Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Great Gatsby Lemon Cakes Recipe (3)

Great Gatsby Lemon Cakes Recipe – A 1920s Classic Treat

Transport yourself to the Roaring Twenties with these Great Gatsby-inspired mini lemon cakes! Light, fluffy, and bursting with citrus flavor, these delicate cakes were inspired by Gatsby’s famous tea scene in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel. Perfect for afternoon tea, vintage-themed gatherings, or a literary baking adventure. Serve with Earl Grey or champagne for the ultimate Jazz Age experience!

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 mini cakes 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cakes:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt

For the Lemon Glaze:

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp warm water

Instructions

  • Preheat & Prepare – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or line it with parchment paper.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • Cream Butter & Sugar – In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Incorporate Eggs & Lemon – Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
  • Combine Wet & Dry – Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, until just combined.
  • Bake – Fill the mini muffin cups about ¾ full. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Prepare Lemon Glaze – Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and warm water until smooth.
  • Glaze & Serve – Drizzle or brush the glaze over the warm cakes. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • For a stronger lemon flavor, add an extra ½ tbsp of zest to the batter or brush warm cakes with lemon syrup before glazing.
  • For a decorative touch, dust cakes with powdered sugar or top with candied lemon slices.
  • Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American / Jazz Age Vintage
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 mini cake
  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 60mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Great Gatsby lemon cakes, 1920s lemon cakes, literary baking, Jazz Age desserts, mini lemon cakes recipe, vintage tea cakes, lemon tea cakes, Gatsby-themed desserts