Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon loaf lovers, rejoice! This recipe mimics the signature Starbucks lemon loaf with an incredibly soft, moist texture and a refreshing burst of lemon flavor. It’s easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients, and the sweet and tart glaze elevates it to a new level of deliciousness. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat to go with your morning coffee or looking for a refreshing dessert, this lemon loaf will hit the spot. Plus, it’s quick and perfect for sharing with loved ones!

Ingredients

Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract (optional, for extra flavor)

Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for thinning)

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

Directions

1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Prepare wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, and sour cream until smooth. Gradually add the oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon extract (if using). Stir until everything is well combined.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until no lumps remain.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool: Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk (if needed) until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf for a sweet finish.

Servings and Timing

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 55 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 8–10 slices

Variations

• Add berries: For a fruity twist, mix in some blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries into the batter before baking.
• Vegan version: Replace the eggs with a flax egg and substitute the sour cream with coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this loaf gluten-free.
• Lemon poppy seed: Add 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter for a delightful crunch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store your lemon loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week.
• Freezing: This loaf freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: If you want to enjoy it warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or wrap the whole loaf in foil and heat in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt if needed. Greek yogurt will give a similar texture.

2. Can I make this recipe in a different pan size?

This recipe is designed for a 9×5-inch loaf pan, but you can use an 8×4-inch pan; just be aware that baking time may vary slightly.

3. How can I make this recipe less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet loaf, you can reduce the sugar in the cake by 1/4 cup or adjust the glaze for less sweetness.

4. What should I do if my loaf is too dry?

If the loaf turns out dry, check that you’ve measured the flour properly and avoid overmixing the batter. You can also add a bit more sour cream for moisture.

5. Can I skip the glaze?

While the glaze adds a perfect finishing touch, you can skip it if you prefer a less sweet treat.

6. Can I make this loaf in advance?

Yes! This loaf actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together.

7. What’s the best way to store leftover glaze?

If you have leftover glaze, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

8. How do I know when my lemon loaf is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean, your loaf is done. If there’s batter on the toothpick, it needs a few more minutes.

9. Can I add lemon extract to the glaze?

Yes, adding a little lemon extract to the glaze can enhance the lemon flavor. Just be careful not to overdo it, as it can be quite strong.

10. Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch if fresh lemons aren’t available.

Conclusion

This Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and light. It’s ideal for anyone who loves lemon-flavored desserts and will surely become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, this loaf is sure to impress!

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