Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1 cup cane sugar
- Zest of 2 fresh lemons
- Juice of 2 fresh lemons (about 1/4 cup)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or plant-based butter/coconut oil for vegan version)
- 2 large eggs (or 2 flax eggs for vegan version)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
Lavender Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar (or honey for honey lavender glaze)
- 2–3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh or dried culinary lavender buds
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: Whisk together the softened butter and cane sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add fresh lemon zest and juice for vibrant citrus flavor. Alternate adding sifted flour and baking powder with the buttermilk, mixing until smooth and luscious but not overmixed.
- Bake the Mini Cakes: Pour the batter evenly into greased mini cake pans or muffin tins, filling about two-thirds full. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool slightly before removing.
- Make the Lavender Glaze: While baking, gently heat powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice and finely chopped lavender buds until smooth. Strain the glaze to remove the lavender buds, leaving a fragrant syrupy drizzle.
- Glaze the Cakes: After the mini lemon cakes have completely cooled, spoon or drizzle the lavender glaze generously over them. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving to achieve a glossy finish.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and tender crumb.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep cakes light and fluffy.
- Fresh lemons provide the best bright, authentic flavor.
- Heat lavender gently in the glaze to avoid bitterness.
- Check doneness with a toothpick around 15 minutes baking time due to small cake size.
- Store leftover cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
- Freeze wrapped cakes for up to three months; thaw overnight before glazing.
- Reheat gently in microwave for 10-15 seconds to refresh texture, avoid melting glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cake
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Mini Lemon Cakes, Lavender Glaze, Lemon Dessert, Mini Cakes, Gluten Free Lemon Cakes, Summer Dessert, Floral Glaze