing just until combined.

Step 2: Bake the Mini Cakes

  1. Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
  2. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Glaze & Coat the Cakes

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. Dip each mini cake into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Place on a rack to set.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with hot tea, coffee, or lemonade.
  • Dust with powdered sugar for an extra elegant touch.
  • Garnish with lemon zest or candied lemon slices.

Tips & Variations

  • Extra Lemony – Add a few drops of lemon extract for a stronger citrus punch.
  • Lighter Option – Swap butter for Greek yogurt to reduce fat.
  • Storage – Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Final Thoughts

These Mini Lemon Drop Cakes are the perfect mix of tangy and sweet, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Easy to make and even easier to eat—give them a try and enjoy a burst of sunshine in every bite!

Print
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Mini Lemon Drop Cakes – A Bite-Sized Citrus Delight

  • Author: baking

Description

These Mini Lemon Drop Cakes are light, fluffy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor! Topped with a sweet lemon glaze, they’re the perfect treat for spring gatherings, afternoon tea, or whenever you crave a little zing of lemony goodness.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cakes:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup buttermilk

For the Lemon Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 23 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or use mini cupcake liners.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
  4. Add Eggs & Flavoring: Mix in eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice, beating until smooth.
  5. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients: Alternate adding the dry ingredients with buttermilk, mixing just until combined.

Step 2: Bake the Mini Cakes

  1. Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
  2. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Glaze & Coat the Cakes

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. Dip each mini cake into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Place on a rack to set.

Notes

  • Extra Lemony – Add a few drops of lemon extract for a stronger citrus punch.
  • Lighter Option – Swap butter for Greek yogurt to reduce fat.
  • Storage – Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

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