There’s something magical about a slice of lemon loaf—the bright, zesty citrus, the moist, buttery cake, and that sweet, tangy glaze drizzled on top. If you’ve ever grabbed a slice of Starbucks’ famous lemon loaf with your coffee and thought, “I wish I could make this at home,” then trust me, you’re in for a treat!

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This homemade version is just as soft, flavorful, and bakery-worthy as the original—but even better because you made it yourself. It’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even dessert. Plus, the fresh lemon aroma that fills your kitchen while baking? Absolutely irresistible.

Let’s dive in and make this citrusy delight together!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Loaf

This recipe isn’t just about baking—it’s about creating a moment of pure joy. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of tea, serving it at brunch, or treating yourself after a long day, this lemon loaf is guaranteed to hit the spot.

Moist and Buttery: Each bite is soft, tender, and packed with rich, buttery goodness.
Bright and Citrusy: Made with real lemon juice and zest for a fresh, vibrant flavor.
Starbucks Copycat Perfection: It tastes just like the one from the café—maybe even better!
Easy to Make: No complicated steps—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
Great for Any Occasion: A simple treat for yourself or a stunning addition to a brunch spread.

Ingredients in Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf

This lemon loaf comes together with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, but the result is bakery-level perfection!

Flour: The base for a soft, structured loaf.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps keep the loaf moist.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Ensures a perfectly fluffy texture.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
Butter: Gives the loaf its rich, buttery taste.
Eggs: Provides structure and makes the loaf tender.
Lemon Juice & Zest: The real stars, bringing fresh citrus flavor.
Sour Cream: Keeps the loaf ultra-moist and soft.
Vanilla & Lemon Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
Powdered Sugar & Milk (for the glaze): Creates that signature sweet, tangy topping.

(Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below!)

Instructions

Let’s break it down into simple, foolproof steps:

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key to getting that perfect, tender crumb.
Add the Eggs and Flavorings: Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the lemon juice, zest, vanilla, and lemon extract for that signature citrus burst.
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Alternate adding the flour mixture and sour cream, mixing just until combined. This keeps the batter smooth and prevents overmixing.
Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool Before Glazing: Let the loaf cool completely before drizzling on that dreamy lemon glaze.
Prepare the Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled loaf.
Slice and Enjoy: Cut into thick slices and savor every bite!

How to Serve Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf

This lemon loaf is delicious on its own, but here are some fun ways to enjoy it:

With Coffee or Tea: A perfect pairing for your morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
With Fresh Berries: Serve with strawberries or blueberries for extra freshness.
Toasted with Butter: Try warming up a slice and spreading a little butter on top—trust me, it’s amazing!
As a Dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Additional Tips

Don’t Overmix: Stir just until the ingredients come together—overmixing can make the loaf dense.
Use Fresh Lemons: Bottled juice won’t give the same bright flavor.
Cool Before Glazing: If the loaf is too warm, the glaze will melt right off.
Store It Right: Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
A1: Yes! Greek yogurt works great as a substitute and keeps the loaf just as moist.

Q2: Can I freeze this lemon loaf?
A2: Absolutely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q3: What if I don’t have lemon extract?
A3: You can skip it or add extra lemon zest for more natural lemon flavor.

Q4: How do I get my glaze thicker?
A4: Add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Q5: Can I make this in a muffin tin?
A5: Yes! Adjust the baking time to about 18–22 minutes for lemon loaf muffins.

Q6: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A6: Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

Q7: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A7: Fresh lemon juice is best, but in a pinch, bottled will work—just expect a slight difference in flavor.

Q8: My loaf sank in the middle—what happened?
A8: This could be from overmixing, underbaking, or opening the oven door too soon. Make sure to bake until fully set.

Q9: Can I make this gluten-free?
A9: Yes! Use a good-quality gluten-free flour blend, but expect a slightly different texture.

Q10: How do I make the glaze extra lemony?
A10: Use more lemon juice instead of milk in the glaze for a stronger citrus kick.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—your own homemade Starbucks-style lemon loaf! It’s bright, buttery, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, making every bite pure joy. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, dessert, or an afternoon treat, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf

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Author: Maria
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf is ultra-moist, soft, and bursting with zesty lemon flavor. Topped with a rich vanilla lemon glaze, this homemade version of the coffee shop favorite is even better than the original. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat!

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a stand mixer, beat sugar and eggs on medium speed until light and fluffy.
Add oil, vanilla extract, lemon extract, lemon zest, lemon juice, and sour cream. Mix until just combined.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Mix until just incorporated.
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely in the pan.
For the icing, whisk together icing sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, lemon extract, and heavy cream. Adjust the cream to reach the desired consistency.
Drizzle icing over the cooled loaf and spread evenly. Garnish with extra lemon zest if desired. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

For extra moisture, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
Let the loaf cool completely before adding icing to prevent melting.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 loaf)
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 55mg