Description
Moist, buttery, and bursting with bright lemon flavor, this Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf tastes just like the café favorite—maybe even better! With a tender crumb, a rich lemon glaze, and an irresistible citrusy aroma, this easy homemade loaf is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat with coffee or tea.
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Ingredients
For the Lemon Loaf:
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1½ cups all-purpose flour
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½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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¼ tsp salt
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3 large eggs
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1 cup granulated sugar
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½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
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½ cup vegetable oil
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2 tbsp lemon zest (about 2 large lemons)
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2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ tsp lemon extract (optional but highly recommended)
For the Lemon Glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Optional Add-ins:
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1 tbsp poppy seeds for texture
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Extra lemon zest sprinkled on top for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until thick and pale, about 1–2 minutes.
Add sour cream, vegetable oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon extract if using.
Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula.
Mix until just combined—don’t overmix to keep the loaf tender.
Step 5: Bake the Loaf
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift it out and cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 6: Make the Lemon Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar and lemon juice together until smooth.
Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or more lemon juice to thin.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
Once the loaf is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top.
Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use Fresh Lemons – Fresh juice and zest make all the difference in flavor.
Don’t Overmix – Stir just until the flour disappears to keep the loaf light and tender.
Cool Before Glazing – Prevents the glaze from melting into the loaf.
Use Lemon Extract – Optional, but adds that signature punch of lemon flavor.
Line the Pan – Makes removing the loaf so much easier!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Cuisine: American / Bakery-Style