This Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf is a moist, buttery pound cake bursting with vibrant lemon flavor and topped with a sweet lemon glaze. With simple pantry ingredients and a few key techniques, you can recreate this iconic treat at home with ease.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love the Starbucks lemon loaf, you’ll adore this homemade version. It’s soft, flavorful, and every bite is packed with citrus brightness. The sour cream ensures a moist texture, and the glaze adds the perfect finishing touch. Plus, it’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.

Ingredients

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

For the Lemon Loaf:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and at room temperature
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract (or 1/2 tablespoon extra lemon zest)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 cup sour cream (or buttermilk)

For the Lemon Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1-2 tablespoons cream or milk (adjust as needed)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat sugar and eggs for 2 minutes to incorporate air.
4. Mix in melted butter and oil.
5. Add vanilla, lemon extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until combined.
6. Mix in sour cream until smooth.
7. Add dry ingredients gradually, mixing gently and stopping when just combined.
8. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. If browning too much, tent with foil after 30–40 minutes.
10. Cool completely before icing.
11. For the icing, whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and cream until smooth. Adjust with more sugar or liquid as needed.
12. Drizzle icing over cooled loaf and let set before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 slices. Total time is 1 hour 10 minutes: 20 minutes prep and 50 minutes bake time.

Variations

• For extra lemon punch, use lemon extract in both loaf and icing.
• Try Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Add blueberries for a fruity twist.
• Use buttermilk in place of sour cream for a tangier loaf.

Storage/Reheating

• Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 4–5 days.
• To freeze, wrap the loaf or slices in plastic wrap and foil. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
• Thaw at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating to prevent drying.

FAQs

Can I use just butter or just oil?

A mix of both creates a balance of flavor and moisture. But you can use all butter or all oil if needed, adjusting for slight texture differences.

What if I don’t have lemon extract?

You can add more lemon zest for flavor. The extract helps mimic the Starbucks version more closely.

Can I use buttermilk instead of sour cream?

Yes. Use 1/2 cup buttermilk in place of sour cream for a slightly tangier loaf.

How do I keep the loaf moist?

Don’t overmix the batter, and be sure not to overbake. Sour cream also adds excellent moisture.

Can I make this in a different pan?

Yes. Use an 8×4-inch loaf pan for a thicker loaf and adjust bake time as needed.

Why is my icing runny?

Add more powdered sugar to thicken it, or less liquid at the start. Adjust to desired consistency.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans. Baking time may vary slightly.

Can I add glaze while warm?

No, wait until the loaf is fully cooled or the glaze will melt.

Is it freezer-friendly with icing?

Yes, but freeze until firm before wrapping to preserve the icing.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter, milk, and sour cream substitutes as needed.

Conclusion

This Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf brings the bakery-style treat to your kitchen with bright lemon flavor and a perfectly moist crumb. Easy to make and even easier to love, it’s a citrusy crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Enjoy a slice with tea, coffee, or just because!

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