Name: Starbucks Lemon Loaf
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-purpose flour; 1.5 cups Granulated sugar; 1 tsp Baking powder; 0.5 tsp Baking soda; 0.5 tsp Salt; 1 cup Vegetable oil; 4 large Eggs; 1 cup Milk; 1 cup Lemon juice; 1 cup Lemon zest

Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a secret weapon. What is a Starbucks lemon loaf recipe? What is that perfect balance of sweet and tangy, a tender crumb, and glaze that practically practically eats it? I swear, every time I make it, my kitchen smells like sunshine and happiness. I love Banana Bread, but this lemon loaf is my go-to when I want something different. Little brighter and more… well, *lemony*! How easy is it to run to Starbucks?

What is a Starbucks Lemon Loaf?

Think of it as pure, unadulterated lemony bliss baked into a perfectly moist loaf. Is it a cake? Is it a bread, but way more exciting than your average slice? Isn’t it similar to the Lemon Loaf you can get at Starbucks? What is your review of this homemade version? What is the flavor of this lemon glaze? Is there that extra layer of sweetness and shine that makes it irresistible?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? What are the reasons why this Starbucks lemon loaf recipe is a winner?

The flavor!What’s the obvious one, right? The crumb is soft and buttery, and the glaze adds a delightful sugary crunch. Is this lemony perfection?
It’s ridiculously easy.Even if you’re a baking newbie, you can nail this. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are pantry staples. No fancy equipment or complicated techniques required.
Budget-friendly baking at its finest.Why do I have to go to Starbucks? What are some of the easiest recipes to create using ingredients you already have on hand?
Is it versatile?What are some good ways to serve it for breakfast with coffee, or as a light dessert after dinner? What is the best midday snack? What are some of the best treats to have at any time of day?

What I love most about this recipe is how it really captures that Starbucks lemon loaf taste but with a twist. What is a homemade Is this similar to my blueberry muffins? Plus, the process of zesting the lemon just fills the whole kitchen with such a cheerful aroma!

How do you make a Starbucks Lemon Loaf?

Quick Overview

How do you make a Starbucks lemon loaf? What is the best way to mix dry ingredients, combine wet, bring them together, bake until golden brown. What are some great ways to make a lemon glaze? What’s the best part of cooking in the oven? I often prep the batter while my coffee is brewing, and by the time I’m ready for a second cup, it’s iced. What is instant gratification?

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:

2 cups all purpose flour: Use good quality all-purpose flour. Is unbleached a better flavor than blasted?
Is baking powder too old?
12 teaspoon baking soda: This helps with browning and adds a little bit of tanginess.
12 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balance the flavors.
34 cup (1 12 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s *softened*, not melted. If you want it to be easily creamed with the sugar, you should use a creamer.
1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness, of course!
2 large eggs: Adds richness and structure.
12 cup milk: Whole milk is best, but you can use almond milk in a pinch. I’ve tried this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!
14 cup lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is a MUST.
What is the real lemon flavor?
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth and enhances the other flavors.

For the Glaze:

1 12 cups powdered sugar: Sift it to avoid any lumps!
Fresh squeezed lemon is best. 3-4 tablespoons of lemon juice. Adjust the amount to reach your desired consistency.

How do I follow the

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Is it possible to line a baking sheet with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides? I always prefer parchment paper – makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. What is the best way to mix baking powder and baking soda? What are the benefits of baking soda?

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. Beat the eggs one at a time, then stir in the milk, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Add the salt and pepper to taste and beat until smooth. Make sure the butter is properly softened, or you’ll end up with lumps in your batter.

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. How do I not overmix? If you overmix flour, you will get a tough loaf. A few streaks of flour are okay.

Step 5: Bake

What is the best way to spread the batter in a loaf pan? Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. I always start checking around the 50-minute mark – ovens can vary!

Step 6: Cool & Glaze

Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. If you have a loaf of bread, pour the glaze over it, letting it drip down the sides. I like to do this on a wire rack set over an oven to catch any excess glaze.

Step 7: Slice & Serve

Let the glaze set before serving. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, it’s worth the wait! Use a serrated knife for clean slices.

What should I serve it with?

What are some ideas for taking this Starbucks lemon loaf to the next level?

For Breakfast:What is the best way to start the day? I sometimes add a little Greek Yogurt for extra protein.

For Brunch:Arrange slices on a pretty platter with fresh berries and whipped cream. Serve with mimosas for a truly decadent brunch.

As Dessert:How do you top a slice with vanilla ice cream? What is the difference between cold and warm?

For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy a slice with a cup of herbal tea on a chilly afternoon. It’s the ultimate comfort food.

My family loves it with a simple cup of Earl Grey tea. It’s a classic combination that never gets old! And on special occasions, I’ll add a sprinkle of edible glitter to the glaze just for fun.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Starbucks Lemon Loaf

Here are some of my tried-and-true tips for making the best Starbucks lemon loaf ever:

Lemon Zest is Key: Don’t underestimate the power of lemon zest! It adds so much more flavor than just lemon juice alone. Make sure to zest the lemon before juicing it.

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter will result in a tough loaf. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry about a few streaks of flour.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the batter come together more easily and evenly. Take the butter and eggs out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start baking.

Check for Doneness: Start checking the loaf for doneness around the 50-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Let it Cool Completely: This is crucial! If you try to slice the loaf while it’s still warm, it will crumble.

Adjust the Glaze: If you prefer a thinner glaze, add a little more lemon juice. If you want a thicker glaze, add a little more powdered sugar.

I’ve learned that using a microplane zester gives you the finest lemon zest, which distributes the flavor more evenly. And trust me, if you accidentally overbake it a little, the glaze will help mask any dryness!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to keep your Starbucks lemon loaf fresh and delicious:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s covered tightly to prevent it from drying out.

Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The refrigerator will keep it fresher for longer, but it may dry out slightly.

Freezer Instructions: Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw completely at room temperature before slicing and serving.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to freeze the loaf, it’s best to glaze it after thawing. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or dissolving.

I always find that wrapping the loaf in a double layer of plastic wrap before freezing helps to prevent freezer burn. And if you’re storing it at room temperature, I recommend placing a piece of parchment paper underneath the loaf to absorb any excess moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I recommend using a blend that already contains xanthan gum. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!

Do I need to peel the lemon?

No, you definitely don’t need to peel the lemon. The zest is where all the flavor is! Just make sure to wash the lemon thoroughly before zesting.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

Absolutely! Fill muffin liners about ⅔ full and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you prefer a less sweet loaf, you can reduce the sugar in the batter by ¼ cup. You can also reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the glaze.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

If you’re not a fan of glaze, you can simply dust the loaf with powdered sugar. You can also make a simple lemon syrup by simmering lemon juice and sugar together until thickened.

Final Thoughts

This Starbucks lemon loaf recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. The combination of the moist, tender crumb and the tangy-sweet glaze is simply irresistible. If you’re looking for a delicious and easy treat, this is it! If you love this, you’ll also love my lemon poppy seed muffins!

I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment and let me know what you think. And if you try any variations, be sure to share them! Happy baking!