These mini Lemon Drops are a perfect treat for lemon fans. Tiny lemon cakes are drenched in a mouthwatering lemon glaze making them delicious and addicting.
Easy Lemon Drop Cakes
I am a huge fan of all things lemon, and these Lemon Drops are my latest experiment. The original recipe called for a cake mix, but it made 75 lemon drops. I didn’t need that many, so I decided to come up with my own recipe. I am thrilled with how they turned out.
I took them to a bridal shower, and they were a big hit! They are soft and buttery, and the lemon glaze soaks into every nook and cranny, making every bite delectable. Be careful, they are hard to stop eating!
How to Make Lemon Drops
Don’t worry, even though they are from scratch, lemon drops are easy. You start off by bringing butter and water to a boil, and pouring them over your dry ingredients. Next you add your sour cream, egg, lemon juice, and zest.
After beating everything till smooth, you add the batter to your prepared mini muffin tins. I used two 24-cup pans. I like to use my mini cookie scoop to fill the cups. So handy!
Fresh lemon zest is the secret to incredible lemon flavor, so don’t leave it out. If you love lemons, you are really in for a treat!
We love all things lemon, especially in the summer time, and we hope you’ll love these mini lemon cakes (aka lemon drops) for your next get together. I’m warning you now that they’re addicting, so beware!!
Love lemon like I do? Here are a few more recipes to try:
- Butter Cookies with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Amazing Lemon Brownies
- Lemon Curd
- Lemon Cookies
- Lemon Cheesecake
- Lemon Sheet Cake
- Lemon Bars
Lemon Drop Mini Cakes
These mini Lemon Drops are a perfect treat for lemon fans. Tiny lemon cakes are drenched in a mouthwatering lemon glaze making them delicious and addicting.
Ingredients
Lemon Glaze
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp fresh lemon zest
- 1 Tbsp melted butter
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp milk
Instructions
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Spray mini muffin pans with non-stick spray; set aside.
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Whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda in a mixing bowl; set aside.
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Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add water and bring to a boil.
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Pour hot mixture over dry ingredients and beat with a hand beater till barely blended. Beat in the sour cream, egg, zest, and lemon juice till smooth.
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Scoop batter into muffin pans. Bake at 325° for about 12 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes, then turn onto cooling racks. Cool completely before glazing.
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Dip lemon drops bottom side down into the glaze. Let excess glass drip off into the bowl, then invert lemon drops top side down onto cooling racks. (Place waxed paper underneath the cooling racks for easier clean up.) Let sit till glaze hardens.
Lemon Glaze
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Whisk all glaze ingredients together in a small mixing bowl. Heat for about 10 seconds in the microwave till glaze is very thin.
Recipe Notes
-Recipe inspired by Butter with a Side of Bread
Looking forward to seeing new recipes
I hope you like the ones you try 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Yum! I have been looking for a recipe like this – can’t wait to try it. I always get disappointed when I research a recipe and find it’s based on a commercial cake mix… this looks so much better.
They are delicious! I hope you like them 🙂
If I don’t have tiny muffin tins can the batter be put into a jelly roll pan and cut into squares?
I personally haven’t tried, but I bet that would work 🙂 Good luck!!
Looks absolutely delicious. I want to try all i can
Thank you! I hope you do!!
I made these tasty mini muffins last year, for my great niece’s 3rd birthday party. Her grandmother remembered them and asked me to make them for a baby shower, tomorrow. What a compliment with so many recipes around, to remember this one.
That is a nice compliment!! Thank you so much for sharing that!! 🙂
Was wondering if they could be frozen. I am doing the sweets table for my son ‘s wedding next summer and need delicious mini desserts that I can make ahead and freeze.
I haven’t tried. I would maybe half the recipe & try way in advance, so you’d know if they are ok. They would be a hit!!
these look amazing cant wait to bake them this afternoon, got all the ingredients Yippi Ya Hoo!! I’m so excited thanks so much for posting this recipe.
You are so welcome!! I hope you like them!
I have just made these but only got 24 from the mixture, did you double the recipe?
Have yet to do the glaze as they are cooling but even without the glaze they are lovely, thanks.
Good day. I would like to know if I can use cupcake holders for this recipe.
Thank you
I have not tried, but I don’t see why not 🙂
Are we supposed to sift the flour? My lemon cakes tasted a little heavy and maybe too flour-y?
No, but you sift it with the other ingredients. Did you sift it?
THis is my second time making these they are delicious light & lemon so good . I have such a time removing from the pan. They look ragged buy the time I get them out . Sides are ok its the bottom , is there a secret ???
