Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf is moist, buttery, and bursting with bright lemon flavor—just like the one from your favorite coffee shop! Topped with a sweet, tangy lemon glaze, this homemade version is even better than the original and made with real ingredients.

✔ Super Moist & Soft: The perfect balance of light and dense for a tender crumb.
✔ Packed with Lemon Flavor: Made with fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright citrusy kick.
✔ Easy to Make: A simple one-bowl recipe that’s great for beginners.
✔ Perfect for Breakfast or Dessert: Enjoy it with coffee, tea, or as an afternoon snack.

Ingredients

For 1 loaf (8-10 slices), you’ll need:

For the Lemon Loaf:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon lemon extract (optional, but enhances the lemon flavor)

For the Lemon Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra zing)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

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

Step 2: Make the Lemon Loaf Batter

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, melted butter, sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and lemon extract.
Combine Everything: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined (don’t overmix).

Step 3: Bake the Loaf

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf, letting it set before slicing.

Nutrition Information (Per Slice)

(Approximate values based on ingredients used.)

Calories: 280
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Sugar: 25g

Tips & Tricks for the Best Lemon Loaf

✔ Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor—avoid bottled juice.
✔ Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined to keep the loaf soft and tender.
✔ For Extra Moisture: Brush the warm loaf with lemon simple syrup (equal parts sugar and lemon juice) before glazing.
✔ Storage: Store at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. It also freezes well for up to 2 months!
✔ Want a Starbucks Look? Double the glaze for an extra-thick layer like the coffee shop version.