Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf (Even Better!) 🍋✨
This ultra-moist, zesty lemon loaf with a sweet glaze tastes just like the Starbucks classic—but fresher and homemade! No fancy ingredients needed.
🍋 Ingredients
For the Loaf:
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1½ cups all-purpose flour
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½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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3 large eggs, room temp
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 tbsp lemon zest (~2 lemons)
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½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
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¼ cup fresh lemon juice (~1–2 lemons)
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½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2–3 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tbsp melted butter (optional, for richness)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prep & Mix Dry Ingredients
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Make the Batter
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In another bowl, beat eggs, sugar, and lemon zest until fluffy (~2 mins).
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Mix in yogurt, lemon juice, oil, and vanilla.
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Gently fold in dry ingredients until just combined (don’t overmix).
3. Bake
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Pour batter into the pan. Bake 45–55 mins until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Cool in pan 10 mins, then transfer to a wire rack.
4. Glaze & Serve
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Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and butter until smooth. Drizzle over cooled loaf.
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Let glaze set 15 mins before slicing.
💡 Pro Tips
✔ Extra lemony? Brush warm loaf with 1 tbsp lemon juice before glazing.
✔ Storage: Keep wrapped at room temp for 3 days or freeze (unglazed) for 1 month.
✔ Starbucks touch: Add 1 tsp poppy seeds to the batter for their Iced Lemon Pound Cake vibe!
Why it’s better than Starbucks: No preservatives, real lemon flavor, and that tender crumb you can’t resist! 😍
Pair with coffee or tea for the ultimate café experience. ☕
Want a lighter version? Swap half the oil with applesauce! 🍏