Rose Cakelets with Grapefruit Glaze

Delicate and beautifully shaped, Rose Cakelets with Grapefruit Glaze are soft, buttery mini cakes infused with a hint of citrus and topped with a refreshing glaze. These elegant treats are perfect for Mother’s Day, bridal showers, or afternoon tea, offering a combination of light sweetness and zesty grapefruit flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Visually Stunning – The rose-shaped design makes these cakes as beautiful as they are delicious.
• Refreshing Citrus Flavor – Grapefruit zest and juice add a unique, tangy-sweet taste.
• Perfect for Special Occasions – A lovely treat for Mother’s Day, birthdays, or elegant brunches.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for all bakers.
• Customizable – The glaze and decorations can be adjusted for different flavors and looks.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cakelets:

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
• Zest of 1 grapefruit

For the Grapefruit Glaze:

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh grapefruit juice
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Sprinkles (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Cakelets

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a rose-shaped cakelet pan or a standard muffin tin.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and grapefruit zest.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, mixing until smooth.

2. Bake the Cakelets

1. Fill each mold ¾ full with batter.
2. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the cakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Make the Grapefruit Glaze

1. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, grapefruit juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Adjust consistency by adding more juice (for a thinner glaze) or powdered sugar (for a thicker glaze).

4. Glaze & Decorate

1. Drizzle the grapefruit glaze over the cooled cakelets.
2. Sprinkle with decorative sugar or sprinkles if desired.
3. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Servings: 12 servings
• Calories: 220 kcal per serving

Variations

• Lemon or Orange Twist: Swap grapefruit zest and juice for lemon or orange for a different citrus flavor.
• Rosewater Infusion: Add ½ teaspoon of rosewater to the batter for a floral touch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of glaze, drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate for a decadent finish.
• Nutty Addition: Fold ¼ cup of finely chopped almonds or pistachios into the batter for added texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store cakelets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: If needed, refrigerate for up to 5 days but bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed cakelets for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before adding glaze.
• Reheating: If serving slightly warm, microwave for 5-10 seconds before adding glaze.

FAQs

Can I use a regular muffin tin instead of a rose mold?

Yes! A standard muffin tin works well; the only difference is the shape.

How can I make the glaze thicker?

Add more powdered sugar or reduce the amount of grapefruit juice.

Can I make these cakelets dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute butter with dairy-free butter and milk with almond or oat milk.

What other decorations work well with these cakelets?

Edible flowers, crushed freeze-dried raspberries, or gold dust add an elegant touch.

Can I use bottled grapefruit juice instead of fresh?

Fresh juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch.

Why are my cakelets dry?

Overbaking can dry them out. Check for doneness at 15 minutes and remove them when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Can I add food coloring to the glaze?

Yes! A drop of pink or red food coloring enhances the grapefruit theme.

How do I ensure a soft texture?

Make sure to cream the butter and sugar well and do not overmix the batter.

Can I make a large cake instead of cakelets?

Yes! Bake in a 9-inch round cake pan for 25-30 minutes or until done.

What pairs well with these cakelets?

They go perfectly with Earl Grey tea, chamomile tea, or a light fruit salad.

Conclusion

Rose Cakelets with Grapefruit Glaze are a delightful and elegant treat, perfect for special occasions like Mother’s Day. With their soft, buttery crumb and refreshing citrus glaze, they offer a delicate balance of sweetness and tanginess. Whether served with tea or as a beautiful centerpiece for a brunch, these cakelets are sure to impress. Enjoy them fresh for the best flavor!