Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf

This Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf is the perfect blend of tangy and sweet. If you’re a fan of the lemon loaf from Starbucks, you’re going to love this homemade version. It’s moist, flavorful, and has a refreshing citrus kick that makes it the perfect treat for any time of the day. Whether you’re baking it for a weekend brunch, an afternoon snack, or even as a gift for a friend, this lemon loaf is sure to impress.

The combination of fresh lemon juice and lemon zest adds a zesty, aromatic flavor to the loaf, while the sour cream or Greek yogurt ensures the cake is wonderfully moist. The addition of a lemon glaze makes it even more irresistible, giving each bite a burst of sweetness and a perfect finishing touch. This recipe is simple to follow and requires only a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen.

When baking this loaf, it’s essential to make sure not to overmix the batter. Gentle stirring helps to maintain the tender crumb, ensuring a light and airy texture. Plus, the glaze on top adds a beautiful shine, making it not only delicious but also visually stunning. If you’ve ever wondered how to recreate that delightful Starbucks lemon loaf at home, this recipe is the answer.

Trust me, once you try this recipe, you won’t need to visit Starbucks for lemon loaf again. It’s that good!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 3 large eggs

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tbsp lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp lemon extract

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 tsp lemon zest (optional, for garnish)

How to Bake the Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper. This ensures the loaf won’t stick, and cleanup will be a breeze.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this bowl aside. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour, ensuring a uniform rise in the loaf.

3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), vegetable oil, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. The fat from the oil and butter will help create a moist crumb, while the sour cream or yogurt adds a rich, creamy texture.

4. Add Lemon Flavor: Stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon extract into the wet ingredients. This will infuse the batter with a bright, tangy lemon flavor that makes the loaf so deliciously refreshing.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Stir until just combined to avoid a dense loaf. The batter should be thick but smooth.

6. Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top of the batter so it’s even. Bake the loaf for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Oven temperatures can vary, so check the loaf around 45 minutes to ensure it doesn’t overbake.

7. Cool the Loaf: Once baked, let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step allows the loaf to set, ensuring a perfect texture when sliced.

8. Make the Lemon Glaze: While the loaf is cooling, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice in a small bowl. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice if needed. The glaze should be smooth and pourable but not too runny.

9. Glaze and Garnish: Once the loaf has cooled completely, drizzle the lemon glaze generously over the top. If you like, sprinkle a little extra lemon zest on top for added flavor and a touch of visual appeal. The glaze will add a sweet, tangy finish to each bite.

Once finished, slice and serve this refreshing, homemade Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf. Enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee for the perfect treat!

How Long to Bake the Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf:

The baking time for this Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf is around 45 to 50 minutes. However, baking times may vary depending on your oven, so it’s always best to check for doneness. A simple way to test if the loaf is done is by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the loaf is ready. If it comes out with batter on it, give it a few more minutes and test again.

How to Store Leftovers:

If you happen to have leftovers (which might be rare because this lemon loaf is so delicious), storing them properly will help maintain its freshness. Allow the loaf to cool completely before storing. You can store the loaf at room temperature for 2-3 days in an airtight container. To preserve the flavor and texture, you can also wrap the loaf in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in the container.

For longer storage, you can refrigerate the loaf. It will stay fresh for up to a week when stored in the fridge. To prevent the glaze from becoming soggy, it’s best to store the loaf without the glaze and add it just before serving.

Tips for Perfect Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf:

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, make sure your ingredients are fresh. Fresh lemons for the zest and juice will add a much more vibrant flavor compared to bottled lemon juice.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: It’s important not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to the wet. Overmixing can result in a dense, heavy loaf. Stir just until combined for a light and tender texture.

3. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and melted butter are at room temperature before mixing them. This helps to create a smooth and well-combined batter without clumps of cold ingredients.

4. Check for Doneness Early: Ovens can vary in temperature, so start checking for doneness at around the 45-minute mark. If the loaf is browning too quickly on top, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent overbaking.

5. Add a Little Extra Zest: If you’re a fan of strong lemon flavor, feel free to add a bit more lemon zest to the batter. This extra zest will amplify the lemony notes in the loaf.

6. Add a Crunchy Topping: For an extra touch of texture, consider topping the loaf with a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, before baking. This adds a delightful crunch that complements the soft, moist cake.

Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf

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• Author: Lena Meeli
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x

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Description

These Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf are a simple yet sophisticated treat perfect for any occasion. Fresh, tangy lemon combined with a rich, moist crumb make this loaf the ultimate dessert or snack. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it as a personal indulgence, this lemon loaf is sure to satisfy your cravings. The glaze adds a sweet finish, making each bite irresistible!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 3 large eggs

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tbsp lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp lemon extract

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 tsp lemon zest (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

• In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), vegetable oil, and melted butter until smooth.

• Stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon extract.

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

• Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

• Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

• For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice. Drizzle over the cooled loaf.

• Garnish with extra lemon zest if desired. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

• For a crunchier texture, add chopped walnuts or almonds before baking.

• This loaf can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge. Reheat if desired.

• You can substitute the feta cheese in other recipes with blue cheese for a stronger flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the texture of the loaf may change. Whole wheat flour is denser, so the loaf might not rise as high or be as light. To achieve a fluffier texture, you can use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour in a 1:1 ratio.

2. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream? Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and will add a similar tangy flavor. It also helps to make the loaf extra moist. Just make sure to use plain Greek yogurt, as flavored varieties might alter the taste of the loaf.

3. Can I freeze this lemon loaf? Yes, this lemon loaf freezes beautifully. To freeze, allow the loaf to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw at room temperature, then add the glaze before serving.

4. Can I add other fruits or ingredients to this lemon loaf? You can definitely customize this loaf with other ingredients. Fresh berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, can be folded into the batter for an extra burst of flavor. You can also add a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for some crunch. Just make sure to adjust the baking time slightly if you add additional ingredients.