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Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf

Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf: A Moist, Zesty Delight

This Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf is a delightful, moist cake bursting with zesty lemon flavor, perfect for sharing or enjoying alone.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 270

Ingredients
  

For the Batter
  • 3 large eggs Provides structure and moisture; use room temperature for improved incorporation.
  • 1 cup sour cream Adds moisture and a slight tang; Greek yogurt can substitute if necessary.
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour Forms the backbone of the loaf; opt for a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder Helps the cake rise; ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
  • 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt Enhances flavor; table salt can be used but in lesser amounts.
  • 0.25 teaspoon baking soda Additional leavening agent; make sure it’s fresh for efficacy.
  • 2 medium lemons Provides zest and juice; consider using Meyer lemons for a sweeter flavor.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the loaf while balancing the tartness of the lemon; crucial for that café-like taste.
  • 0.5 cup vegetable or canola oil Keeps the cake moist; other neutral oils can be good substitutes.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon extract Intensifies the lemon flavor; lemon juice can be used if extract isn’t available.
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar Used for the icing to add sweetness and a glossy finish; pure icing sugar is best for smooth texture.
  • 1.5 tablespoons lemon juice Infuses the icing with flavor; fresh juice is preferred for the best taste.

Equipment

  • loaf pan
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Parchment paper
  • cooking spray

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x5-inch loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper and lightly spraying it with cooking spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon baking soda. Set aside.
  3. Zest and juice the two lemons. In a large bowl, mix lemon zest with 1 cup of granulated sugar, rubbing until fragrant.
  4. Add 3 large eggs, 1 cup sour cream, the lemon juice, ½ cup vegetable oil, and 1 tablespoon lemon extract to the sugar mixture. Mix until smooth.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. While cooling, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1 ½ tablespoons of lemon juice to make the glaze.
  9. Once cooled, drizzle the glaze over the loaf and allow it to set before slicing.
  10. Slice with a serrated knife and serve with tea or coffee.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 270kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 3gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 4mg

Notes

For best results, ensure ingredients are at room temperature and avoid overmixing the batter.

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