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Christmas Mini Lemon Pound Cake Bites Recipe

If you are looking for a delightful holiday treat that bursts with zesty freshness and melts in your mouth, this Christmas Mini Lemon Pound Cake Bites Recipe is the perfect choice. These bite-sized wonders combine the rich, buttery texture of classic pound cake with the bright, uplifting flavor of lemon, making them irresistible for festive gatherings. Their mini size makes them perfect as finger foods for parties or a charming addition to your holiday dessert spread. Trust me, once you try these charming little cakes, they’ll become an instant holiday favorite!

Christmas Mini Lemon Pound Cake Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Christmas Mini Lemon Pound Cake Bites Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients, each one playing a vital role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and that beautiful lemony color. From the creamy richness of butter and cream cheese to the fresh zing of lemon zest and juice, these components come together in the most wonderful way.

  • Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds moistness and a tender crumb to the cake bites.
  • Cream cheese: Provides extra richness and smooth texture that sets these bites apart.
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter gently, allowing the lemon flavors to shine.
  • Large eggs: Help bind the ingredients and contribute to a light, fluffy texture.
  • Lemon zest: Delivers concentrated citrus aroma and flavor, essential for that fresh lemon punch.
  • Fresh lemon juice: Balances the sweetness with tartness and enriches the glaze.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds depth and complements the bright lemon notes perfectly.
  • All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to the pound cake bites.
  • Baking powder: Leavens the cake, ensuring a light texture.
  • Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
  • Powdered sugar: For the glaze, bringing sweetness and smooth texture.
  • Festive sprinkles (optional): Adds a joyful, colorful finishing touch perfect for Christmas.

How to Make Christmas Mini Lemon Pound Cake Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—this ensures an even bake. Grease your mini muffin pan or line it with cute mini cupcake liners for easy removal later. Having your butter and cream cheese softened is crucial here, so they blend perfectly into a light, fluffy batter.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until the mixture is pale, airy, and well combined. This step is the foundation of your pound cake’s velvety texture, so take your time—about three minutes should do the trick.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Lemon, and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. This blend infuses the batter with that unmistakable lemon flavor and aromatic warmth that lifts the whole recipe.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Slowly add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, folding gently until everything is just combined. Overmixing here will weigh down the batter, so stop once there are no more visible streaks of flour.

Step 5: Fill the Pan and Bake

Use a spoon or small scoop to fill your prepared mini muffin tin about three-quarters full with batter. This gives the cakes room to rise beautifully without overflowing. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, cool the cake bites in the pan a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 6: Make the Lemon Glaze and Decorate

While your cake bites cool, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the glaze thickness as needed with more lemon juice or powdered sugar. Once the cakes are completely cool, either dip the tops in the glaze or drizzle it over each one. Add festive sprinkles if you like to amp up the Christmas cheer. Let the glaze set for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Christmas Mini Lemon Pound Cake Bites Recipe

Christmas Mini Lemon Pound Cake Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Simple garnishes make these mini cakes stand out. Think fresh lemon zest sprinkled on top or a scattering of colorful, festive sprinkles. If you want to get creative, edible gold dust or a tiny mint leaf can add a sophisticated holiday touch that looks stunning on any dessert table.

Side Dishes

These lemon pound cake bites pair wonderfully with warm beverages like spiced tea, mulled wine, or hot cocoa—perfect for the cozy holiday vibe. You can also serve them alongside fresh berries and whipped cream to add a burst of freshness and creaminess for balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation really amps up the holiday spirit! Arrange the cake bites on a tiered serving tray or place them in festive cupcake liners for a colorful display. Wrapping them individually in clear cellophane tied with a bright ribbon makes a charming edible gift that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Christmas Mini Lemon Pound Cake Bites Recipe treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, where they will stay fresh for around a week without drying out.

Freezing

To freeze, place the cooled cake bites on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When stored this way, they’ll keep well for up to three months, allowing you to prepare them well ahead of your holiday celebrations.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cake bites, thaw them at room temperature for about an hour. For a warm, just-baked feel, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes but watch carefully so the glaze and texture stay intact.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

While fresh lemon juice gives the best bright and natural flavor, bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch. Just be sure to choose one without added preservatives for the best taste.

Are these cake bites gluten-free?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as written. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but results may vary in texture.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can try substituting dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives, but keep in mind that these swaps might slightly change the texture and richness of the cake bites.

How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

Adjust the glaze thickness by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or more lemon juice to thin it out. Add in small amounts until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely! The recipe doubles easily. Make sure to use enough pans or bake in batches so everything has space to bake evenly.

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Mini Lemon Pound Cake Bites Recipe treats are truly a holiday gem—bright, buttery, and bursting with lemon goodness in every bite. They’re simple enough to whip up for any festive get-together yet impressive enough to steal the show on your dessert table. I wholeheartedly recommend giving them a try and watching how quickly they disappear among friends and family. Happy baking and happy holidays!

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Christmas Mini Lemon Pound Cake Bites Recipe


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4.1 from 56 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 24 mini cake bites 1x

Description

These Christmas Mini Lemon Pound Cake Bites are tender, moist, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. Perfectly portioned for holiday parties or festive gatherings, these bite-sized cakes are topped with a tangy lemon glaze and optional colorful sprinkles for a cheerful seasonal treat.


Ingredients

Scale

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
  • 23 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • Optional: festive sprinkles for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Lemon Pound Cake Bites: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin pan or line it with mini cupcake liners to prevent sticking.
  2. Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes, ensuring a smooth base for the cake batter.
  3. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Next, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and fragrant.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
  5. Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cakes tender.
  6. Fill the Mini Muffin Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin pan, filling each cup about 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
  7. Bake the Cake Bites: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
  8. Cool the Cakes: Let the mini cakes cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully is essential for glazing.
  9. Prepare the Lemon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Adjust the thickness by adding more lemon juice if too thick or powdered sugar if too thin.
  10. Glaze and Decorate: Once the mini cakes have completely cooled, dip the tops into the lemon glaze or drizzle it over each bite. Add festive sprinkles for a holiday touch. Allow the glaze to set for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Make sure the butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth batter and even baking.
  • Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the pound cakes tender.
  • Use a toothpick to test doneness; it should come out clean or with very few moist crumbs.
  • Adjust the glaze consistency to your preference by adding lemon juice or powdered sugar gradually.
  • These cake bites can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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