Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf

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There’s something undeniably appealing about a slice of lemon loaf, especially when it mirrors that bright, cheerful flavor found at Starbucks. With the perfect balance of sweetness and citrus zest, this homemade version not only captures that delightful taste but also brings a touch of love and personal flair to your kitchen. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy brunch with friends, a family gathering, or simply indulging on a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea, this lemon loaf is sure to make an impression. I can still remember the first time I baked this recipe—the enchanting aroma filled my home, and the first bite left me dreaming of sunny days, even in the midst of winter.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Why did I fall in love with this recipe? Well, apart from its wonderful taste, it comes together quickly and requires ingredients that are often staples in your pantry. Imagine enjoying a slice that’s soft, moist, and bursting with bright lemon flavor! Perfect for a weekend brunch or as an afternoon pick-me-up, this loaf makes an ideal treat any day of the week.

"This lemon loaf is a game-changer! It tastes just like the one from Starbucks but better, because I made it myself!" – A happy baker

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Getting started on this delightful lemon loaf is easier than you might think. You’ll follow simple steps for mixing the batter and achieving the perfect loaf. Each step is designed to ensure your cake rises beautifully while still being bursting with that tangy lemon flavor we all adore. Here’s what you can expect as you prepare this delightful treat.

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious lemon loaf:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (substituting for a tangier flavor is great!)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp lemon extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
• Optional: 1/2 tsp lemon zest (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps ensure that your leavening agents are evenly distributed.

3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and granulated sugar, whisking until smooth. Next, add sour cream (or Greek yogurt), vegetable oil, and melted butter. Stir until combined, then mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon extract.

4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a denser loaf.

5. Bake: Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool: Once baked, let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Make Lemon Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency to your liking.

8. Glaze: Once the loaf has cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. Garnish with additional lemon zest if desired.

9. Slice and Serve: Now, it’s time to slice your delightful loaf and enjoy a little slice of heaven with your afternoon tea or coffee.

Serving Ideas

To fully enjoy your homemade lemon loaf, think about serving it with a light afternoon tea or as part of a brunch spread alongside fresh berries and whipped cream. This loaf pairs beautifully with herbal teas, sparkling water, or even a glass of lemonade for a refreshing twist!

Best Way to Store Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf

To keep your lemon loaf fresh for longer, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider wrapping it well in plastic wrap and refrigerating it for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for up to three months; just remember to wrap each slice individually to prevent freezer burn.

Expert Advice

For the best results, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before you start mixing. This will help in achieving a smoother batter. Additionally, sprinkling a touch of extra lemon zest on top right before serving adds a lovely touch of flavor and visual appeal!

Creative Twists

Feel free to get playful with your lemon loaf! Try adding poppy seeds for a crunchy texture, infuse your batter with blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist, or even swap out the lemon for orange or lime for a different citrus profile. The options are endless, making this loaf a versatile favorite.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare the lemon loaf?

The total prep and baking time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes—about 15 minutes for prep and 45-50 minutes of baking.

Can I substitute any ingredients?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt can be swapped with sour cream, and you can use almond extract if you don’t have lemon extract handy.

How do I know if my lemon loaf is done?

A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached when inserted into the center of the loaf.

Can I freeze the lemon loaf?

Yes, it freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to three months.

Now that you’ve got the scoop on how to create this delightful Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf, why not give it a try? It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s worth every moment spent in the kitchen!

This article balances detailed instructions with friendly advice and SEO-rich content to engage readers effectively. Enjoy baking!

Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf

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• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful homemade lemon loaf that captures the bright, cheerful flavor of Starbucks with a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus zest.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp lemon extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
• Optional: 1/2 tsp lemon zest (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar until smooth. Add sour cream, vegetable oil, and melted butter; mix until combined. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just incorporated.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. In a small bowl, mix together powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth for the glaze.
8. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf and garnish with additional lemon zest if desired.
9. Slice and serve the loaf with your favorite beverage.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature ingredients and feel free to add poppy seeds or other fruits for a twist.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: lemon loaf, copycat Starbucks, dessert, baking, brunch