Lemon Blossoms

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These Lemon Blossoms are bite-sized bursts of sunshine—soft, buttery mini cakes drenched in a sweet-tart lemon glaze. They’re vibrant, zesty, and absolutely irresistible, especially if you’re a citrus lover. The texture is moist and fluffy on the inside with just the right amount of sticky glaze on the outside, making every bite a delightful blend of sweet and tangy.

Perfect for spring gatherings, summer potlucks, or when you simply need a pop of brightness in your day, Lemon Blossoms are as beautiful to look at as they are delicious to eat. You won’t believe how quick and easy they are to make with just a handful of ingredients—most of which you probably already have on hand. These tiny treats are also a brilliant make-ahead dessert or a crowd-pleasing snack for tea time.

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Why You’ll Love This Lemon Blossoms Recipe

• Zesty & Refreshing: Bursting with lemon flavor, both in the cake and glaze.
• Easy to Make: Uses a simple cake mix and pudding base—no need to start from scratch.
• Perfectly Portioned: Great for parties, picnics, and portion control (if you can stop at one!).
• Beautiful Presentation: They look stunning on any dessert platter.
• Kid & Adult Approved: Sweet enough for kids, elegant enough for adults.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use for Lemon Blossoms

Creating Lemon Blossoms doesn’t require a full-blown kitchen setup—just a few essential tools that make the process smoother and more efficient.

• Mini Muffin Pan: This is the heart of the recipe. It gives each blossom its signature petite, round shape. Non-stick pans work best to ensure the cakes release cleanly.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need one large bowl for the batter and another smaller one for the glaze.
• Electric Mixer (Hand or Stand): Ideal for achieving a smooth, lump-free batter. It also helps incorporate air for that soft, fluffy texture.
• Cooling Rack: Once baked and glazed, the blossoms benefit from resting on a rack to set properly without getting soggy bottoms.
• Whisk: For blending the glaze ingredients evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key in baking—even with simple recipes.
• Small Spoon or Cookie Scoop: Helps distribute the batter evenly into the muffin cups without overfilling.

Each tool plays a role in ensuring your Lemon Blossoms bake up beautifully and consistently. Skipping any of these could affect the texture or appearance.

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Preparation Tips

• Prep the Pan Right: Even if your muffin tin is non-stick, give it a quick spray or a light brush of melted butter to guarantee smooth release.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Just mix until everything is combined. Overbeating can lead to dense, tough blossoms.
• Fill Evenly: Fill muffin cups no more than two-thirds full. Overfilling will result in mushroom tops that don’t glaze neatly.
• Cool Before Glazing: Allow the blossoms to cool for 5–10 minutes before dipping them into the glaze. This prevents the icing from melting off too quickly.
• Double Dip for Extra Glaze: If you’re a glaze lover, dip each blossom once, let it set for a few minutes, then dip again for a thicker coat.

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Ingredients for This Lemon Blossoms Recipe

These ingredients are simple, pantry-friendly, and come together to create a bright, flavorful bite-size dessert that tastes like it came from a bakery.

For the Lemon Blossoms:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz – do not follow box instructions)
• 1 box instant lemon pudding mix (3.4 oz)
• 4 large eggs
• ¾ cup vegetable oil

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted for smoothness)
• ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, for extra zing)

These ingredients combine to create tender little cakes bursting with citrus flavor, finished off with a glossy, tangy glaze that perfectly balances sweet and sour.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray or lightly brush with oil to ensure easy release after baking.

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Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and instant lemon pudding mix. Add in the eggs and vegetable oil, then use a hand or stand mixer to blend everything together until smooth—about 2 minutes on medium speed. Scrape down the sides as needed to fully incorporate.

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Step 3: Fill the Mini Muffin Cups

Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, fill each cup of the prepared mini muffin tin about two-thirds full. Avoid overfilling to maintain a neat, rounded shape.

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Step 4: Bake the Blossoms

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

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Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Glaze

While the blossoms bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, water, and optional lemon zest in a medium bowl. Mix until the glaze is smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency with a touch more water or sugar, if needed.

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Step 6: Glaze the Warm Cakes

Allow the baked Lemon Blossoms to cool for 5 minutes in the pan. Then, remove and gently dip the top of each blossom into the lemon glaze. Place glazed side up on a wire rack set over parchment paper to catch any drips.

