Best Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf Recipe to Make at Home

Craving a slice of that sweet, zesty treat without the coffee shop price tag? This copycat Starbucks lemon loaf brings the beloved bakery favorite straight to your kitchen, bursting with citrusy flavor and topped with a luscious lemon glaze. Trust us — once you try this homemade version, you might never look back. Curious how it’s done? Read on and discover the simple magic behind the loaf everyone loves.

Ingredients

• 1 and 1 half cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Half teaspoon baking soda
• Half teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• Half cup sour cream
• Half cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• For the glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Equipment

• 9×5 inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack
• Zester or grater
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper if you prefer quick cleanup.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures everything is evenly distributed for a fluffy loaf.
3. Beat the eggs and sugar. In a large mixing bowl, use your hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the eggs and sugar on high speed for 2 full minutes until noticeably lighter in color. This traps air and creates a tender crumb.
4. Add the wet ingredients. Mix in sour cream, oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. The sour cream keeps the loaf moist while the zest provides bright citrus flavor that infuses every bite.
5. Combine wet and dry. Slowly add the flour mixture and stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the loaf dense instead of tender.
6. Pour and smooth. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to level the top. This helps the loaf bake evenly.
7. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes. Check with a toothpick—it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs. Ovens vary, so set a timer for 45 minutes and check every few minutes after that.
8. Cool gently. Let the baked loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This keeps it from breaking apart.
9. Make the glaze. While the loaf cools, whisk powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth and pourable but not runny. Add more sugar for a thicker glaze or more juice to thin it out.
10. Glaze and enjoy. Once the loaf is completely cool, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Let it set for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition per serving

For deepest lemon flavor, use freshly grated lemon zest and juice—store-bought juice just does not compare. Let your loaf cool fully before adding glaze or slicing for best texture and presentation.

FAQ

Description

If you have ever strolled into Starbucks and treated yourself to a slice of their iconic lemon loaf, you know the soft, perfectly moist texture and zesty lemon flavor that dances on your tongue. Imagine that same delightful experience, but fresh out of your oven, with an aroma that fills the kitchen like sunshine in a pan. This copycat Starbucks lemon loaf brings all the citrusy brightness and buttery richness of the original right to your home, with no line and no overpriced coffee required.

Each slice of this lemon loaf is tender and dense, yet light enough to feel like a treat rather than a guilty pleasure. The vibrant lemon glaze that drapes over the top adds just the right citrus punch and sweetness, soaking ever so slightly into the cake to form the most heavenly first bite. It is something between pound cake and muffin, with texture that whispers sweet comfort and lemon zest that sings of spring mornings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You will love this homemade lemon loaf for its simplicity and versatility. All it takes are pantry basics and a few fresh lemons to create a bakery-style treat that could rival any morning pastry case. Whether you serve it with your morning coffee or offer it as a standout dessert at brunch, it always shines.

This recipe is also wonderfully flexible. It can be prepped a day ahead, freezes well for future snacks, and is easy to adjust depending on your preference for tanginess or sweetness. No special ingredients or techniques needed—just pure, lemony comfort in every bite.

Serving and Storage Tips

After baking, let the loaf cool completely before slicing or glazing. Store slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the loaf and bring it to room temperature before serving.

To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge or microwave gently for a quick treat. You can also prep the batter ahead and refrigerate it overnight before baking the next morning—just be sure to bring it to room temperature before placing it in the oven.

Course, Cuisine

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