If you’ve ever enjoyed the tangy, moist, and sweet Lemon Loaf from Starbucks, you’re in for a treat! This Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf recipe allows you to recreate that same citrusy delight at home. Whether for breakfast, a light dessert, or an afternoon snack, this loaf is perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and budget-friendly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Starbucks at Home: Skip the lines and enjoy the same delicious loaf in your kitchen.
- Budget-Friendly: Save money by making an entire loaf instead of buying individual slices.
- Simple to Make: The recipe uses accessible ingredients and easy steps, making it great for bakers of all skill levels.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or glaze to match your personal taste.
Ingredients
- For the Loaf:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vegetable oil
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Vanilla extract
- For the Glaze:
- Powdered sugar
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and eggs, beating until light and creamy.
- Gradually add the oil, sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined—avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf and let it set before slicing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 8-10 slices
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Extra Lemon Flavor: Add a teaspoon of lemon extract for an even more intense citrus punch.
- Healthier Version: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener.
- Mini Loaves: Divide the batter into smaller pans for mini lemon loaves, ideal for gifting.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Keep the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Reheating: For a warm slice, microwave it for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
What makes this recipe taste like Starbucks?
The combination of fresh lemon juice, zest, and the creamy glaze mirrors the signature flavor of Starbucks’ Lemon Loaf.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work if you’re in a pinch.
Can I make this loaf dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the sour cream with dairy-free yogurt and use plant-based milk for the glaze if needed.
Why is my loaf dense?
Overmixing the batter or using expired baking powder can lead to a dense loaf. Be gentle when combining ingredients.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double it and use two loaf pans or one larger pan—just be sure to adjust the baking time.
How do I zest a lemon?
Use a microplane or the finest side of a box grater to remove just the yellow outer layer of the lemon. Avoid the bitter white pith.
Can I add poppy seeds to this recipe?
Yes! Add 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds for a delightful twist, making it a lemon poppy seed loaf.
How do I ensure the glaze isn’t too runny?
Add the lemon juice gradually to the powdered sugar, mixing until you reach your desired glaze consistency.
What can I serve with this lemon loaf?
Pair it with a cup of coffee, tea, or even whipped cream for a delightful treat.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The sweet and tangy flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Conclusion
This Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf recipe brings that beloved coffee shop treat straight to your kitchen. Perfect for a breakfast bite, dessert, or even an afternoon indulgence, this loaf promises the fresh, citrusy goodness you crave. Bake it today and enjoy the delicious flavors of lemon in every bite!
Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf
Ingredients
For the Lemon Loaf:
- 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
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, sour cream, oil, and melted butter until smooth. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake: 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.
- Cool: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the loaf is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. Garnish with lemon zest if desired.
- Slice and Enjoy!
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