I could use paper cups but as its dipped upside down I was not sure . Great for us but not to share
Did you spray really well? I make sure I do. I haven’t tried with the paper liners. After you spray, you could sprinkle with a little flour, too.
i HAD THE SAME PROBLEM…WHEN i MADE THEM AGAIN i PUT THEM IN STURDY LITTLE MINI-PAPERS AND JUST PUT INDIVIDUAL GLAZING ON TOP OF EACH ONE. tHEY WERE MUCH EASIER TO EAT AND LOOKED GREAT ON A DISH. tHEY DEFINITELY ARE A TWO BITE DESSERT, THE PHOTO HERE LOOKS LIKE THEY ARE MUCH BIGGER.
Will try this and let you know.
Sure hope you like them! Thank you!
Good flavor but my mini cupckes all stuck To the bottom and came out in pieces. I let them cool and did spray the pan. Cant use these for a party. 😢
Oh, darn! I am so sorry! Sometimes, I go a little crazy with the spray, because I know things still stick. I like to sometimes, sprinkle a little flour after I have sprayed. I appreciate you trying them!
Reply to Sally and Kristyn: I call this Magic!
Ingredients
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
Mix well, till smooth. Use a brush and ‘paint’ your pans with this (before filling) It’s Magic, Nothing sticks!
I keep a small jar in the fridge. (make any quantity, equal parts of the 3 ingredients) Good Luck
I am looking forward to preparing these lemon cakes!
Thank you for sharing that! I will have to try 🙂
I completely agree that this homemade cake release is fantastic! I use it all the time.
Made these yesterday, and they’re amazing!! I only got 38 out of them using a 1 Tbls. measuring spoon. But I also used the “goop” as bakers call it (equal parts Oil, Shortening, flour) and brushed all of my mini muffin cups REALLy really well and zero sticking.
Now i’m thinking of making these in orange flavor…and maybe strawberry. and my husband is already suggesting a chocolate version with a clear glaze as well!
Thank you for yet another DElicious recipe, kristyn!!
You are so welcome! Great ideas!! That would all be so good!
I loved these cupcakes!!! But to that lady that the cakes stuck to the pan, I greased the pans with crisco, then floured them profusely and it worked great! I also left them in the oven for about 25 minutes which also helped them turn brown on the edges. Hope this helps her. I loved your recipe and used it several times for my friends!
These were so yummy…melt in your mouth goodness! I made them for my hubby to take to work and everyone raved! I’d like to try an orange creamsicle version but not sure if the orange would be a strong enough flavor…thoughts?
That would be good!! Thank you for sharing that! So glad everyone liked them!
These are fantastic! I subbed the sour cream for Greek Yogurt cuz that’s what I had on hand. I also added 1/2 tsp of lemon extract! Made these cupcake size in cupcake liners so they would not stick and baked at 350 for 18 mins! I highly recommend these!
Great!! Thank you for sharing that! So, glad you liked them!
I am a lifelong avid baker and was ANXIOUS to make these, i sprayed my non stick pan as instructed, waited 5 minutes after baking and they did NOT come out easY, , most broke apart, but they taste good…
Oh, darn! I am sorry! Yes, I had to grease it really well & a couple still stuck.
How many did your recipe make?
It made about 48 🙂
Love this recipe! DO they need to be refrigerated?
No, they don’t have to be 🙂 Hope you like them!
How long will this last at room temperature
They should be ok for a few days 🙂 I would say, no more than a week.
Hi!! I was wondering how long the baking time would be if cooked in a regular size cupcake pan?
You would need to add maybe 5 more minutes or so. Just keep an eye & you can always add a min at a time, until done. I haven’t made them into regular size, so I am not totally sure.
Finally a recipe for these wonderful little cakes that does not call for a store bought boxed cake mix!! THANK you 🙏🏻👏👍… and yum! DEliciouS!
Glad to share!! Thank you for saying that!
This was great! One question, can I substitute flour with gluten free flour?
I personally haven’t, but you sure could 🙂 Thank you!!
could you please measure your scoop. Is it a 2 T. one or smaller/larger? Thank You.
This is a contributors post, but if you are using the mini muffin tins, you’d want it 3/4 full, so I am not sure how much that is equal to.
LOve these cute lemon drops
Thanks so much!!
Have you ever tried sugar substitute ?? I have had tgese and they are awseome!! Extremely extremely addicting. PS pam with the flour in it sprayed heavy works.
I have not. I am so glad you liked them!! Thank you for letting me know!
these were amazing! I was wondering if it would dow Well in a lOaf pan?
Glad you liked them! I personally have not tried using a loaf pan, so you have me wondering!! One way to find out 🙂
Yummy! Just spray lots and they fell right out!
Thank you so much for sharing that!
One of the best lemon recipes
I have made in a long time. TheY
Came out PERFECT & are so
Delicious. I use a silicone
Muffin pan spRayed with pam.
EaSily came out whole. Thanks
For a new family faVorite.
