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Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf Recipe

Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf Recipe

If you love soft and citrusy desserts, this Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf Recipe is a must-try. The loaf tastes sweet, fresh and full of bright lemon flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 360 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Lemon Loaf

  • cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup plain yogurt
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon milk

Instructions
  

Prepare the Oven and Pan

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line the loaf pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides. This helps the loaf release easily after baking without sticking or breaking apart.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

  • Add flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt into a medium bowl. Whisk everything together carefully. Mixing dry ingredients first helps create a soft and evenly baked lemon loaf texture.

Beat Eggs and Sugar

  • Place eggs and sugar into a large bowl. Beat for about three minutes until pale and creamy. This step adds air into the batter and keeps the loaf light and fluffy.

Add Wet Ingredients

  • Pour yogurt, vegetable oil, melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla extract into the bowl. Mix slowly until smooth. The fresh lemon smell will already make your kitchen feel wonderful.

Combine the Batter

  • Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently using a spatula until combined. Do not overmix because that can make the loaf heavy instead of soft and tender.

Pour Batter into the Pan

  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan carefully. Spread the top evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove extra air bubbles inside.

Bake the Lemon Loaf

  • Place the loaf pan into the oven and bake for about 50 minutes. The top should become golden and slightly firm. Insert a toothpick into the center to check doneness.

Let the Loaf Cool

  • Remove the loaf carefully from the oven and let it cool in the pan for ten minutes. After that, transfer it onto a cooling rack until completely cooled.

Make the Lemon Glaze

  • Mix powdered sugar, lemon juice and milk in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and glossy. The glaze should feel slightly thick but still easy to pour over the loaf.

Glaze and Serve

  • Pour the lemon glaze slowly over the cooled loaf. Let it drip naturally along the sides for a bakery-style finish. Slice the loaf gently and enjoy every sweet lemony bite.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemons for the best flavor
  • Do not skip the lemon zest
  • Greek yogurt makes the loaf extra moist
  • Add poppy seeds for more texture
  • Use sour cream instead of yogurt if needed
  • Let the loaf cool before adding glaze
  • Add blueberries for a fruity twist
  • Store slices in an airtight container
  • Use room temperature eggs for smoother batter
  • Add extra lemon juice for stronger citrus flavor
Keyword Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf Recipe