If you’re looking for a delightful little treat that bursts with bright, fresh flavors and looks as charming as it tastes, you absolutely have to try this Lemon Berry Petit Fours Recipe. These elegant mini cakes combine the zesty brightness of lemon with the sweet, tangy pop of raspberry jam, all wrapped up in layers of creamy vanilla buttercream and luscious white chocolate glaze. They’re perfect for gatherings, fancy afternoon tea, or just whenever you want to treat yourself to a bite-sized slice of happiness. Trust me, once you’ve mastered this recipe, these petite wonders will become your new favorite indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface for making a lemon-flavored cake. There is a red box of Betty Crocker Super Moist Lemon Cake Mix with a picture of a yellow cake with white frosting on it. Around the box, there are four white eggs, two whole green limes, a clear glass measuring cup with water, a bottle of Crisco vegetable oil with a yellow color, a bottle of J. Brandt Triple Sec orange liqueur with orange labels, a bottle of Jose Cuervo Especial Silver Tequila with blue and white labels, a small bottle of McCormick pure vanilla extract with a red cap, and a small box of Jell-O vanilla pudding mix with a yellow design. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a pivotal role, blending classic flavors and textures that make these petit fours utterly irresistible. From the rich cream cheese and butter that keep the cake tender, to the fresh lemon juice that adds a lively zing, each component is essential.

Unsalted butter (1 1/2 cups/340g): Softened to room temperature for a creamy, smooth cake base.
Full-fat brick cream cheese (8 ounces/226g): Adds moisture and a subtle tang for a delicate crumb.
Granulated sugar (2 cups/400g): Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender texture.
Sour cream (1/3 cup/80g): Provides richness and keeps the cake wonderfully moist.
Pure vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Infuses warm flavor that balances the citrus and berries.
Large eggs (6): Essential for structure and richness, must be at room temperature.
Cake flour (3 cups/354g): Gives the cake a light, tender feel without heaviness.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise evenly with just the right fluffiness.
Salt (1/8 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
Fresh lemon juice (3 tablespoons): Adds that unmistakable bright, zesty kick.
Raspberry jam (1/4 cup): Brings sweet and tangy berry flavor to the layers.
Lemon curd (1/4 cup/60g): Intensifies the lemon taste with a creamy, tart finish.
Unsalted butter for frosting (3/4 cup/170g): Softened to make the vanilla buttercream luxuriously smooth.
Confectioners’ sugar (3 cups/360g): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
Heavy cream or whole milk (2 tablespoons): Creates the ideal frosting consistency.
Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds depth to the frosting flavor.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the frosting.
White chocolate (two 4-ounce bars/226g): For coating the petit fours with a smooth, glossy finish.
Canola, vegetable, or coconut oil (2 teaspoons): Used to thin the white chocolate for easy drizzling.
Optional garnishes: White sixlets, mint leaves, edible flowers, berries, or sprinkles to customize your look.

How to Make Lemon Berry Petit Fours Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and preparing your 12×17-inch half sheet pan by greasing and lining it with parchment paper. This sized pan is important so your cake bakes to the right thickness. Then, cream together the unsalted butter and cream cheese until totally smooth. Add sugar, sour cream, and vanilla, mixing until you get a creamy, dreamy batter. Slowly add eggs one by one, mixing gently after each to keep the batter light. Finally, stir in the sifted cake flour, baking powder, salt, and fresh lemon juice just until combined for that perfect texture.

Step 2: Baking and Cooling the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, tapping it gently on the counter to release air bubbles. Bake for 26 to 31 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should come out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool right in the pan, where it will shrink slightly away from the sides, making it easier to slice later.

Step 3: Slicing and Layering

When the cake is completely cool, carefully invert it onto your cutting surface. Slice the cake horizontally into two long rectangles, then cut each into three smaller rectangles. Next, gently slice each piece horizontally to create thin layers, transforming your cake rectangles into delicate sheets ready for filling. This layering is the magic behind those bite-sized petit fours.

Step 4: Making Vanilla Buttercream

Whip the softened butter until creamy, then add confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, beating your frosting until fluffy and smooth. This buttercream is the luscious glue that holds your petit fours together, balancing tartness with sweetness in every bite.

