Winter Snowflake Cakelets

WINTER SNOWFLAKE CAKELETS

1/11/2024

Today I’m sharing Winter Snowflake Cakelets - delightful little treats that will warm your heart and dazzle your taste buds. Winter brings with it a sense of wonder and joy, especially when the first snowflakes start to fall from the sky. Each snowflake is uniquely intricate, just like our snowflake cakelets – and you will love the magical charm of snowflakes during this chilly season! The combination of moist vanilla bean cake and a delicate snowflake design will transport you to a winter wonderland with every bite, and are perfect for any winter celebration, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive holiday party. These charming little desserts are the perfect way to celebrate the beauty of winter and make any occasion extra special!

Winter Snowflake Cakelets

WINTER SNOWFLAKE CAKELET SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

Winter Snowflake Cakelets are the perfect treat for a variety of festivities during the chilly season. Here are some serving suggestions and occasions where these delightful little cakes will shine:

HOLIDAY PARTIES: Whether it's a Christmas party, New Year's Eve celebration, or any other holiday gathering, Winter Snowflake Cakelets will add a touch of whimsy and charm to the dessert table. Arrange them on a beautiful platter or cake stand, dusted with powdered sugar to resemble freshly fallen snow. Their snowflake design will create a festive ambiance and bring joy to your guests.

WINTER BIRTHDAYS: If you or a loved one has a winter birthday, surprise them with a batch of Winter Snowflake Cakelets. These mini cakes are the perfect individual treats to celebrate the occasion. You can even decorate each cakelet with the birthday person's initials or age using icing or edible snowflake decorations. Serve them alongside a warm cup of cocoa for a cozy and memorable celebration.

FROZEN THEMED PARTIES: Did someone say "Do you want to build a snowman?" For pastel-hued Winter Snowflake Cakelets, add pastel gel food coloring to the vanilla cakes before baking. You can also add pastel food coloring to the Vanilla Glaze in a variety of Frozen hues - your favorite blues, aqua, lavender and pink.

WINTER WEDDINGS: Planning a winter wonderland-themed wedding? Winter Snowflake Cakelets would make a delightful addition to your dessert table. Their intricate snowflake design will complement the winter wedding decor perfectly. You can even personalize them with the couple's initials or wedding date using edible ink or icing. Guests will love the individual servings and the charming touch they bring to the celebration.

WINTER AFTERNOON TEA OR BRUNCH: Hosting a cozy afternoon tea or brunch gathering during the winter months? Serve Winter Snowflake Cakelets as a sweet treat alongside other delectable bites. They are the perfect size for guests to enjoy without feeling overwhelmed. Arrange them on a tiered cake stand or elegant serving platter, and watch them disappear as everyone indulges in their delightful flavors.

WINTER-THEMED BABY SHOWERS: If you're planning a baby shower during the winter season, incorporate the snowflake theme with these adorable cakelets. Decorate them with pastel-colored icing or sprinkles to match the baby shower's color scheme. Place them on a decorative tray or wrap them individually in clear bags tied with ribbons for guests to take home as party favors.

Remember, no matter the occasion, Winter Snowflake Cakelets are versatile and visually appealing treats that will impress your guests. Feel free to get creative with additional decorations, such as edible pearls, silver or gold dust, or edible glitter, to make them even more eye-catching. Enjoy the festivities and the joy these delightful cakelets bring to your celebrations!

WINTER SNOWFLAKE CAKE VARIATIONS:

CHOCOLATE SNOWFLAKE CAKELETS: If you're a chocolate lover, this variation is for you! Simply replace ½ cup of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder in the original recipe. This will give your cakelets a rich chocolatey flavor that pairs perfectly with the winter theme. You can also add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the batter for an extra indulgent touch.
PEPPERMINT SNOWFLAKE CAKELETS: Add a refreshing twist to your cakelets with the addition of peppermint extract. Replace the vanilla extract in the original recipe with ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract. This will give your cakelets a cool and minty flavor, reminiscent of the winter season. To enhance the festive feel, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the powdered sugar dusting.
LEMON SNOWFLAKE CAKELETS: If you prefer a tangy and citrusy flavor, try making lemon snowflake cakelets. Add the zest of one lemon to the batter and replace 1/4 cup of the milk with freshly squeezed lemon juice. This will give your cakelets a bright and refreshing taste, perfect for brightening up those winter days. You can also drizzle a lemon glaze on top for an extra burst of flavor.
ALMOND SNOWFLAKE CAKELETS: For a wedding cake flavor twist, try incorporating almond flavor into your cakelets. Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the batter and sprinkle some sliced almonds on top before baking. The almond extract will infuse your cakelets with a delicate and fragrant flavor. The sliced almonds will add a nice crunch and a beautiful visual appeal.
RASPBERRY SNOWFLAKE CAKELETS: Add a burst of fruity sweetness to your cakelets with the addition of raspberries. Gently fold in ½ cup of fresh or frozen raspberries into the batter before pouring it into the cakelet pan. The raspberries will create pockets of juicy goodness in each bite. You can also add a raspberry frosting or glaze on top for an extra raspberry burst of flavor.

Remember, these recipe variations are just a starting point. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Whether you stick to the classic vanilla or venture into new flavor territories, your Winter Snowflake Cakelets are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy the process of baking and have fun decorating your snowflake cakes. Happy baking!

