Make your own Starbucks-style Lemon Loaf at home with this easy and delicious recipe. It’s moist, tangy, and topped with a sweet lemon glaze.
Introduction
If you’ve ever tried Starbucks’ famous Lemon Loaf, you know it’s the perfect blend of tangy lemon flavor and sweet, moist cake. With its soft texture and zingy lemon glaze, it’s the ultimate treat to pair with a cup of coffee or tea. But what if you could recreate this beloved bakery item at home? This copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf recipe lets you do just that!
Whether you’re serving it for a weekend brunch, packing it for lunch, or enjoying it as an afternoon snack, this Lemon Loaf is sure to brighten your day. The recipe delivers a moist, dense crumb, bursting with citrusy lemon flavor that’s balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. The lemon glaze on top adds a refreshing pop of flavor, making each slice as delightful as the last. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients, so you can enjoy this café favorite anytime from the comfort of your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Lemon Loaf:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, sour cream, and vegetable oil until smooth and well combined. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, and mix until incorporated.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake the loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the loaf with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Cool the loaf: Let the Lemon Loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the glaze: While the loaf is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice (and zest, if using) in a small bowl until smooth.
- Glaze the loaf: Once the loaf is completely cooled, pour the lemon glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.
How to Prepare
This recipe comes together quickly with basic ingredients you likely already have at home. The key to achieving that perfect moist texture and tangy flavor is using fresh lemon juice and zest. The loaf itself is a one-bowl wonder—simply mix the wet and dry ingredients, pour into a pan, and bake. Once it’s cooled, the lemon glaze adds an extra burst of citrusy sweetness. It’s a simple yet impressive dessert that’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for gatherings.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 50-55 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings
This recipe yields 8-10 slices, depending on how thickly you slice the loaf.
FAQs
- Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes! Greek yogurt works just as well and adds a similar tangy richness to the loaf. - How should I store the Lemon Loaf?
Store the Lemon Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the loaf for up to 2 months. - Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious. - What can I use if I don’t have fresh lemons?
While fresh lemons give the best flavor, you can substitute with bottled lemon juice in a pinch. However, try to include fresh lemon zest for that extra burst of citrus flavor. - Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! If you need a larger loaf or want to make two, simply double the ingredients and divide the batter between two loaf pans. Be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Conclusion
This Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf is the perfect way to bring the refreshing flavors of your favorite café treat into your home. With its bright, citrusy lemon flavor, soft texture, and sweet glaze, this loaf is the ideal dessert for lemon lovers. It’s easy to make and perfect for serving with a cup of tea or coffee. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to satisfy a craving, this homemade version is sure to impress and delight. Plus, once you taste it fresh out of the oven, you might never go back to the store-bought version again!
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