Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Starbucks Copycat: Enjoy the familiar taste of Starbucks’ Lemon Loaf from the comfort of your home.
Simple Ingredients: Made with easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
Versatile Serving: Ideal for various occasions, whether it’s a morning treat or an afternoon snack.

Ingredients

For the Lemon Loaf:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons lemon zest
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon extract

For the Lemon Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon melted butter

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4×8 or 5×9-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, incorporate the sour cream, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and lemon extract, blending until smooth.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender loaf.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, milk, and melted butter until smooth.
Glaze the Loaf: Once the loaf has cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon.
Serve: Slice and enjoy your homemade Lemon Loaf!

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8 slices.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 60 minutes
Cool Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes

Variations

Add-ins: Incorporate poppy seeds or blueberries into the batter for added texture and flavor.
Glaze Alternatives: For a different twist, substitute the lemon glaze with a simple powdered sugar glaze or a cream cheese frosting.

Storage/Reheating

Store the Lemon Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds.

FAQs

What makes this Lemon Loaf a Starbucks copycat?

This recipe replicates the moist texture and tangy lemon flavor of Starbucks’ popular Lemon Loaf, allowing you to enjoy it at home.

Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe to achieve the desired texture.

Is it necessary to use lemon extract?

Lemon extract enhances the lemon flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can omit it and use additional lemon zest or juice.

Can I substitute sour cream with yogurt?

Yes, plain yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe.

How can I make the loaf more moist?

Ensure you don’t overmix the batter and avoid overbaking, as both can lead to a dry loaf.

Can I add nuts to the batter?

Yes, adding chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds can provide a delightful crunch.

How do I prevent the loaf from sticking to the pan?

Grease the loaf pan thoroughly with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Can I make mini loaves instead of one large loaf?

Yes, you can divide the batter into mini loaf pans and adjust the baking time accordingly, usually reducing it by about 10-15 minutes.

How do I know when the loaf is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the loaf is done.

Can I freeze the Lemon Loaf?

Yes, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Lemon Loaf recipe offers a simple yet delicious way to enjoy the beloved Starbucks treat at home. With its bright, citrusy flavor and moist texture, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of tea in the morning or as a sweet snack during the day, this loaf is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Lemon Loaf

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This homemade Lemon Loaf captures the tangy lemon flavor and moist texture of the popular Starbucks version. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients, making it perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a light dessert.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: 8 slices
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4×8 or 5×9-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and lemon extract until smooth.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, milk, and melted butter until smooth.
Glaze the Loaf: Once cooled, drizzle the glaze over the loaf and spread evenly.
Serve: Slice and enjoy!

Notes

Add-ins: For extra texture, consider adding poppy seeds, blueberries, or chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds.
Glaze Alternatives: Substitute the lemon glaze with a powdered sugar glaze or a cream cheese frosting for a different flavor twist.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.