Thanks for sharing what you did!! I am happy you like them!
Love love these! Have made these before but recipe called for lemon cake mix, wouldnt you know it when i decided to make, both stores in my area wEre sold out! (I live in Country) so pouted for a day, then found your recIpe!! I tweeked it by addIng a box of vanilla pudding and a splash of lemon extract, other than that, ill nevEr use the cake mix one again!! So moist and delicious, mine did not stick to pan but i used a heavy douse if sPray then floured good, also i bake in an air fryer At 320 for about 15 minutes comes out perfect!!!!
Well, I am glad you found my recipe! Thanks for sharing what you did…sounds perfect!
Amamzing!!
Happy you think so 🙂 Thank you for letting me know!
I absolutely loved this recipe! I made them for a party and everyone raved about them.
I used gluten free flour and they turned out perfectly. I will definitely be making them again. I’m thinking about adding blueberries at some point.
Thank you for sharing this recipe!
You are so welcome! Blueberries would be great! Thank you 🙂
This looks delish! I’m planning to make these soon, and Would love to do 12 mini muffins and the rest in tiny bread loaf pans. Any suggestions for How to adjust the baKing time And/or temp for the breads?
I haven’t made them into mini loaves, so I couldn’t tell you the exact, since I haven’t tried. You could keep the temp the same or maybe 350 for the bread. It will need more time, so maybe start checking it around 18-20min?
Very moist and soft. BuRsting with lemon FLAVOR which we all love! It’s so delicious!
Thank you for saying that! Glad you tried them 🙂
I have never been much of a baker, but this recipe fooled everyone. these little gems are absolutely delicious, not to mention addictive. i also had some problems with them sticking but carefully going around the edges solved the problem. i will be making again and again and use suggestions about greasing the cups. thank you so much for sharing this recipe
I normally check comments before trying a new recipe online but I didn’t this time *ended up with 24 stuck mini muffins LOL. Good thing I had doubled the recipe w/ the intent to share. Instead I made Lemon drop balls out of those with the glaze LOL.
Next time I did it I put liners in my mini muffin tins and they worked better, I also tried them in normal size muffin tins with liners and those collapsed when I checked on them after 16 min in the oven. I lightly POURED the glaze over top of the larger muffins and dipped the smaller ones into the glaze. THEY are still very yummy and lemony!
I think these definitely work better in shallow pans and would like to try them in Madeleine pans!
Thank you!
Sorry, you had trouble! I appreciate you trying them 🙂 Thank you!
This recipe is amazing. Simple to make and extrEmely addicting. I will definitely make again and again. So glad i found this recipe.
Glad you found it, too! Thank you for letting me know!
Made these for mother’s day and they were a hit! My Choc loving husband could stop eat them. Amesome!
Yay! Love to hear that! Thank you for making them 🙂
Thank you for the delicious little recipe – it truly is addicting! Even my sister who insists she has always hated lemon had a sweet tooth for these. will definitely make again; no changes necessary in my opinion.
Haha..that’s was me too! Thank you so much for saying that!
Yum!!! I made them for Mothers day. We had a brunch and so i thought these Would be Good for brUnch i took about 70 and they were devouRed!!! You were defintely right wHen you said they were addicting. My mom was dissappointed that they were all gone so i promises i wiLl make another batch just for her this week!!! Thanks!!
So glad they were devoured!! That makes me so happy 🙂 Thank you!
I had trouble getting them out of the pan and it was sprayed very well all and all they were amazing i love lemon and will be making them aGain
Maybe try spraying & adding a little flour to dust the pan. Glad you liked them 🙂 Thank you!
i making them for the 2nd time and they were a big hit the first time. i remember they were really good the 2nd day.
Yes, they are 🙂 Happy you like them! Thank you!
Wonderful recipe! Used the cake release but they still stuck!
Sorry they stuck! Thanks so much for trying this recipe!!
Hi, this recipe looks absolutely amazing, but is there any way to scale it down? We’re a family of three, so we can really only go through a dozen of these…
You could just cut the recipe in half or take some to a neighbor 🙂
They wouldn’t come out of pan. I sprayed it good to. And a vary runny batter .so mixed with cream cheese and made balls and glazed vary good
Sorry they stuck! They should have come out, since you sprayed it well. And, I am not sure why it was runny, but I am glad you liked them!
Soooooo delicious!! The recipE made exactly 48 mini cupcakes! I filled them abou 2/3 full. Cook time was per at 12 min. I ran Short on icing Though, would recommend making Abou 1 1/2 times the amount. No need to doublE it.
Happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing that!
Omg. Tried these first time changed nothing and they taste amazing. However my icing isnt thinning to look this Pretty its more of a drIZzle but still i love It.!
I am glad you think so 🙂 Usually, to make the icing more thin, add more liquid. Thank you!