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Step 7: Let the Glaze Set

Let the glaze firm up at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes, or until dry to the touch. The result will be a glossy, slightly crunchy lemon shell atop each soft cake.

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Notes

• Cake Mix Shortcut: This recipe shines thanks to the use of a yellow cake mix and lemon pudding mix—easy, convenient, and consistently delicious.
• Zest for Depth: Adding lemon zest to both the batter and glaze enhances the natural citrus flavor.
• Great for Gifting: These travel well and make delightful edible gifts, especially when packed in a cute box or jar.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overfilling the Muffin Tins: Filling past the ⅔ mark can cause overflow, making the blossoms lose their shape and stick to the pan.
• Using a Different Pudding Type: Be sure to use instant lemon pudding—not cook-and-serve. The texture won’t set correctly otherwise.
• Skipping the Cooling Time: Dipping hot cakes into glaze will melt it right off. A short cooling period helps the glaze adhere perfectly.
• Too Much Glaze at Once: Double dipping is fine, but let the first layer set before applying another to avoid messy drips.
• Neglecting Sifting: Sift your powdered sugar to prevent lumps in your glaze, especially for presentation.
• Underbaking: These mini cakes bake quickly. Keep a close eye after the 12-minute mark to avoid dry or overdone blossoms.

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What to Serve With Lemon Blossoms?

Here Are 8 Recommendations:

1. Iced Earl Grey Tea – The citrus notes of the tea pair beautifully with the lemon glaze for a refined afternoon treat.
2. Fresh Berries and Mint – Serve a side of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for color, freshness, and contrast.
3. Whipped Mascarpone Cream – A dollop of this rich, lightly sweet cream makes these bite-sized treats feel extra special.
4. Sparkling Lemonade or Citrus Punch – A fizzy drink enhances the lemon flavor and keeps the menu light and vibrant.
5. Vanilla Bean Ice Cream – The cool, creamy base complements the sweet-tart zing of the blossoms perfectly.
6. Greek Yogurt Parfaits – Layer yogurt with honey and granola, then top with a couple of blossoms for a creative brunch twist.
7. Mini Charcuterie Boards – Add Lemon Blossoms as a sweet element to mini grazing boards, especially with mild cheeses like brie or ricotta.
8. Hot Chamomile Tea with Honey – A calming drink that balances the citrus punch of the dessert with floral, mellow notes.

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Storage Instructions

Lemon Blossoms store wonderfully and maintain their moist texture for days with the right method:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight.
• Refrigerator: For longer freshness, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temp before serving.
• Freezing: These freeze exceptionally well. Place in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Keep frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1–2 hours.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Lemon Blossom – Approximate)

• Calories: 110
• Total Fat: 5.5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 105mg
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Sugar: 11g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g

These estimates can vary based on the brand of cake mix or adjustments to glaze thickness, but they provide a good general guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, but yellow cake mix works best for that classic buttery base. White cake mix also works well, but avoid chocolate or spice flavors—they’ll overpower the lemon.

2. What if I don’t have lemon pudding mix?

You can substitute with vanilla pudding mix and add extra lemon zest and a bit of lemon extract to maintain that bright citrus flavor.

3. Can I make Lemon Blossoms gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure your pudding mix is also gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

4. How do I keep the glaze from getting too runny?

If your glaze is too thin, add a little more sifted powdered sugar. Always start with less liquid and adjust slowly.

5. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! These are perfect for making ahead. Store them in an airtight container, and glaze them the same day for the best appearance.

6. What’s the best way to zest lemons?

Use a microplane or fine grater, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith. Zest before you juice for best results.

7. Can I skip the glaze?

You can, but the glaze is what gives these their signature lemony punch. Skipping it will result in more of a plain mini muffin.

8. How many Lemon Blossoms does this recipe make?

It yields about 36–40 mini blossoms, depending on how full you fill each muffin cup.

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Conclusion

Lemon Blossoms are the perfect marriage of easy prep and impressive results. Their bold citrus flavor, soft texture, and glossy glaze make them a standout at any gathering—from spring picnics to holiday dessert spreads. Whether you’re looking for a quick party treat or a bright snack to lift your mood, these little lemon gems are guaranteed to satisfy. Plus, they’re almost too cute to resist—almost.

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