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From Scratch Mini Lemon Drop Cakes Recipe

From Scratch Mini Lemon Drop Cakes Recipe


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4.5 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delightful mini lemon drop cakes bring sunshine to dessert tables with zesty charm. Refreshing citrus notes and delicate crumb promise a sweet escape that will have you craving another delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup sour cream

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice (fresh)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon zest (fresh)

Dry and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Lemon Glaze Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice (fresh)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 325°F and thoroughly coating mini muffin pans with non-stick spray to prevent cake adhesion.
  2. Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, whisking flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda to distribute leavening agents evenly.
  3. Create a liquid base by melting butter in a saucepan, then introducing water and bringing the mixture to a gentle boil, which helps maintain cake moisture.
  4. Merge the hot butter mixture with dry ingredients, using a hand beater or whisk to blend. Initially, the batter will appear lumpy, but continued mixing will improve texture.
  5. Enhance flavor profile by incorporating sour cream, egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until the batter becomes smooth and maintains a slightly thick consistency.
  6. Distribute batter into prepared muffin wells, filling each compartment approximately three-quarters full. Utilize a small cookie scoop for precise and clean filling.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 12 minutes, watching for a golden color and ensuring cakes spring back when gently touched.
  8. Allow cakes to rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Once completely cooled, immerse cake bottoms in glaze, permitting excess to drip before positioning upright on the rack.

Notes

  • Use gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the cake’s delicate texture.
  • Substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt or dairy-free alternative for vegan or lactose-intolerant bakers.
  • Whisk ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure even distribution of leavening agents for consistently light cakes.
  • Grate lemon zest finely to release maximum citrus oils without bitter white pith, enhancing the bright flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg