These Zesty Lemon Truffles are the perfect balance of tangy and sweet! Made with lemon cake mix, fresh lemon juice, and butter, these bite-sized treats are bursting with citrus flavor and have a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing dessert or a fun party treat, these lemon truffles are quick, easy, and absolutely delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright & Refreshing – The perfect citrus treat with a tangy kick.
- Easy to Make – Just five ingredients and 15 minutes of prep.
- No Baking Required – A hassle-free dessert ready in no time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for parties, holidays, or as a sweet snack.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- 7 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (divided)
Directions
- Heat-Treat the Cake Mix – Spread the cake mix on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to kill any bacteria. Let it cool completely.
- Mix the Dough – In a bowl, combine the cooled cake mix, melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Stir until a thick dough forms.
- Shape the Truffles – Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls using your hands.
- Coat with Sugar – Roll each truffle in the remaining ¼ cup of granulated sugar for a light, crisp outer layer.
- Chill & Serve – Place the truffles on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 truffles
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Extra Tangy – Add more lemon juice or zest for a stronger citrus punch.
- Powdered Sugar Coating – Roll in powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar for a softer finish.
- Coconut Lemon Truffles – Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- White Chocolate Coating – Dip the truffles in melted white chocolate for extra sweetness.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free lemon cake mix.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing – Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Room Temperature – Can be kept at room temperature for a few hours but are best served chilled.
FAQs
Do I need to heat-treat the cake mix?
Yes! Since raw cake mix may contain bacteria, baking it at 350°F for 5 minutes ensures safety.
Can I use store-bought lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch.
What’s the best way to get even-sized truffles?
Use a small cookie scoop to portion the dough before rolling into balls.
Can I make these truffles ahead of time?
Yes! They can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
How do I prevent the truffles from sticking to my hands?
Chill the dough slightly before rolling or lightly dust your hands with sugar.
Can I add other flavors?
Absolutely! Try adding vanilla extract or a pinch of ginger for extra depth.
What can I use instead of granulated sugar for coating?
Powdered sugar, crushed graham crackers, or even finely ground nuts work well.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! Vanilla, strawberry, or even funfetti cake mix can make fun variations.
Do these truffles need to stay chilled?
They are best served cold, but they can sit at room temperature for a few hours.
Can I roll them in sprinkles instead of sugar?
Yes! Sprinkles add a fun and colorful coating for special occasions.
Conclusion
These Zesty Lemon Truffles are a bright, refreshing, and effortlessly delicious treat. With a zesty citrus flavor, soft texture, and crisp sugar coating, they make the perfect sweet bite for any occasion. Try them today and enjoy a burst of lemony goodness in every bite!
Print
Zesty Lemon Truffles
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 truffles 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Zesty Lemon Truffles are bright, creamy, and perfectly sweet with a citrusy zing! Made with lemon cake mix, butter, fresh lemon juice, and zest, these no-bake truffles are easy to make and melt in your mouth. A refreshing and tangy treat, perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime you crave something sweet and citrusy!
Ingredients
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- 7 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (divided)
Instructions
1. Heat-Treat the Cake Mix (Recommended for Safety):
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread lemon cake mix on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes to eliminate any bacteria.
- Let cool completely.
2. Make the Truffle Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix cake mix, melted butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest until a dough forms.
3. Shape the Truffles:
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls using your hands.
4. Coat with Sugar:
- Roll each truffle in remaining granulated sugar for a delicate crunch.
5. Chill & Serve:
- Place truffles on a parchment-lined plate and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes until firm.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, add ½ tsp lemon extract to the dough.
- Make it vegan: Use dairy-free butter.
- Alternative coating: Instead of granulated sugar, roll in powdered sugar or white chocolate shavings.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- chill time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, No-Bake Treats
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
