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Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf

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Introduction

Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf brings the bright, citrusy flavor of the café favorite straight to your kitchen. Moist, tender, and topped with a sweet lemon glaze, this loaf delivers the perfect balance of tangy and sweet in every slice—ideal for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea.

Origin

Starbucks popularized its lemon loaf as part of its bakery lineup, inspired by classic lemon pound cakes found in European and American baking traditions. Home bakers later recreated it using simple pantry ingredients to achieve the same soft crumb and bold lemon flavor.

Cultural Significance

This lemon loaf has become a modern café classic, symbolizing cozy coffee-shop moments and grab-and-go treats. The copycat version allows fans to enjoy that familiar flavor anytime, at home.

Ingredients & Quantities (1 standard loaf, serves 8–10)

Lemon Loaf

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Lemon Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Optional Additions

  • Lemon extract (for extra punch)
  • Poppy seeds
  • White chocolate chips
  • Cream cheese glaze
  • Candied lemon slices

Tips for Success

  • Use fresh lemons for best flavor.
  • Don’t overmix the batter.
  • Line loaf pan with parchment for easy removal.
  • Let loaf cool before glazing.
  • Drizzle glaze slowly for a smooth finish.

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan.
  2. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until pale.
  4. Mix in oil, sour cream, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla.
  5. Fold dry ingredients into wet just until combined.
  6. Pour batter into pan and bake 45–50 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool completely.
  8. Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice, then drizzle over loaf.

Description

This lemon loaf is ultra-moist with a tender crumb and bold citrus flavor, finished with a glossy, sweet-tart glaze that melts into every slice—just like the Starbucks original.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per slice)

  • Calories: 320
  • Fat: 16g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Protein: 4g

Conclusion

Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf offers bakery-quality results at home. Bright, soft, and beautifully glazed, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Recommendation

Serve with coffee or tea, or lightly toast slices and add butter for an extra treat.

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

Swap half the oil for applesauce or use Greek yogurt to lighten the loaf while keeping it moist and flavorful.

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