Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Starbucks at Home: Skip the line and enjoy the same delicious lemon loaf in the comfort of your own home.
- Budget-Friendly: This recipe makes an entire loaf, saving you money while still providing a delicious dessert.
- Simple and Quick: Easy to follow with minimal ingredients, making it a great choice for beginner bakers.
- Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or glaze to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vegetable oil
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Unsalted butter
- Lemon zest
- Lemon juice
- Vanilla extract
- Lemon extract (optional)
For the glaze:
- Powdered sugar
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest (optional for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, sour cream, oil, and melted butter.
- Add lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon extract (if using). Stir until combined.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing 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 comes out clean.
- Cool the loaf in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled loaf.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- More Lemon Flavor: Add a teaspoon of lemon extract for an extra citrus punch.
- Healthier Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and opt for a natural sweetener like honey.
- Mini Loaves: Split the batter into smaller pans for mini lemon loaves—perfect for gifting.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: Warm a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
1. What makes this recipe taste like Starbucks?
The combination of fresh lemon juice, zest, and a creamy glaze replicates the signature flavor of Starbucks’ Lemon Loaf.
2. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled juice can be used if needed.
3. Can I make this loaf dairy-free?
Yes, substitute sour cream with dairy-free yogurt and use a plant-based milk for the glaze.
4. Why is my loaf dense?
Overmixing the batter or using expired baking powder can result in a dense texture. Be gentle when mixing.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, but adjust the baking time accordingly.
6. How do I zest a lemon?
Use a microplane or box grater to remove only the yellow outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith.
7. Can I add poppy seeds?
Yes, you can stir in poppy seeds for a lemon poppy seed loaf.
8. How do I ensure the glaze is the right consistency?
Add lemon juice to the powdered sugar gradually to achieve your desired consistency.
9. What should I serve with this loaf?
Pair it with coffee, tea, or whipped cream for a delightful treat.
10. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, its sweet and tangy flavor is perfect for kids and adults alike.
Conclusion
This Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf is easy to make, perfectly sweet and tangy, and sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re enjoying it with coffee in the morning or as a dessert, this loaf brings a burst of citrusy goodness to any occasion.
Print
Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf brings the famous zesty, moist goodness of Starbucks’ iconic lemon loaf right into your kitchen. With a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus, this loaf is ideal for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. It’s easy to make and budget-friendly, giving you a delicious treat at home!
Ingredients
For the Loaf:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vegetable oil
- Sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- Unsalted butter (melted)
- Lemon zest
- Lemon juice
- Vanilla extract
- Lemon extract (optional)
For the Glaze:
- Powdered sugar
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, sour cream, oil, and melted butter.
- Add lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon extract (if using). Stir until combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Cool and Glaze
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled loaf and garnish with lemon zest if desired.
Notes
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
- More Lemon Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon lemon extract for an extra citrus punch.
- Healthier Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and opt for a natural sweetener like honey.
- Mini Loaves: Split the batter into smaller pans for mini lemon loaves—perfect for gifting.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: Warm a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