Winter Snowflake Cakelets

WINTER SNOWFLAKE CAKELETS

Winter brings with it a sense of wonder and joy, especially when the first snowflakes start to fall from the sky. Each snowflake is uniquely intricate, just like our snowflake cakelets – and you will love the magical charm of snowflakes during this chilly season! The combination of moist vanilla bean cake and a delicate snowflake design will transport you to a winter wonderland with every bite, and are perfect for any winter celebration, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive holiday party.

Winter Snowflake Cakelets

INGREDIENTS:
Vanilla Cakelets:
½ cup butter (softened to room temperature)
2 large eggs (room temperature)
½ cup (120g) full-fat sour cream (room temperature)
½ cup whole milk (room temperature)
1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup (66g) granulated sugar
1/3 cup (75g) light brown sugar
1 Tablespoon vanilla bean paste (or pure vanilla extract)
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Vanilla Glaze:
1 cup (125g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon light corn syrup
1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
2-4 teaspoons whole milk or half & half

Garnish:
Sparkling Sugar (optional), white sugar pearls

Special Equipment:
Nordic Ware Frozen Snowflake Cakelet Pan

HOW I MAKE THESE:

Remove butter, eggs, milk, and sour cream from refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a mini snowflake cakelet pan with non-stick baking spray and use a pastry brush to evenly coat the details of the pan (this will also help prevent bubbles from forming between your cake batter and the cakelet pan); set aside.
Make the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; set aside.
With a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on high speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl as needed.
With the mixer running on low speed, add the eggs one at a time, then add the sour cream, vanilla extract and almond extract. Beat on medium-high speed until combined. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl as needed. With the mixer running on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients. Beat everything just until incorporated. DO NOT OVERMIX! Batter will be very creamy and thick.
Spoon Cake Batter into the bottom of each pan cavity - each cavity should be filled no more than 3/4 full. Smooth the top of each cake with an offset spatula or your finger to ensure even baking.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the cakes are lightly golden and spring back when lightly poked with your finger. Remove from the oven and allow to cool inside the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully invert the pan on the counter or wire rack. Give the pan a little shake so the cakes release.
Allow cakes to cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
Prepare Vanilla Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk. Add more milk as needed, depending on how you plan to use your glaze, until desired consistency is reached.
Place cooled cakes on a rack and pour Vanilla Glaze generously over the top of each cake until each cake is covered; excess glaze will drip thru your rack, so make sure you place a baking sheet underneath to catch the drips. Immediately sprinkle with sparkling sugar or white sugar pearls (if desired).
Serve immediately or cover and store leftover iced cakes at room temperature for 1-2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

YIELD: 6 mini cakes

INSPIRED BY: Great Gram and my Mom

RECIPE VARIATIONS:

CHOCOLATE SNOWFLAKE CAKELETS: If you're a chocolate lover, this variation is for you! Simply replace ½ cup of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder in the original recipe. This will give your cakelets a rich chocolatey flavor that pairs perfectly with the winter theme. You can also add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the batter for an extra indulgent touch.
PEPPERMINT SNOWFLAKE CAKELETS: Add a refreshing twist to your cakelets with the addition of peppermint extract. Replace the vanilla extract in the original recipe with ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract. This will give your cakelets a cool and minty flavor, reminiscent of the winter season. To enhance the festive feel, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the powdered sugar dusting.
LEMON SNOWFLAKE CAKELETS: If you prefer a tangy and citrusy flavor, try making lemon snowflake cakelets. Add the zest of one lemon to the batter and replace 1/4 cup of the milk with freshly squeezed lemon juice. This will give your cakelets a bright and refreshing taste, perfect for brightening up those winter days. You can also drizzle a lemon glaze on top for an extra burst of flavor.
ALMOND SNOWFLAKE CAKELETS: For a wedding cake flavor twist, try incorporating almond flavor into your cakelets. Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the batter and sprinkle some sliced almonds on top before baking. The almond extract will infuse your cakelets with a delicate and fragrant flavor. The sliced almonds will add a nice crunch and a beautiful visual appeal.
RASPBERRY SNOWFLAKE CAKELETS: Add a burst of fruity sweetness to your cakelets with the addition of raspberries. Gently fold in ½ cup of fresh or frozen raspberries into the batter before pouring it into the cakelet pan. The raspberries will create pockets of juicy goodness in each bite. You can also add a raspberry frosting or glaze on top for an extra raspberry burst of flavor.

RECIPE NOTES:

Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions: You can make the mini pound cakes ahead of time by freezing them. Bake, cool, wrap in aluminum foil, and place in a large airtight container. Allow to thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before icing and serving. Freezes well up to 2 months.
Pans: If you don’t have a mini cakelet pan, you can use a large muffin pan or mini loaf pans, or a regular 9×5-inch loaf pan. A regular or full-size bundt cake pan is a little too large for this recipe. The bake times and yields vary with the pan you use. Fill the pans 2/3 full with batter. If using a large muffin tin, bake for approximately 18-20 minutes. For a regular 9×5-inch loaf pan, fill with all of the batter (which is about 2/3 full anyway!) and bake for about 50 minutes. When the cakes are lightly brown and spring back when lightly poked with your finger, they are done. Use a toothpick to test for doneness - the cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out *mostly* clean with no raw batter.
Room Temperature Ingredients: All refrigerated items should be at room temperature so the batter mixes together easily and evenly. It really makes a difference!

Original recipe created January 2022; revised and reposted January 2024.

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