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Easy Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf

Easy Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf

Moist, zesty lemon loaf topped with a bright, tangy glaze. Just like the café favorite, made simple at home.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 10

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1.75 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1.25 tsp baking powder
  • 0.25 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp fine salt
  • 1.5 tbsp lemon zest finely grated
  • 0.75 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 0.5 cup neutral oil such as canola or vegetable
  • 3 each large eggs
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice for the batter
  • 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 tsp lemon extract optional but boosts flavor
  • 2 tbsp milk use as needed to loosen batter
  • 1.25 cup powdered sugar for the glaze
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice for the glaze
  • 0.5 tsp lemon zest for the glaze, optional

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment and lightly grease.
  • Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
  • Rub lemon zest into the sugar with your fingertips until fragrant.
  • Whisk the zested sugar with eggs until slightly thick and pale.
  • Add yogurt, oil, lemon juice, vanilla, and lemon extract. Whisk until smooth.
  • Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until no dry streaks remain.
  • Stir in milk to loosen the batter to a thick, pourable consistency.
  • Pour batter into the pan. Smooth the top and tap to release bubbles.
  • Bake 48–55 minutes, until a tester comes out clean. Tent if browning early.
  • Cool 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer loaf to a rack to cool until barely warm.
  • Whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice and a pinch of zest until thick and glossy.
  • Spoon glaze over the loaf, letting it drip down the sides. Let set, then slice.

Notes

For a bakery-style look, glaze twice: once while warm for soaking, again when cool for a crisp finish. Swap Greek yogurt with sour cream for extra richness. Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days; freeze slices well-wrapped for 2 months.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.