Christmas Mini Lemon Pound Cake Bites

Introduction

Christmas Mini Lemon Pound Cake Bites are a delightful treat that adds a zesty, refreshing twist to the holiday dessert table. These tiny cakes are soft, tender, and bursting with bright lemon flavor, making them a perfect balance to the heavier, more traditional sweets often served during the holidays. When I first made these for my family, they quickly became a favorite. Their small size and festive sprinkles make them not only delicious but also visually appealing for any holiday gathering.

Ingredients

For the Lemon Pound Cake Bites:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (from about 1 large lemon)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Optional: festive sprinkles for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Lemon Pound Cake Bites:
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin pan or line with mini cupcake liners.
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
   Beat in the eggs one at a time until well combined. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined (do not overmix).
   Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin pan, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
2. Bake the Cake Bites:
   Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   Allow the mini cakes to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Prepare the Lemon Glaze:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice or powdered sugar as needed.
4. Glaze and Decorate:
   Once the mini cake bites are completely cool, dip the tops into the lemon glaze or drizzle it over each one.
   Sprinkle with festive sprinkles for a holiday touch. Allow the glaze to set for about 10–15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: About 24 mini cake bites
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 110 kcal

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
• Cool Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: About 50 minutes

How to Serve

• Arrange on a holiday-themed platter for an eye-catching display.
• Serve alongside other small desserts for a variety of flavors and textures.
• Offer with a selection of teas or coffee for a refreshing holiday treat.
• Serve with fresh berries for added color and a touch of freshness.
• Pair with a lemon-based cocktail for a cohesive flavor experience.

Additional Tips

1. For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly grated zest.
2. Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense, tough cake bites.
3. Adjust the glaze thickness by adding more lemon juice (for a thinner glaze) or powdered sugar (for a thicker glaze).
4. Try using a mini bundt pan for an elegant shape variation.
5. Add a pinch of salt to the glaze to balance the sweetness and enhance the lemon flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Orange Pound Cake Bites: Substitute lemon juice and zest with orange juice and zest for a warmer, sweeter flavor.
• Lime Glaze: For a tropical twist, use lime juice and zest in the glaze.
• Spiced Lemon Cake Bites: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm holiday spice.
• Almond Lemon Bites: Add a touch of almond extract to the batter for a delicate almond flavor.
• Blueberry Lemon Bites: Add a few fresh blueberries to each mini cake before baking for a fruity surprise.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with holiday cookies for a colorful dessert spread.
• Serve alongside tea sandwiches for an afternoon holiday tea.
• Offer on a dessert board with other mini pastries and fruits.
• Gift these mini lemon cakes in holiday treat boxes or bags.
• Serve with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed cake bites in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and glaze just before serving.
• Reheating: If desired, warm the cake bites slightly in the microwave before glazing to bring back some moisture.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make these without cream cheese?
   Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a similar texture and tang.
2. How do I prevent the glaze from being too runny?
   Add powdered sugar gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
3. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
   Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
4. How do I keep the cakes from sticking to the pan?
   Grease the pan thoroughly or use mini cupcake liners to ensure they release easily.
5. Can I add food coloring to the glaze?
   Yes, adding a few drops of food coloring can make the glaze more festive.
6. Can I use a regular muffin pan?
   Yes, but adjust the baking time to about 18-20 minutes for a larger size.
7. How can I make these dairy-free?
   Substitute the butter with dairy-free butter and the cream cheese with a dairy-free version.
8. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
9. How do I keep the glaze from hardening too quickly?
   Apply the glaze to completely cool cakes to give you more time to work with it.
10. Can I substitute sugar with a sugar alternative?
    Yes, use a granulated sugar substitute for baking if desired, but check the package for equivalent measurements.

Conclusion

Christmas Mini Lemon Pound Cake Bites bring a refreshing twist to holiday desserts, with their bright lemon flavor and light texture. Perfectly sized for a quick treat, they’re great for parties, gift boxes, or just a sweet moment to yourself. These little bites are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering, adding a touch of brightness to the festive spread. Enjoy them as a light, flavorful addition to your holiday baking repertoire!

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