If you’re looking for a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that will impress your guests, these Mini Lemon Pound Cake Bites are the perfect choice. With their soft, buttery texture and vibrant lemon flavor, these mini cakes are an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special event, or simply craving something sweet, these little cakes are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Here’s how you can make these Mini Lemon Pound Cake Bites from scratch, and enjoy a zesty burst of citrus in every bite!
Why You’ll Love Mini Lemon Pound Cake Bites
- Perfect Size for Snacking: These mini bites are perfectly portioned for those who love small, individual servings. They’re ideal for serving at parties or gatherings where guests prefer lighter, bite-sized desserts.
- Moist and Fluffy: The classic pound cake recipe, enhanced with fresh lemon zest and juice, creates a moist and fluffy cake with every bite.
- Bright and Zesty: The tangy lemon flavor pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the cake, offering a refreshing contrast that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to follow, with easy-to-find ingredients, making it the ideal choice for both beginner and experienced bakers alike.
Ingredients for Mini Lemon Pound Cake Bites
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- ¼ cup buttermilk or whole milk
How to Make Mini Lemon Pound Cake Bites
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Equipment
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin pan with cooking spray or line it with paper liners. You can also use silicone mini muffin molds for easy removal of the cakes once they’ve baked.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes on medium speed.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice to infuse the cake batter with that bright, fresh flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Step 6: Bake
Spoon the batter into the mini muffin pan, filling each cavity about ¾ of the way full. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Lemon Glaze for Extra Zing
For an extra burst of lemon flavor, you can make a simple lemon glaze by whisking together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled mini lemon pound cakes for a glossy, tangy finish that will take these treats to the next level.
Serving Suggestions
These Mini Lemon Pound Cake Bites are perfect for:
- Parties and Events: Serve them as part of a dessert table at birthday parties, bridal showers, or holiday gatherings.
- Afternoon Tea: Pair these mini cakes with a cup of tea for a light and refreshing snack.
- Gift Giving: Package them in a decorative box and give them as a homemade gift for friends and family.
Storage Tips
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely because these are so delicious!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 1 month. Simply thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
These Mini Lemon Pound Cake Bites are an easy, delightful treat that’s full of bright, citrusy flavor. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Light, fluffy, and irresistibly zesty, these little cakes pack a punch of flavor in every bite. Happy baking!
Serving Tips for Mini Lemon Pound Cake Bites
- Perfect for Parties: These mini cakes are great for serving at parties, showers, or family gatherings. Their small size makes them easy to pick up and enjoy without the need for utensils, making them an ideal finger food.
- Garnish for Extra Flair: For a beautiful presentation, garnish your mini lemon pound cake bites with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries, or add a sprig of mint on top. A dusting of powdered sugar can also make them look extra special.
- Pair with Beverages: These cake bites are delicious when served with a cup of tea, coffee, or even lemonade. Their refreshing lemon flavor complements citrus-based drinks perfectly.
- Dress Up with Glaze: If you haven’t already added the optional lemon glaze, you can drizzle it over the cakes right before serving to give them a shiny, tangy finish. This adds an extra layer of flavor and a polished look.
Storage Tips for Mini Lemon Pound Cake Bites
- Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to enjoy them within a couple of days, store your mini lemon pound cake bites in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: If you want to extend their freshness, you can refrigerate the mini pound cakes. Just be sure to let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
- Freezing for Later: To store these cake bites for a longer period, you can freeze them. Place the mini cakes in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about 1 hour before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When stored properly, they will last up to 1 month. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven for a fresh, just-baked taste.
- For Glazed Cakes: If you’ve drizzled the lemon glaze over the cakes, it’s best to store them in the fridge if not consumed within a day or two, as the glaze may soften and lose its texture at room temperature. Just make sure to wrap the cakes tightly to preserve freshness.
By following these simple serving and storage tips, you can keep your Mini Lemon Pound Cake Bites fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy at any time!
1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk for buttermilk if you don’t have any on hand. Buttermilk adds a slight tang and helps to make the cake more tender, but regular milk will work as well. If you’d like to mimic the effect of buttermilk, you can add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to the milk and let it sit for a few minutes before using.
2. Can I make these Mini Lemon Pound Cake Bites in a regular muffin tin?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can use a standard muffin tin, but keep in mind that the baking time will be longer. Start checking for doneness at 18-20 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cakes. The toothpick should come out clean when the cakes are done.
3. Can I freeze the Mini Lemon Pound Cake Bites?
Absolutely! These cake bites freeze well. After baking and cooling them completely, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. To serve, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a fresh-from-the-bakery taste.
4. How can I make these Mini Lemon Pound Cake Bites more lemony?
For an extra burst of lemon flavor, you can add more lemon zest or lemon juice to the batter. You can also drizzle a thicker lemon glaze on top of the cakes for added zest. If you like it even more tangy, consider using lemon extract in addition to the zest and juice. Just be cautious with the extract, as it’s more concentrated than fresh lemon juice.
Mini Lemon Pound Cake Bites
These Mini Lemon Pound Cake Bites are moist, flavorful, and topped with a tangy lemon glaze. Perfect for parties or as a delightful treat, they offer a burst of citrus in every bite.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 48 mini cakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Cakes:
1½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons lemon zest (from 1 medium lemon)
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, at room temperature
1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 medium lemon)
For the Glaze:
2 cups (220g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 medium lemon)
2 teaspoons lemon zest (from 1 medium lemon)
1 to 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Pans:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease mini muffin pans or mini bundt pans with non-stick spray.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, lemon zest, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Cream Cheese:
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add Sugar and Eggs:
Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Incorporate Lemon Juice:
Mix in the lemon juice until fully combined.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Fill the Pans:
Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin or bundt pans, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool:
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Glaze:
In a bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and enough milk to achieve a pourable consistency.
Glaze the Cakes:
Once the cakes are completely cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of each mini cake.
Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
For an extra burst of lemon flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon extract to the batter.
These mini cakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of milk used.