Mini Lemon Drop Cakes

If you're searching for a delightful dessert that perfectly balances refreshingly tangy and sweet flavors, look no further than Zesty Mini Lemon Drop Cakes. These charming little cakes capture the essence of sunny citrus and are perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual family gatherings to elegant tea parties. Their mini size makes them an ideal treat for sharing, allowing everyone to indulge without the guilt of overindulgence.

Indulge in the refreshing taste of Zesty Mini Lemon Drop Cakes, the perfect treat for any occasion. These delightful little cakes are a wonderful balance of tangy and sweet, making them ideal for sharing with friends and family. Easy to prepare, even for novice bakers, each bite showcases a moist texture and a burst of lemon flavor, topped with a sweet glaze. Discover how simple ingredients come together to create a vibrant dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings or afternoon tea. Enjoy the zesty goodness!

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Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 medium lemons)

Zest of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/3 cup powdered sugar (for the glaze)

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for the glaze)

Optional: extra lemon zest for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a mini muffin tin by greasing it with non-stick cooking spray or lining it with mini cupcake liners to prevent sticking.

Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure everything is well combined for even flavor throughout the cake.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a larger bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and homogenous, creating a rich base for your batter.

Combine the Mixtures: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture. Use a spatula to fold gently, mixing until just combined. It's important not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine as they will bake out.

Fill the Muffin Tin: Utilizing a small cookie scoop or two tablespoons, carefully fill each cavity of the mini muffin tin about two-thirds full with the batter to allow room for rising.

Bake the Cakes: Place the filled muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cake comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, gradually add a little more lemon juice until you achieve a pourable consistency.

Glaze the Cakes: Once the mini cakes have completely cooled, dip the tops of each cake into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Alternatively, you can use a spoon to drizzle the glaze generously over the tops.

Garnish (Optional): For an extra pop of flavor and a beautiful presentation, sprinkle a pinch of freshly grated lemon zest on top of the glazed cakes.

Serve and Enjoy: Indulge in your delightful Zesty Mini Lemon Drop Cakes! Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or a refreshing dessert to brighten any gathering.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | Makes about 24 mini cakes