If you’re a fan of the iconic Starbucks Lemon Loaf, then you’re in for a treat! This Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf recipe is a perfect homemade version that captures all the tangy sweetness you love, with a moist, fluffy texture. This simple, easy-to-follow recipe will allow you to enjoy a freshly baked loaf that’s just as satisfying as the one from your favorite coffee shop. Whether you’re serving it with your morning coffee or enjoying it as a sweet afternoon snack, this lemon loaf recipe will quickly become a household favorite.
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Why You’ll Love This Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf
This homemade Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf is everything you could want in a dessert: moist, tangy, and packed with a burst of citrus flavor. The best part? It’s super simple to make, so you can skip the line at Starbucks and indulge in a fresh, homemade version anytime. With just a few basic ingredients, you’ll create a treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Easy and Quick to Make
This lemon loaf is quick to prepare, and with a few straightforward steps, you’ll have a fragrant, golden loaf ready to go. It’s ideal for those busy mornings when you crave something delicious to go with your coffee, or for a casual afternoon treat.
Moist and Flavorful
The combination of butter, oil, and sour cream gives this loaf its perfect moist texture. The fresh lemon zest and juice add a citrusy zing that pairs wonderfully with the rich, smooth glaze on top. This loaf is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients for Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf
To make the perfect Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure of the loaf.
- Baking powder: Helps the loaf rise to perfection.
- Baking soda: Balances the acidity of the lemon juice and gives the loaf a soft texture.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the loaf.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the loaf moist and tender.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf to complement the tangy lemon flavor.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor.
- Lemon extract: Intensifies the lemon flavor.
- Lemon zest and lemon juice: The star ingredients that provide that fresh, tangy citrus punch.
- Sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang.
For the Glaze:
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze and helps it set to a smooth finish.
- Lemon juice: Enhances the glaze with a fresh citrus flavor.
- Heavy cream or milk: Gives the glaze a silky, smooth consistency.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need to make adjustments for dietary preferences or availability, here are some swaps you can try:
- Flour: For a healthier option, you can use a combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour. You can also use gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free version.
- Butter: If you’re out of unsalted butter, salted butter works, but reduce the amount of additional salt in the recipe.
- Sour cream: Greek yogurt or buttermilk are great substitutes and will give the loaf a slight tanginess.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf
Follow these easy steps to bake your own Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf at home:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the granulated sugar and eggs using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until well combined.
- Add the melted butter and vegetable oil to the sugar and egg mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until combined.
- Fold in the sour cream using a spatula, ensuring the mixture is smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, a third at a time. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as it could result in a dense loaf.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top of the loaf feels firm to the touch.
- Once baked, let the loaf cool in the pan for 30 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and heavy cream until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or cream as needed.
- Pour the glaze over the cooled loaf, letting it set before slicing and serving.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Lemon Loaf
- Don’t overmix the batter—overmixing can make the loaf dense and tough.
- If the top of the loaf is browning too quickly during baking, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning while it finishes baking.
- Let the loaf cool for at least 30 minutes before glazing to ensure the glaze sets properly.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf is perfect on its own, but you can enhance it with these delicious ideas:
- Fresh Berries: Serve slices of lemon loaf with a side of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for added sweetness and color.
- Whipped Cream or Lemon Curd: Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of lemon curd for a rich, tangy finish.
- Coffee or Tea: This loaf pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making it the perfect snack for any time of day.
- Ice Cream: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
Storing and Freezing Your Lemon Loaf
- Room Temperature: Store the lemon loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, slice the loaf and place the slices on a baking sheet. Freeze for 2-3 hours, then wrap each slice in plastic wrap and foil. Store the wrapped slices in a zip-top bag for up to 6 months.
Final Thoughts
This Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf recipe brings the beloved Starbucks treat right into your home with minimal effort and maximum flavor. With its moist texture, bright lemon flavor, and irresistible glaze, this loaf is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering, a special treat for yourself, or to share with friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf recipe is a simple yet satisfying way to recreate the famous treat in your own kitchen. With its soft, moist texture and fresh, tangy lemon flavor, it’s a perfect choice for any occasion—from cozy afternoons to special celebrations. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of coffee or add some extra toppings for a sweet indulgence, this loaf is sure to delight your taste buds. Give it a try and enjoy the homemade version of your favorite Starbucks snack!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of flour for this Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf?
Yes, you can use different types of flour depending on your dietary needs. If you’re looking for a healthier version, you can try using whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to replace the regular flour.
2. Can I substitute sour cream in this lemon loaf recipe?
Yes, if you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or buttermilk. Both alternatives will still provide the necessary moisture and tanginess, helping the loaf maintain its rich texture.
3. How do I store leftovers of the Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf?
Store leftover lemon loaf at room temperature in an airtight container for up to five days. To preserve its freshness, make sure to wrap it tightly. For longer storage, you can freeze the loaf slices and enjoy them later.
More Relevant Recipes
PrintCopycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf
This Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf recipe is the perfect way to recreate the tangy, moist, and delicious loaf at home. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy a slice of this sweet treat any time you want. Ideal for pairing with coffee or tea, it’s a delightful snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for glaze)
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the sugar and eggs together with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes until smooth and combined.
- Add the melted butter and vegetable oil, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Fold in the sour cream and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top feels firm to the touch.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 30 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and heavy cream (or milk) until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or cream if needed.
- Once the loaf has cooled, pour the glaze over the top and allow it to set before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the batter to avoid a dense loaf.
- If the loaf’s top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Allow the loaf to cool for at least 30 minutes before glazing to ensure the glaze sets properly.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt or buttermilk for sour cream.
