If you’ve ever enjoyed Starbucks’ famous Lemon Loaf, you know how moist, citrusy, and delicious it is. Now, you can recreate this bakery-style treat at home with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
This homemade Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf is:
Budget-friendly – No need to spend on expensive coffee shop slices.
Moist & flavorful – Thanks to fresh lemon juice, zest, and a rich glaze.
Easy to make – Perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Customizable – Adjust sweetness, add poppy seeds, or make it gluten-free!
Let’s dive into the best homemade lemon loaf recipe that tastes just like your Starbucks favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Loaf
- Tastes Just Like Starbucks! Make a coffee shop favorite at home.
- Soft, Moist, and Tangy Fresh lemon juice and zest pack in the citrus flavor.
- Quick & Simple No complicated steps—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
- Perfect for Any Occasion Serve it for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat.
- Easily Customizable Add poppy seeds, swap ingredients, or make mini loaves!
Ingredients for Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf
Here’s what you need to make this moist and tangy lemon loaf:
For the Lemon Loaf
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon lemon extract (optional for extra flavor)
Lemon Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for garnish)

Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf – fenrecipes.com
How to Make Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf (Step-by-Step)
Step1: Prepare for Baking
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Step2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
Flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Set aside.
Step3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
Eggs, sugar, sour cream, oil, and melted butter until smooth.
Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon extract.
Step4: Combine the Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix!
Step5: Bake the Lemon Loaf
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step6: Make the Lemon Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together:
Powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth.
Adjust consistency as needed.
Step7: Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled lemon loaf.
Garnish with lemon zest (optional).
Slice and enjoy with coffee or tea!
Pro Tips for the BEST Lemon Loaf
For extra lemon flavor, add 1 teaspoon lemon extract or more zest.
Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
Don’t overmix – it keeps the loaf light and fluffy!
Let the glaze set for 10 minutes before slicing.
Best Ways to Serve Lemon Loaf
- With a cup of tea or coffee
- With whipped cream or ice cream
- Topped with fresh berries
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 25g
Tip: Use Greek yogurt and reduce sugar for a lighter version!
Storage & Leftovers
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
FAQs – Quick Answers!
Can I make this loaf dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free yogurt instead of sour cream.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice gives better flavor, but bottled works too.
Why is my loaf dense?
Overmixing or expired baking powder can make it heavy—mix gently!
Can I add poppy seeds?
Absolutely! Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds for a lemon poppy seed loaf.
Can I make mini loaves?
Yes! Just adjust baking time to 25-30 minutes.
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Conclusion & Call to Action
Now you know how to make the BEST homemade Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf!
Tried this recipe? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review in the comments below!
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Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf – Easy Homemade Recipe
Description
If you’ve ever enjoyed Starbucks’ famous Lemon Loaf, you know how moist, citrusy, and delicious it is. Now, you can recreate this bakery-style treat at home with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
Ingredients
For the Lemon Loaf
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon lemon extract (optional for extra flavor)
For the Lemon Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
Flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
Eggs, sugar, sour cream, oil, and melted butter until smooth.
Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix!
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a small bowl, whisk together:
Powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth.
Adjust consistency as needed.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled lemon loaf.
Garnish with lemon zest (optional).
Slice and enjoy with coffee or tea!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
Buy Now →Notes
For extra lemon flavor, add 1 teaspoon lemon extract or more zest.
Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
Don’t overmix – it keeps the loaf light and fluffy!
Let the glaze set for 10 minutes before slicing.