Starbucks Lemon Loaf Recipe | Soft and Delicious

I have always been a fan of grabbing a slice of Starbucks’ famous lemon loaf with my coffee. But the first time I baked it at home, I realized how much fresher and tastier it could be right out of the oven. The soft crumb, bright lemon glaze, and just the right amount of tang makes it a dessert I can’t resist.

This recipe became a go-to for family brunches and small gatherings, especially when I wanted something simple yet elegant. It tastes like the coffee shop favorite, but there’s something special about serving a homemade loaf that fills the kitchen with citrus aroma. If you’ve loved recipes like Zesty Lemon Crumb, this loaf will feel like another refreshing addition to your citrus dessert list.

Why You’ll Love This Starbucks Lemon Loaf

This lemon loaf checks all the boxes of a great dessert bread. It’s soft, tender, and has a citrus punch in every bite. The glaze on top adds extra brightness and a bakery style finish that makes it feel like a treat you’d buy at a café.

Another reason people love this loaf is its versatility. You can serve it as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast alongside your morning coffee. It’s also easy to transport making it a favorite for picnics, potlucks, and bake sales. Plus compared to other desserts like a Lemon Cream Cake, this loaf is quicker and requires fewer steps but delivers the same citrus satisfaction.

Ingredients for Starbucks Lemon Loaf

Here’s everything you’ll need to recreate this bakery-style loaf:

For the Lemon Loaf:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ⅓ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from 2-3 lemons)
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional for extra flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Starbucks Lemon Loaf

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Preheat 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. Prepping your pan well ensures your loaf doesn’t stick after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. This step helps distribute the leavening agents evenly, so your loaf rises with a consistent texture.

Step 3: Beat Butter, Sugar, and Eggs

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy about 2-3 minutes with a hand or stand mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The mixture should look creamy and slightly thick.

Step 4: Add Yogurt, Oil, and Flavorings

Mix in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and vegetable oil. Then stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture and pack in that citrusy punch Starbucks is known for. The batter will smell wonderfully fragrant at this point.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix just stir until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can create a dense loaf instead of the tender crumb we want.

Step 6: Bake the Loaf

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The loaf should be golden on top with a slight dome.

Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

Step 7: Make the Lemon Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice for a thinner glaze or more sugar for a thicker one. Stir in lemon zest if you want an extra burst of citrus.

Step 8: Glaze the Loaf

Once the loaf is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top and letting it drip down the sides for that classic Starbucks look. Allow the glaze to set for about 15 minutes before slicing.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Use a sharp serrated knife to cut thick slices. Serve with coffee, tea, or even as a light dessert after dinner. Each slice shows off the tender crumb and shiny glaze that makes this loaf irresistible.

Tips for the Best Lemon Loaf

• Room temperature eggs and butter: They blend more easily and help create a smooth batter.
• Fresh lemon juice only: Bottled lemon juice won’t give the same vibrant flavor.
• Cool before glazing: Adding glaze to a warm loaf will cause it to melt and soak in too much.
• Don’t overbake: Check around the 45-minute mark. An overbaked loaf will lose its softness.

Variations

One of the best parts of this recipe is how versatile it can be:

• Berry Lemon Loaf: Fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries or raspberries before baking.
• Almond Lemon Loaf: Add a teaspoon of almond extract and top with slivered almonds.
• Double Glaze: Glaze once while warm for absorption, then glaze again once cooled for a thick bakery-style topping.

Storing and Serving Starbucks Lemon Loaf

This loaf keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze slices for up to 2 months. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap before freezing so you can enjoy one piece at a time.

When serving, bring chilled slices to room temperature or microwave them for a few seconds to restore softness.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this loaf without sour cream or Greek yogurt?
Yes, you can substitute with buttermilk, though the texture may be slightly different.

Q: Why did my lemon loaf sink in the middle?
This often happens if the batter is overmixed or if the loaf is underbaked. Make sure to test with a toothpick before removing it from the oven.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. You can double the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans. Baking time may vary slightly, so check for doneness around the 50-minute mark.

Final Thoughts

The Starbucks lemon loaf is a classic for good reason, it’s bright, soft, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. With this homemade version you get that same bakery-style taste without leaving the house. Once you try it, you’ll see how simple and rewarding it is to make. Whether you enjoy it with your morning coffee or serve it at a brunch, it’s bound to impress.