Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf is a delightful treat that has captured the hearts of many. This moist, bright loaf is bursting with real lemon flavor, making it a perfect companion for your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Made with fresh lemon juice and zest, this soft citrus loaf is topped with a thick, glossy glaze that gives it that classic café-style finish. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply want to indulge in a tasty dessert, this loaf is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf
This recipe for Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf is not just any lemon cake; it’s a thrilling experience for your taste buds. Here are several reasons why you’ll adore this loaf:
- Absolutely bursting with citrus flavor.
- Incredibly moist texture that melts in your mouth.
- Simple ingredients that are easy to find, making it an easy lemon loaf copycat recipe.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet afternoon snack.
- Can be served with a delicious lemon loaf recipe with icing for that extra touch.
- Adaptable to various dietary preferences, as it’s vegetarian.
Ingredients for Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf
Gather these items:
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/3 cup (80ml) fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/2 cup (120g) plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
How to Make Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
- Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat eggs and sugar until slightly thickened. Add oil, melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, yogurt, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Step 4: Gradually add dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Step 5: Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 6: Let loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
- Step 7: Whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth. Pour over cooled loaf and allow glaze to set before slicing.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf
Keep these in mind:
- Store leftover lemon loaf in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice in the glaze to your taste.
- Consider adding poppy seeds for a delightful crunch.
Best Ways to Serve Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf
This loaf pairs beautifully with:
- A cup of your favorite coffee or tea.
- Fresh berries on the side for a burst of flavor.
- A dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.
How to Store and Reheat Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf
To keep your loaf fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. For meal prep, you can slice the loaf and freeze individual pieces to enjoy later. Simply thaw and enjoy at room temperature or warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf
What’s the secret to perfect Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf?
The secret lies in using fresh lemon juice and zest. This enhances the flavor and aroma, making your loaf taste just like the original from Starbucks.
Can I make Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake this loaf ahead of time. It stores well in an airtight container for up to three days, or you can freeze it for longer storage.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf?
To avoid common mistakes, be careful not to overmix your batter, as this can lead to a dense loaf. Also, ensure your oven is properly preheated for even baking.
Variations of Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf You Can Try
Switch things up with these delightful variations:
- Add blueberries for a fruity twist.
- Incorporate a cream cheese glaze for a rich finish.
- Try a gluten-free version using almond flour.
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Irresistible Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf is moist, bright, and bursting with real lemon flavor. Made with fresh lemon juice and zest, this soft citrus loaf is topped with a thick, glossy glaze for that classic café-style finish. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an easy lemon dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/3 cup (80ml) fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/2 cup (120g) plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs and sugar until slightly thickened. Add oil, melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, yogurt, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
- Whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth. Pour over cooled loaf and allow glaze to set before slicing.
Notes
- Store leftover lemon loaf in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice in the glaze to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg