Delightful Lemon Streusel Mini Cakes with Crispy Topping and Sweet-Tangy Lemon Glaze

These Lemon Streusel Mini Cakes are a perfect combination of refreshing lemon flavor, a crispy streusel topping, and a sweet-tangy lemon glaze. Each bite of these charming little cakes delivers a burst of citrusy goodness, enhanced by the rich, buttery streusel and finished with a zesty glaze. They are not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor, making them an ideal treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
You’ll adore these Lemon Streusel Mini Cakes because they bring together the best of all worlds: the light and fluffy cake with a bright lemon flavor, the satisfying crunch of the streusel topping, and the sweet yet tangy glaze that ties everything together. They are easy to make and versatile, perfect for satisfying a lemon craving or impressing guests with a homemade treat. The balance of textures and flavors makes these mini cakes a delightful indulgence.

Perfect Occasion:
These mini cakes are perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special event, or simply looking for a sweet companion to your afternoon tea or coffee, these lemon streusel cakes fit the bill. Their small size makes them an excellent choice for dessert tables, picnics, or as a thoughtful gift to share with friends and family.

Decoration Tips:
For a beautiful presentation, consider adding a sprinkle of finely grated lemon zest on top of the glaze just before it sets. You can also place a small edible flower, like a pansy or a violet, on each cake for a pop of color and elegance. If you’re serving these at a gathering, arrange the cakes on a tiered cake stand to create a stunning visual display. For a more festive look, add a touch of gold or silver edible glitter to the glaze.

Ingredients:

For the Batter:

• 160 g sunflower oil
• 180 g granulated sugar
• 8 g vanilla sugar
• 3 medium eggs
• 250 g all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 pinch of salt
• Juice and zest of 2 small organic lemons
• 100 ml milk

For the Streusel:

• 100 g cold butter, cubed
• 150 g all-purpose flour
• 80 g granulated sugar
• 1 pinch of salt

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 150 g powdered sugar
• Juice of 1/2 lemon (adjust to desired consistency)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Oven and Tin:
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) for top and bottom heat, or 160°C for fan-forced. Lightly grease a muffin tin with 12 wells, each measuring approximately 6.5 cm x 6.5 cm.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the sunflower oil, granulated sugar, vanilla sugar, and eggs. Beat the mixture until it becomes creamy and well-blended. Add the lemon juice and zest, stirring to incorporate the refreshing citrus flavor.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Stir gently until you have a smooth and consistent batter.
4. Fill the Muffin Tin:
   Divide the batter evenly among the 12 wells of the prepared muffin tin, filling each about two-thirds full. This will ensure the cakes have room to rise without spilling over.
5. Prepare the Streusel Topping:
   To make the streusel, place the cold butter cubes in a bowl with the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to combine the ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Top the Cakes with Streusel:
   Sprinkle the prepared streusel evenly over the batter in the muffin tin. Press the streusel lightly into the batter to help it adhere during baking.
7. Bake the Cakes:
   Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cakes are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the tin from the oven and allow the cakes to cool completely before glazing.
8. Prepare the Lemon Glaze:
   In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with the lemon juice until you achieve a smooth and slightly thick glaze. If needed, adjust the lemon juice quantity to reach your desired consistency.
9. Glaze the Cakes:
   Once the cakes are fully cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the tops using a spoon or a piping bag. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Enjoy!

These delightful Lemon Streusel Mini Cakes are perfect for any occasion and will bring a bright, citrusy burst of flavor to your day.