If you love the zesty, sweet, and perfectly moist Lemon Loaf from Starbucks, you’re going to adore this easy-to-make copycat recipe! With its soft, fluffy texture and the right balance of lemony sweetness, this homemade version rivals the beloved treat you can grab at your local coffee shop. The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest makes this loaf burst with citrus flavor, while the rich glaze on top adds that perfect finishing touch. Best of all, you can enjoy this lemon loaf from the comfort of your home, and it’s surprisingly simple to make with just a few ingredients.

This Lemon Loaf is the perfect companion to your afternoon tea or coffee. Whether you’re enjoying a slice for breakfast or as a mid-day snack, this treat is sure to brighten your day. The moist crumb, along with the sweet-tart lemon glaze, makes every bite irresistibly delicious. So why wait in line when you can easily bake this at home? With just a handful of ingredients, you can create this lemony goodness yourself in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf is a great homemade version of the popular store-bought treat. It’s a delightful combination of tangy lemon and sweet cake, made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The lemon glaze perfectly complements the loaf’s rich flavor, creating the ultimate dessert for lemon lovers. The loaf is light yet moist, with a texture that’s soft but not overly dense, making it ideal for snacking or serving with tea. It’s simple to prepare, bakes in just over an hour, and has the same delicious flavor as the famous Starbucks version. If you love lemony desserts, this recipe will quickly become a go-to for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Lemon Loaf:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Eggs
Granulated sugar
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Vegetable oil
Unsalted butter (melted)
Lemon zest
Fresh lemon juice
Vanilla extract
Lemon extract

For the Lemon Glaze:

Powdered sugar
Fresh lemon juice
Lemon zest (optional, for garnish)

Variations

Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this loaf gluten-free. Be sure to check that your baking powder and soda are also gluten-free.
Dairy-Free Version: Swap the sour cream for a dairy-free yogurt, and use a plant-based butter and oil substitute to make this loaf completely dairy-free.
Coconut Flavor: Add a tablespoon of shredded coconut to the batter for an extra tropical twist to your lemon loaf.
Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf: Incorporate 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds into the batter for a classic lemon-poppy seed flavor combination.
Blueberry Lemon Loaf: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter to make a blueberry lemon loaf that’s packed with fruit.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

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

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until smooth and well combined. Add the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), vegetable oil, melted butter, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon extract. Mix everything until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to avoid a dense loaf.

Step 5: Bake the Lemon Loaf

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.

Step 6: Make the Lemon Glaze

While the loaf is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice to create the glaze. If you want a thicker glaze, add less lemon juice; for a thinner glaze, add more. Optional: Add lemon zest to the glaze for added flavor and garnish.

Step 7: Glaze the Loaf

Once the lemon loaf has cooled to room temperature, drizzle the glaze over the top. You can garnish with extra lemon zest if desired.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade Starbucks-style Lemon Loaf with a cup of coffee or tea!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Avoid Overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a tough loaf.
Don’t Skip the Zest: Lemon zest is essential in this recipe for that intense lemon flavor. Be sure to use fresh lemons for the zest to get the best taste.
Check for Doneness: All ovens are different, so start checking for doneness at around 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready to come out of the oven.
Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your eggs and sour cream (or yogurt) are at room temperature before mixing them into the batter.
Let the Loaf Cool Before Glazing: Allow the loaf to cool slightly before glazing, as it will help the glaze set properly.

How to Serve

This Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a quick breakfast, a sweet afternoon snack, or a dessert after dinner. Serve it as a treat alongside a cup of coffee, tea, or lemonade. For an extra indulgence, top it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also pack slices in lunchboxes or serve it at parties for a refreshing citrusy option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover lemon loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It also keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days if you prefer a slightly firmer texture.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cooled lemon loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature, then glaze and serve.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the loaf warm, simply heat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a toaster oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be substituted for sour cream in this recipe for a similar texture and tanginess.

2. Can I make this loaf without lemon extract?

If you don’t have lemon extract, you can simply add a bit more fresh lemon zest or juice to increase the lemon flavor.

3. Can I use a different type of oil in this recipe?

Vegetable oil works best for a neutral flavor, but you can substitute with canola oil or another mild oil if preferred.

4. How can I tell if my lemon loaf is done baking?

To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your loaf is done.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Make sure to check the other ingredients for gluten as well.

6. Can I add a different glaze flavor?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different glazes such as vanilla, cream cheese, or even a berry glaze to complement the lemon loaf.

7. Can I use a bundt pan instead of a loaf pan?

Yes, you can use a bundt pan for this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the baking time, as it may take slightly longer to cook through.

8. How long does this lemon loaf stay fresh?

This lemon loaf stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature and up to 5 days in the fridge.

9. Can I freeze this lemon loaf?

Yes, you can freeze this loaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

10. Can I make mini lemon loaves instead of one large loaf?

Yes, you can use mini loaf pans to make individual servings. Be sure to reduce the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

This Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf is the ultimate homemade version of the iconic coffee shop treat, and it’s easy to make with simple ingredients. Perfectly moist and bursting with lemon flavor, topped with a sweet and tangy glaze, this loaf will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this lemon loaf is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Enjoy it with your favorite beverage, and get ready to impress with this delicious, homemade dessert!