introduction
These mini lemon cakes are light, soft, and full of lemon flavor. The lavender glaze adds a mild floral note that makes them special. If you like small bright treats, try pairing them with an easy savory snack such as baked glazed pigs in a blanket for a simple mix of sweet and savory at a party.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe when you want a quick, pretty dessert. The cakes bake fast and look fancy with the lavender glaze and edible flowers. They work for tea, small parties, or a sweet gift.
how to make Mini Lemon Cakes With Lavender Glaze
Follow two simple parts: make the lemon cakes, then make the lavender glaze and finish.
Ingredients :
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp. grated lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup sour cream, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup whole milk, at room temperature
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup whole milk (for the glaze steep)
- 1/2 tsp. culinary lavender
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp. vanilla extract
- as needed Edible flowers and lemon zest (for garnish)
Directions :
Part 1: Make the Lemon Cakes
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini cake pan or line a mini muffin tin.
- Whisk together flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and baking soda in a bowl.
- In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars until light and creamy.
- Mix in the lemon zest until it smells bright.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating after each.
- Stir in sour cream, 1/4 cup milk, and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth.
- Add the dry mix and fold gently until just combined.
- Spoon batter into the prepared pan, filling each well about two-thirds full.
- Bake 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then move to a rack to cool completely.
Part 2: Make the Glaze and Serve
- In a small saucepan, warm 1/4 cup whole milk with the 1/2 tsp culinary lavender until it steams (do not boil). Turn off heat and let steep 10 minutes.
- Strain the milk to remove the lavender buds.
- In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp vanilla.
- Add the warm lavender milk a little at a time and whisk until you get a thick but pourable glaze. Add more milk if needed, a teaspoon at a time.
- Drizzle glaze over cooled mini cakes. Garnish with lemon zest and edible flowers.
- Let glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
how to serve Mini Lemon Cakes With Lavender Glaze
Serve at room temperature. Arrange on a small platter for tea or on a dessert table. One or two per person is a good serving. Add extra lemon zest for a bright look.
how to store Mini Lemon Cakes With Lavender Glaze
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving. You can freeze the plain cakes (no glaze) for up to 2 months; thaw and add glaze before serving.
tips to make Mini Lemon Cakes With Lavender Glaze
- Use room temperature ingredients so the batter mixes evenly.
- Don’t overmix the batter; stir until just combined.
- Steep the lavender gently in warm milk to avoid a bitter taste.
- If glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar; if too thick, add a bit more milk.
- Test one cake for doneness to avoid drying them out.
variation (if any)
- Swap lavender for a small pinch of dried rose petals for a different floral note.
- Add 1/4 tsp lemon extract to the glaze for stronger lemon flavor.
- Make full-size cakes by doubling the recipe and baking in a larger pan; adjust bake time.
FAQs
Q: Can I use dried lavender from the spice rack?
A: Yes, use culinary lavender. Do not use craft lavender or non-culinary blends.
Q: Can I skip the lavender?
A: Yes. Use plain milk in the glaze and add extra vanilla or lemon extract.
Q: How do I prevent the glaze from running off the cakes?
A: Use a thicker glaze by adding less milk. Cool cakes fully before glazing.
Q: Can I make the batter ahead?
A: You can mix the batter and keep it in the fridge up to 24 hours. Stir gently before filling the pan.
Q: Are edible flowers required?
A: No. They add color and charm but are optional.
Mini Lemon Cakes With Lavender Glaze
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini cakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These mini lemon cakes are light and soft with a refreshing lemon flavor, topped with a delicate lavender glaze for a unique twist.
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp grated lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup sour cream, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup whole milk, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup whole milk (for the glaze steep)
- 1/2 tsp culinary lavender
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp vanilla extract
- as needed Edible flowers and lemon zest (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini cake pan or line a mini muffin tin.
- Whisk together flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and baking soda in a bowl.
- In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars until light and creamy.
- Mix in the lemon zest until it smells bright.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating after each.
- Stir in sour cream, 1/4 cup milk, and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth.
- Add the dry mix and fold gently until just combined.
- Spoon batter into the prepared pan, filling each well about two-thirds full.
- Bake 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then move to a rack to cool completely.
- In a small saucepan, warm 1/4 cup whole milk with the 1/2 tsp culinary lavender until it steams (do not boil). Turn off heat and let steep 10 minutes.
- Strain the milk to remove the lavender buds.
- In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp vanilla.
- Add the warm lavender milk a little at a time and whisk until you get a thick but pourable glaze. Add more milk if needed, a teaspoon at a time.
- Drizzle glaze over cooled mini cakes. Garnish with lemon zest and edible flowers.
- Let glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg