Lemon Blossoms

Lemon Blossoms are delightful little bites of citrusy goodness. These mini lemon cakes are moist, flavorful, and topped with a sweet and tangy lemon glaze. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a refreshing treat anytime, these Lemon Blossoms are sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and learn how to make it step-by-step.

Ingredients

For the Lemon Blossoms:

1 package yellow cake mix
1 package (3.5 oz) instant lemon pudding
4 eggs
¾ cup vegetable or canola oil

For the Glaze:

4 cups powdered sugar
⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
Grated lemon zest of one lemon
3 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
3 tablespoons water

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Blossoms

Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin pan or line it with mini paper liners.
Mix the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, instant lemon pudding mix, eggs, and ¾ cup of vegetable or canola oil. Beat on medium speed until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Fill the Muffin Pan:
- Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin pan, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool:
- Allow the Lemon Blossoms to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Glaze

Mix the Glaze:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, grated lemon zest, 3 tablespoons of vegetable or canola oil, and 3 tablespoons of water until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Glaze the Lemon Blossoms

Dip the Lemon Blossoms:
- Once the Lemon Blossoms are completely cooled, dip each one into the lemon glaze, ensuring they are fully coated. Allow any excess glaze to drip off.
Dry:
- Place the glazed Lemon Blossoms back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set. You can place a piece of parchment paper or a baking sheet underneath the rack to catch any drips.

Step 4: Serve

Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Lemon Blossoms at room temperature. Enjoy these zesty and sweet treats with friends and family!

Cooking Notes and Tips

Zest: Use a fine grater or a microplane to zest the lemon for the best texture and flavor in the glaze.
Glazing: For a thicker glaze, let the Lemon Blossoms dry for a few minutes and then dip them a second time.
Storage: Store the Lemon Blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Variations

Lemon Blueberry Blossoms

Add Blueberries:
- Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter for a fruity twist.

Lemon Poppy Seed Blossoms

Add Poppy Seeds:
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds into the batter for a delightful crunch.

Orange Blossoms

Use Orange:
- Replace the lemon pudding mix and lemon juice with orange-flavored pudding mix and fresh orange juice for a citrusy variation.

Serving Suggestions

Desserts

With Ice Cream:
- Serve the Lemon Blossoms with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing dessert.

Afternoon Tea

With Tea:
- Enjoy the Lemon Blossoms with a cup of hot tea or iced tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

Parties

Party Platter:
- Arrange the Lemon Blossoms on a platter with other mini desserts for a beautiful and tasty party spread.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these Lemon Blossoms ahead of time? A: Yes, you can bake the Lemon Blossoms a day in advance and glaze them on the day of serving. Store the unglazed cakes in an airtight container at room temperature.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover Lemon Blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Q: Can I freeze Lemon Blossoms? A: Yes, you can freeze the unglazed Lemon Blossoms. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw in the refrigerator and glaze before serving.

Q: Can I use a different type of oil? A: Yes, you can use any neutral-flavored oil such as vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil.

Q: Can I use homemade cake mix and pudding mix? A: Yes, you can use homemade versions of cake mix and pudding mix if you prefer.

Lemon Blossoms are a delightful and zesty treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their moist, lemon-flavored cake and sweet, tangy glaze, these mini desserts are sure to impress. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, Lemon Blossoms are easy to make and always delicious. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful treats with your family and friends!