If you’re a fan of Starbucks’ iconic Lemon Loaf, you’re in for a treat! Today, we’re going to show you how to make a delectable Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf right in your own kitchen. This moist, citrusy delight is the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Get ready to impress your taste buds and wow your friends and family with this irresistible homemade version.
Table of Contents
What Makes This Lemon Loaf Special?
The secret to this Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf lies in the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The loaf is bursting with the bright, tangy notes of fresh lemon zest and juice, while the addition of sour cream keeps the crumb moist and tender. The sweet, lemony glaze on top adds a delightful finishing touch, creating a treat that’s hard to resist.
Why Make a Copycat Version?
While Starbucks’ Lemon Loaf is undoubtedly delicious, making your own at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. Plus, you’ll save money and have the satisfaction of baking a homemade treat. With this Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf recipe, you can enjoy the same beloved flavor anytime, without having to make a trip to the coffee shop.
Key Ingredients for Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf
To create the perfect Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the loaf, providing structure and texture.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the loaf rise and achieve a light, fluffy crumb.
- Butter and Vegetable Oil: The combination of these fats adds richness and moisture to the loaf.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the loaf and balances the tartness of the lemon.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the loaf’s structure.
- Lemon Zest and Juice: The star of the show, providing the signature lemon flavor.
- Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang, keeping the loaf extra moist.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking
Preheat the Oven: Setting the Right Temperature
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure the Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf releases easily after baking.
Mixing Dry Ingredients: The Foundation of the Batter
In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture will provide the structure and rise for your Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf.
Combining Wet Ingredients: Creating Flavor and Texture
In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until well combined. Then, add the eggs, vanilla extract, lemon extract (or additional lemon zest), and lemon juice. Whisk until the wet ingredients are fully incorporated.
Adding Sour Cream: Achieving the Perfect Consistency
Fold the sour cream into the wet mixture, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter. The sour cream will add moisture and a delightful tang to your Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf.
Combining Everything: Tips for a Perfect Mixture
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until the batter is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough, dense loaf.
Baking: How to Know When It’s Done
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the loaf during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent overbrowning.
Cooling Down: Why It’s Important
Once the Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf is out of the oven, let it cool completely on a wire rack before adding the glaze. This cooling process allows the loaf to set and prevents the glaze from melting into the hot cake.</

Preparing the Lemon Glaze
Mixing the Ingredients for the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a tablespoon or two of cream or milk. Adjust the consistency as needed, adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more cream/milk for a thinner consistency.
Adjusting Consistency: Tips and Tricks
The glaze should be smooth and pourable, but not too thin. Start with the minimum amount of cream/milk and gradually add more, whisking continuously, until you achieve the desired texture.
Pouring and Setting the Glaze: The Finishing Touch
Once the Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf is completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.</
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Best Ways to Serve Lemon Loaf
The Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf is delicious on its own, but you can also try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of sweetened whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making it the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Pairing These Flavors with Drinks
The bright, citrusy flavors of the Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf complement a variety of beverages. Enjoy it with a refreshing iced tea, a zesty lemonade, or even a glass of crisp white wine for a sophisticated pairing.
Storing Leftovers: How to Keep It Fresh
Any leftover Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Lemon Loaf crack?
A cracked top on your lemon loaf is often caused by overmixing the batter or by the oven temperature being too high. Make sure to mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined, and double-check that your oven is preheated to the correct temperature before baking.
What are the ingredients in Starbucks Lemon Loaf?
The key ingredients in Starbucks’ Lemon Loaf include all-purpose flour, sugar, eggs, butter, vegetable oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and sour cream. This copycat recipe uses the same core ingredients to recreate the iconic Starbucks flavor.
Why does my Lemon Loaf sink?
A sunken or dense lemon loaf can be the result of several factors, such as underbaking, overbeating the batter, or using too much liquid. Make sure to bake the loaf for the full recommended time, avoid overmixing, and carefully measure the wet ingredients to prevent the loaf from sinking.
How to know when Lemon Loaf is done?
The best way to determine when your Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf is done is to insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it, the loaf is ready. You can also lightly press the top of the loaf – it should spring back when fully baked.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Lemon Drizzle Cake: A Moist Delight
- Glazed Lemon Cookies: A Sweet Treat
- Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins: A Breakfast Favorite
- Lemon Cheesecake: For the Dessert Lovers
Conclusion
With this Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf recipe, you can enjoy the same delightful flavors of the beloved coffee shop treat in the comfort of your own home. The bright, citrusy notes paired with the moist, tender crumb make this loaf an absolute delight. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, as a midday snack, or for a special occasion, this Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf is sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds. Get ready to bake up a batch and savor the sunshine in every slice!
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Indulge in the Best Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf Recipe Today!
- Total Time: 60
- Yield: 8
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist, citrusy delight perfect for morning coffee or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour – 1 ½ cups
- Baking powder – 1 tsp
- Baking soda – ½ tsp
- Salt – ¼ tsp
- Unsalted butter (melted) – ½ cup
- Vegetable oil – ¼ cup
- Granulated sugar – 1 cup
- Eggs – 3 large
- Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
- Lemon zest – 1 tbsp
- Lemon juice – ¼ cup
- Sour cream – ½ cup
Glaze :
- Powdered sugar – 1 cup
- Lemon juice – 2 tbsp
- Cream or milk – 1–2 tbsp
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, lemon extract (or additional lemon zest), and lemon juice. Whisk until fully incorporated.
4. Fold the sour cream into the wet mixture until evenly distributed.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let the loaf cool completely on a wire rack before adding the glaze.
8. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and cream/milk until desired consistency.
9. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled lemon loaf and let it set before slicing.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 55
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 30
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 1