why make this recipe
If you love the refreshing zing of lemon desserts, then this Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf is perfect for you. It’s light, fluffy, and bursting with lemon flavor. This loaf replicates that delightful Starbucks treat you enjoy with your coffee. Making it at home means you can savor it anytime and share it with family and friends. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make!
how to make Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf
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)
Directions
Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, sour cream, oil, and melted butter until smooth. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon extract.
Combine the Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Bake the Loaf:
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.
Make the Lemon Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed.
Glaze and Serve:
Once the loaf is completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. Garnish with lemon zest if desired. Slice and enjoy!
how to serve Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf
Serve this delicious lemon loaf as a snack or a sweet treat. It goes perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve it as a light dessert after a meal. Feel free to top it with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch.
how to store Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf
To keep your lemon loaf fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze slices for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn.
tips to make Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the loaf light and fluffy.
- If you want a stronger lemon flavor, you can add more lemon zest or a bit more lemon juice.
- Let the loaf cool completely before adding the glaze for the best results.
variation
You can experiment with different flavors by adding poppy seeds for a lemon-poppy seed loaf or adding blueberries for a fruity twist. Adjust the glaze by incorporating different citrus juices like lime or orange for variety.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A1: Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser. Consider mixing it with some all-purpose flour for a lighter loaf.
Q2: Is it okay to use bottled lemon juice?
A2: While fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but the taste may not be as vibrant.
Q3: How can I make this loaf dairy-free?
A3: You can replace sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt and use a dairy-free butter substitute.
Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf
A light, fluffy lemon loaf that replicates the delicious treat from Starbucks, perfect for anytime enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Whisk together the eggs, sugar, sour cream, oil, and melted butter until smooth in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- 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.
- Whisk together the powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed.
- Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled loaf and garnish with lemon zest if desired. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
For best flavor, use fresh lemons and avoid overmixing the batter. Let the loaf cool completely before adding the glaze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: lemon loaf, dessert, Starbucks copycat, baking, sweet treat
