Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf

If you’re a fan of the refreshing and delicious Starbucks Lemon Loaf, you’re going to love this homemade version! This Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf is incredibly easy to make and packed with the same bright, citrusy flavor you crave from the café version. With a perfectly moist crumb, a zesty lemon punch, and a sweet glaze on top, this loaf is a perfect treat for any occasion—whether you’re enjoying a quiet afternoon or serving it up for guests.

The combination of sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and vegetable oil makes this loaf super moist, while the lemon zest and juice add that irresistible citrus flavor. The lemon glaze drizzled on top gives it a sweet, tangy finish that makes every bite a little bit more special. Plus, it’s so easy to make at home, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t try it sooner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Moist and Fluffy

The combination of sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and oil ensures the loaf is perfectly moist without being greasy.

2. Zesty Lemon Flavor

The fresh lemon zest and juice give this loaf an intense, bright lemon flavor that is both refreshing and satisfying.

3. Perfectly Sweet Glaze

The lemon glaze adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the tartness of the lemon, enhancing the loaf’s flavor without overpowering it.

4. Simple Ingredients

This recipe uses pantry staples, meaning you likely already have most of the ingredients on hand, making it easy to whip up whenever you have a craving.

5. Starbucks Copycat

If you love the Starbucks Lemon Loaf, this homemade version is even better—plus, you can make it at home whenever you want!

Ingredients

For the Lemon Loaf:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Large eggs
• Granulated sugar
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Vegetable oil
• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
• Fresh lemon juice
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon extract

For the Lemon Glaze:

• Powdered sugar
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest (optional, for garnish)

Variations

• Blueberry Lemon Loaf: Add 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a fruity twist on the classic lemon loaf.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this loaf gluten-free.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf: Add 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter for a fun texture and flavor variation.
• Coconut Lemon Loaf: Add 1/4 cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical flavor twist.
• Lemon and Raspberry Loaf: Mix in 1/2 cup of fresh raspberries to complement the lemon with a berry twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), vegetable oil, melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon extract. Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the loaf dense.

Step 5: Bake the Loaf

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. If the loaf is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.

Step 6: Cool the Loaf

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

Step 7: Make the Lemon Glaze

While the loaf is cooling, make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. If you want a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar, or if you prefer a thinner glaze, add a little more lemon juice.

Step 8: Glaze the Loaf

Once the loaf is completely cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. If you’d like, garnish with additional lemon zest for extra flair.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Check the Loaf Early: Since ovens vary, start checking for doneness at the 50-minute mark. The loaf is done when a toothpick comes out clean, and the top is golden brown.
• Let it Cool Completely: Let the loaf cool completely before glazing, as this prevents the glaze from melting into the cake.
• Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon zest and juice provide the best flavor and make the loaf truly stand out.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.
• Adjust the Glaze Thickness: If you prefer a thicker glaze, use less lemon juice, or add more powdered sugar to get the consistency you desire.

How to Serve

This Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or lemonade. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack. You can also serve it as a dessert, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Store the leftover loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a humid environment, you can refrigerate it to keep it fresher longer.

Freezing:

You can freeze the lemon loaf either whole or in slices. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or store it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating:

To reheat slices, pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and will add a slight tang to the loaf.

2. Can I use lemon juice from a bottle instead of fresh lemons?

Fresh lemon juice is always the best choice for flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

3. Can I make this loaf ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the loaf a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

4. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, the glaze can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Let it come to room temperature before drizzling over the loaf.

5. Can I add poppy seeds to this loaf?

Yes, adding poppy seeds would be a lovely touch! About 1-2 tablespoons should work well.

6. Can I make this loaf gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and make sure your baking powder and soda are gluten-free.

7. How do I know when the loaf is done baking?

The loaf is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

8. How do I prevent the glaze from soaking into the loaf?

Make sure the loaf is completely cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting into the bread.

9. Can I add berries to the loaf?

Yes! Blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries would pair wonderfully with the lemon flavor. Add about 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen berries to the batter.

10. Can I use a bundt pan instead of a loaf pan?

Yes, you can use a bundt pan, but adjust the baking time as it may require more or less time depending on the size and shape of the pan.

Conclusion

This Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf is the perfect homemade treat that rivals the café version. With its moist crumb, fresh lemon flavor, and sweet glaze, it’s a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee or serving it for brunch, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to impress!

Print