If you’re a fan of lemon desserts, this Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf will quickly become one of your go-to recipes. This homemade version is everything you love about the Starbucks classic—moist, buttery, and packed with refreshing lemon flavor. What’s more, it’s topped with a sweet lemon glaze that makes each bite irresistible. Whether you’re craving a quick breakfast, a sweet snack, or a delicious dessert, this lemon loaf is sure to impress.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf
This Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf isn’t just about flavor; it’s a perfect combination of ease and taste. It’s quick to make, family-friendly, and offers a light yet rich texture that will make it the star of any meal. Unlike the store-bought version, this loaf is homemade with fresh ingredients, giving you control over its sweetness and moisture. Plus, it’s a fun way to bring a piece of Starbucks into your own kitchen!
Ingredients for the Perfect Lemon Loaf
Before you start baking, gather the following ingredients:
• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the loaf and gives it structure.
• Baking powder & baking soda: Ensures the loaf rises perfectly.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and moisture.
• Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and lightness without making the loaf greasy.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf and helps create a golden brown crust.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, warm flavor.
• Lemon extract: Intensifies the lemon flavor, making it more vibrant.
• Lemon zest: Infuses the loaf with fresh lemon oils for a zesty punch.
• Lemon juice: Gives the loaf that bright, fresh citrus tang.
• Sour cream: Keeps the loaf moist and tender, preventing dryness.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have available:
- Sour cream can be replaced with buttermilk for a tangy twist.
- Vegetable oil can be swapped with melted coconut oil for a hint of tropical flavor.
- If you don’t have lemon extract, simply add more lemon zest and juice to enhance the citrus flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your own Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the sugar and eggs: In a large mixing bowl, beat the granulated sugar and eggs for 2 minutes using an electric mixer. This helps incorporate air for a fluffy texture.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the melted butter, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, lemon extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate sour cream: Add the sour cream and stir until smooth.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil and continue baking.
- Cool and glaze: Let the loaf cool completely before making the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled loaf.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Lemon Loaf
- Check doneness: Always test the loaf with a toothpick to ensure it’s fully baked. The top should be firm to the touch.
- Avoid overmixing: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined to ensure a tender loaf.
- Adjust the glaze: Depending on your preferences, add more powdered sugar to thicken the glaze, or more milk to thin it out. Adjust until you reach your desired consistency.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it the perfect treat for brunch or afternoon tea. If you’re feeling adventurous, try variations such as adding blueberries for a lemon-blueberry loaf or incorporating poppy seeds for a crunchy texture. This loaf can be served with a light dusting of powdered sugar or topped with fresh berries for an extra burst of flavor.
Storing and Freezing
Store your leftover Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you need to keep it longer, freeze individual slices by placing them on a sheet pan to freeze for 2-3 hours. Once frozen, wrap each slice in plastic wrap and foil before storing in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months.
Whether you bake it for a weekend brunch or enjoy a slice as a snack, this Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf brings all the bright, zesty flavors you love about the famous Starbucks treat straight to your kitchen. Enjoy the sunshine in every bite!
Conclusion: Why This Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf Is a Must-Bake
In conclusion, this Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf delivers all the tangy, buttery goodness that you love from the famous Starbucks treat but in the comfort of your own home. With its perfect balance of sweetness and zesty lemon flavor, it’s bound to become your new favorite dessert or snack. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, this loaf is the perfect combination of moist, flavorful, and easy-to-make. Give it a try, and savor every delightful bite of this homemade lemon loaf!
FAQ
1. Can I use lemon juice instead of lemon extract for the glaze?
Yes, you can substitute lemon extract with additional lemon juice in the glaze. However, the lemon extract enhances the flavor, making it a little more concentrated and closer to the Starbucks version.
2. How do I store the Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf?
Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you’d like to store it longer, freeze individual slices. Just wrap them in plastic wrap and foil and keep them in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend is suitable for baking, and make sure to check the consistency of the batter, as it may require slight adjustments.
More Relevant Recipes
Print
Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf Recipe: A Zesty, Homemade Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 10-12 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf is a moist, buttery, and zesty dessert bursting with bright lemon flavor, topped with a sweet lemon glaze. It’s the perfect homemade version of the famous Starbucks treat, ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and at room temperature
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for glaze)
- 1–2 tablespoons cream or milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat granulated sugar and eggs for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add melted butter, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, lemon extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until well incorporated.
- Stir in sour cream until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, tent with foil.
- Allow the loaf to cool completely. Prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and cream or milk until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf and serve.
Notes
- Make sure to check the loaf for doneness by inserting a toothpick. The top should feel firm to the touch.
- Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more powdered sugar or milk as needed.
- Store leftover loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days or freeze individual slices for up to 6 months.
- If you prefer a tangier loaf, add more lemon juice or lemon zest.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 398
- Sugar: 41g
- Sodium: 139mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 101mg
