Lemony Petit Fours Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to impress guests with something elegant yet utterly delightful, this Lemony Petit Fours Recipe is your golden ticket. These dainty, bite-sized cakes are a burst of bright citrus flavor enveloped in a smooth glaze, perfect for any Southern party or a charming tea time. Each piece offers a delicate balance of moist cake, zesty lemon curd, silky buttercream, and a shiny glaze that will make your taste buds sing. Trust me, once you try this Lemony Petit Fours Recipe, it will become your go-to for celebrations and sweet cravings alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Lemony Petit Fours Recipe lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a special role in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and look, ensuring these little cakes are as scrumptious as they are gorgeous.

• All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): Provides the structure for a tender and light cake base.
• Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Helps the cake rise just right, keeping it fluffy and soft.
• Salt (1/2 tsp + 1/4 tsp for glaze/buttercream): Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavors beautifully.
• Baking soda (1/8 tsp): A small lift agent working in tandem with baking powder for texture.
• Unsalted butter (1 3/4 cups total): Gives richness and moisture, key for smooth buttercream and tender cake.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cake and helps in the creaming process for a light crumb.
• Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients together, add richness, and help with leavening.
• Vanilla and almond extracts (varied amounts): Adds depth and a nutty warmth that complements the lemon zing.
• Buttermilk (1/2 cup for cake, 1 1/2 tbsp for buttercream): Makes the cake tender and adds a subtle tang that enhances lemon flavor.
• Lemon curd (2/3 cup): The star ingredient for a bright, authentic lemon punch inside every bite.
• Lemon zest (1 tsp): Infuses fresh citrus aroma and flavor to the filling.
• Powdered sugar (total 7 1/2 cups): Used throughout for icing and glaze to create that signature silky finish.
• Hot water (1/2 cup) and light corn syrup (1/3 cup): Essential for the smooth, shiny glaze that coats each petit four.
• Optional food coloring: For adding beautiful pastel tones that transform these cakes into eye candy.

How to Make Lemony Petit Fours Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven and lining a quarter sheet pan with parchment paper—the foundation for an easy bake and flawless cake release. Whisk together your dry ingredients so everything is evenly distributed, then cream your butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. This step is key for that perfect crumb. Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by the extracts that will unleash lovely aromatics. Alternate adding dry mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture—it’s going to be thick but smooth. This batter holds the promise of moistness and lightness.

Step 2: Bake and Cool the Cake

Spread your luscious batter evenly in the pan and pop it in the oven until a skewer comes out clean. The golden edges and a springy touch will tell you it’s ready. Cooling comes next—ten minutes in the pan, then carefully transfer the cake on the parchment to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the crumb to set just right so you can slice without crumbling.

Step 3: Split and Fill with Lemon Curd

Once cool, turn the cake over using a second rack or cutting board, peel off the parchment, then flip it back. Slice it horizontally into two even layers with a serrated knife. Mix lemon curd and zest, then thoughtfully spread this bright layer across the bottom half. Reunite the cake halves like a delicate sandwich packed with sunshine.

Step 4: Prepare and Spread the Buttercream

The buttercream brings richness without overwhelming the lemon brightness. Beat your butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar gradually to achieve a smooth texture. Stir in vanilla, almond extracts, salt, and a splash of buttermilk. This luscious frosting gets spread evenly on top of your cake, sealing in the lemony goodness before chilling for an hour to firm up.

Step 5: Make the Glaze and Shape the Petit Fours

While your cake rests in the freezer, whisk together powdered sugar, hot water, corn syrup, and extracts until smooth. Heat the glaze gently over simmering water to maintain the perfect coating temperature. Trim your cake edges for neatness and cut into little squares about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches each—so satisfying to see them come together! Use forks to dip each square into the glossy glaze, covering all sides, then place on cooling racks to set.

Step 6: Decorate with White Glaze Drizzle

Reserve some white glaze, thicken it with powdered sugar, then drizzle artistically over the petit fours using a plastic bag with a tiny hole for precision. Allow them to stand and set completely—patience here rewards you with that signature, elegant finish that makes these lemony bites truly special.

How to Serve Lemony Petit Fours Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh lemon zest or edible flowers on top of your glazed petit fours can elevate their visual appeal and flavor. A tiny sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios or a delicate twist of candied lemon peel adds fabulous texture and a splash of color, transforming your treats into irresistible showstoppers that guests will admire before they even take a bite.

Side Dishes

These petit fours shine best when paired with a hot cup of fragrant tea, a light sparkling wine, or an icy cold lemonade for pure refreshment. They also complement a fresh fruit salad or a creamy vanilla panna cotta beautifully, keeping the palate balanced between rich, tart, and sweet sensations without overshadowing the delicate lemon flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your Lemony Petit Fours Recipe squares on a tiered cake stand for an inviting display at a party or an afternoon gathering. Wrapping each petit four individually in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon makes charming favors. For a modern twist, stack them with thin layers of fruit preserves between for a mini layered dessert tower that doubles the excitement.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Petit fours keep amazingly well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The glaze stays firm and the cake moist for up to 4 days, making them perfectly suited for prepping in advance of your party or simply indulging over a few leisurely days.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze your petit fours on a baking sheet first so they don’t stick together, then transfer to a sealed container. They can last up to 2 months frozen, ready to thaw gently in the fridge overnight when the craving for that zesty lemon delight strikes.

Reheating

Because petit fours are best enjoyed cool or room temperature, reheating is not necessary and can affect the delicate glaze. Instead, allow frozen petit fours to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy their true texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this Lemony Petit Fours Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum. Just make sure it’s suitable for cakes to maintain the tender crumb these petit fours need.

Is it possible to use store-bought lemon curd for this recipe?

Absolutely. High-quality store-bought lemon curd works perfectly well and saves prep time, letting you focus on assembly and glazing.

Can these petit fours be made without almond extract?

If you’re allergic or prefer to skip almond extract, feel free to omit it or replace it with an equal amount of vanilla extract for a slightly different but still delightful flavor profile.

How do I achieve a smooth glaze without lumps?

Powdered sugar can clump when mixed with liquids, so whisk thoroughly and add liquids slowly. Heating the glaze gently while whisking helps create that glossy, lump-free finish that’s signature to petit fours.

Can I color the glaze different shades?

Yes, you can add a drop or two of food coloring to the glaze. Pastel colors look especially lovely on petit fours, adding a playful yet sophisticated visual touch.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about crafting these tiny, elegant treats filled with lemony brightness and coated in glossy sweetness. This Lemony Petit Fours Recipe is both a labor of love and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will make any gathering feel special. So grab your mixing bowls and dive in—the smiles and compliments are waiting!

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