Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
- Zest of 2 fresh lemons
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Lavender Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon culinary lavender buds, finely crushed (dried culinary lavender preferred)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients and Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour mini cake pans or line a mini muffin tin with paper liners. Zest and juice the lemons, and measure out all ingredients to ensure a smooth baking process.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute the leavening agents evenly for consistent rising.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, incorporating air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract for richness and binding.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to prevent dense cakes.
- Incorporate Lemon Zest and Juice: Gently fold in freshly grated lemon zest and lemon juice to infuse bright citrus flavor into the batter.
- Bake the Mini Cakes: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare the Lavender Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and finely crushed lavender buds until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more lemon juice or powdered sugar as needed.
- Glaze the Cakes: Once cooled, generously drizzle the lavender glaze over the mini cakes. Allow the glaze to set slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best zest and juice flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense cakes.
- Strain lavender buds from glaze if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Use an oven thermometer to maintain accurate baking temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with flour substitution)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cake
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: mini lemon cakes, lavender glaze, lemon dessert, floral glaze, bite-sized cakes, gluten-free lemon cake, teatime dessert