Step 5: Assembling the Petit Fours

Trim the edges of your cake rectangles to ensure even, neat petit fours. Spread the buttercream thickly on four of the rectangles. On another four, spread a lighter layer of raspberry jam and lemon curd — be careful not to overdo it or it will get messy. The last four remain plain as the top layer. Stack the jam layers over the buttercream ones, then top with the plain rectangles. Chill these layers for at least 2 hours, or freeze for 1 hour for easier cutting.

Step 6: Cutting and Coating

After chilling, slice your layers into 12 tiny squares each, transforming your layered cake into miniature works of art. While chilled, melt the white chocolate with a little oil to smooth it out perfectly. Drizzle or spoon the chocolate over your petit fours for a glossy, sweet coating. Add garnishes if you like, then refrigerate to set.

How to Serve Lemon Berry Petit Fours Recipe

The image shows several small square slices of a layered cake neatly stacked together on a white marbled surface. Each slice has three layers: the top and bottom layers are light yellow cake with a soft, crumbly texture, the middle layer is a thin spread of bright red jam, and just below the jam is a layer of smooth, pale cream filling. The cake layers are uniform in thickness and the jam and cream layers have a slightly glossy, moist look. The edges of the slices are clean and straight, showing the distinct layers clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These petit fours practically beg for a bit of elegance. Fresh berries, edible flowers, or tiny mint leaves add a pop of color and freshness, enhancing both the look and the flavor. If you prefer something crunchy, white sixlets or sprinkles make each bite a textural delight. A thoughtful garnish can turn these petite cakes into showstoppers.

Side Dishes

Pair your petit fours with a simple cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee for a classic afternoon treat. For a brunch or dessert table, they also shine alongside fresh fruit salad or a light sorbet that highlights the lemon and berry notes. Their small size and refined flavors make them a beautiful complement rather than a heavy finish.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your petit fours on a tiered stand to emphasize their dainty appeal or place them in decorative cupcake liners for an easy grab-and-go option. For parties, line them up in a beautiful pattern on a platter, or use a mirrored tray to really highlight their glossy white chocolate topping. Presentation can be just as delightful as their flavor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled, these petit fours keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and protect them from absorbing other fridge odors. This makes them perfect for preparing ahead of special events or simply enjoying a few days of sweet indulgence.

Freezing

If you want to make these treats well in advance, freezing is a great option. Arrange the petit fours in a single layer on a tray and freeze until firm before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 1 month and thaw quickly in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Reheating

These delicate petit fours are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so avoid microwaving. If you prefer, let them sit out for about 15 minutes after removing from the fridge to soften the buttercream slightly for the most luscious bite.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries instead of raspberry jam?

While fresh raspberries or frozen berries might seem like a tempting substitute, the jam provides a smoother, more manageable layer in the petit fours. If you want to use fresh berries, consider making a quick homemade jam or compote to maintain the proper consistency and flavor balance.

Can I make these gluten-free?

This Lemon Berry Petit Fours Recipe relies on cake flour for its tender crumb, but you can substitute a gluten-free cake flour blend. Be aware the texture might vary slightly, so make sure your blend includes xanthan gum or similar to help with structure.

What’s the best way to slice these tiny cakes without crumbling?

Chilling the layered cakes thoroughly before slicing is key to clean cuts. Use a very sharp serrated knife or a pizza cutter, and make slow, careful slices with a gentle back-and-forth motion to keep edges neat.

Can I substitute the white chocolate with dark or milk chocolate?

Absolutely! Dark or milk chocolate can be used for coating if you prefer their richer flavors. Just keep in mind that these will alter the overall taste profile, shifting the balance from bright and sweet to more intense or creamy.

Are these petit fours suitable for freezing after being coated in chocolate?

Yes, once coated and set, you can freeze the petit fours as described. Just handle them gently and thaw in the refrigerator to preserve that irresistible texture and flavor combination.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making and sharing these little bites of joy. This Lemon Berry Petit Fours Recipe brings together tart lemon, sweet berries, and creamy frosting in a way that feels both elegant and comfortingly familiar. Whether you’re preparing for a big event or just treating yourself, these petit fours promise smiles with every bite. Give it a go — your tastebuds will thank you!