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Great Gatsby Lemon Cakes Recipe

Great Gatsby Lemon Cakes Recipe

4.8 from 29 reviews

Delight in the tangy freshness of Great Gatsby Lemon Cakes, featuring a moist, tender crumb infused with vibrant lemon zest and juice. These charming individual cakes are topped with a zesty lemon glaze that adds a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus punch, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Glaze Ingredients

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Optional: extra lemon zest for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin by greasing it or lining with cupcake liners to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later incorporation.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy.
  4. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed in before adding the next. Then stir in the lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and vanilla extract to infuse the batter with bold citrus flavor.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the whole milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing gently after each addition until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
  6. Fill Muffin Tin: Evenly divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
  7. Bake Cakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cakes are fully baked.
  8. Cool Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely; this prevents sogginess.
  9. Prepare Lemon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and pourable, adjusting consistency as needed.
  10. Glaze and Garnish: Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled cakes and optionally garnish with extra lemon zest for an additional burst of citrus aroma and visual appeal.

Notes

  • For an extra lemony flavor, increase the lemon zest to 3 tablespoons.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright and natural citrus taste.
  • You can substitute buttermilk for whole milk to add extra tenderness and slight tang.
  • Store the cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Glaze the cakes just before serving to keep them moist and fresh.
  • Make sure not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to avoid dense cakes.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon cakes, lemon dessert, citrus cake, easy lemon recipe, Great Gatsby lemon cakes, lemon glaze, individual cakes, lemon zest dessert