Are you one of the many customers who refuse to leave Starbucks without a slice of their lemon loaf? If so, we can’t blame you which is why we have the Starbucks Lemon Loaf recipe for you. It’s hard to resist a moist lemon pastry with a tangy citrus glaze. Now, you don’t have to wait in the Starbucks line to experience nirvana. You can enjoy this treat anytime with our Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf.
This recipe is more like a pound cake than a loaf, but it’s light enough that we won’t tell if you eat it for breakfast. It features a delicately flavored base and a cheery glaze that is to die for. Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf is a great recipe for spring but can also brighten up dull winter months. We dare you not to smile as you’re eating it! Without further ado, here’s how to impress your friends and family with this coffee shop classic.
A Brief History of the Lemon Loaf
Lemon loaf is a popular dessert in America but has its roots across the pond. This treat debuted in the 1700s when lemons were fresh on the scene. It was initially a fun twist on the pound cake, which was all the rage. Lemon cake (as they called it) was the preferred choice for tea time, though it was more of a sponge cake topped with simple syrup back then. It was also baked in a bundt pan rather than a loaf pan.
Lemon Loaf was often paired with more robust teas, as the citrus complemented bitter flavors. Eventually, it accompanied coffee, with many saying it makes their espresso taste tame. This dessert was also popular during challenging economic phases, such as World War II, when ingredients needed to be rationed. Today, you’ll find Lemon Loaf in coffee shops and bakeries worldwide.
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Cost Benefits of Making Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf
It’s no secret that coffee shops can be a little spendy. One slice of Starbucks Lemon Loaf will cost you $4.25. Ouch! That doesn’t leave much extra for a latte, does it? In contrast, you can make an entire Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf for just $7.54. Keep in mind this may vary based on your locale and ingredient availability.
Here’s how that breaks down:
- Flour: $0.45
- Baking powder: $0.03
- Baking soda: $0.01
- Salt: $0.01
- Butter: $0.50
- Sugar: $0.50
- Eggs: $0.60
- Vanilla extract: $1.00
- Lemon extract: $1.50
- Lemon zest: $0.50
- Lemon juice: $0.75
- Sour cream or yogurt: $0.50
- Powdered sugar: $0.50
- Lemon juice (for icing): $0.17
- Milk (for icing): $0.02
Grand total: $7.54
That is an incredible savings, especially considering this total covers an entire loaf of lemon bread rather than one slice.
How to Make Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf
Here’s how you can make a perfectly tart Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf.
Step One: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Preheat the oven to 350℉ and grease and flour a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.
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Step Two: Beat the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the eggs and sugar until they turn light yellow. Slowly incorporate the melted butter, vanilla, lemon extract, lemon juice, lemon zest, and sour cream.
Step Three: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until barely combined. For a light, fluffy Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf, do not overmix.
Step Four: Bake the Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf
Pour the Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf batter into a prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool before icing.
Step Five: Create the Lemon Drizzle
While the Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf is cooling, make the lemon drizzle by whisking together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk in a bowl. Depending on your ingredients, you may need to add more milk or powdered sugar.
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Step Six: Ice the Lemon Loaf
Once the Starbucks Lemon Loaf is cooled, spoon the lemon drizzle over the loaf. Depending on your preference, you can add a drizzle or thoroughly coat the cake. The drizzle will harden, creating a glaze effect. Enjoy!
What to Serve With Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf
Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf goes great with a cup of Earl Grey tea or coffee. You can also serve it on its own with extra lemon drizzle.
Storing Leftover Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf
Leftover Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf can be stored covered on the counter for about a week. You can also freeze it for up to three months.
Starbucks Lemon Loaf Recipe: Moist, Bright, and Perfectly Sweet!
Brighten any gloomy day with a slice of our Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf. Depending on your mood, this bright pound cake can be eaten for dessert or breakfast. It features a sponge cake base and an elegant drizzle that makes every day feel like a celebration. Try it for yourself, and let us know what you think!
- Stand Mixer
- Mixing Bowl Set
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Oven
- Loaf Pan
- Cooking Spray
- Lemon Zester
Lemon Loaf
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 count eggs (room temperature (30 mins from fridge))
- 1/2 cup butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 teaspoons lemon extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup sour cream or yogurt
Lemon Topping
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 count lemon zest (to garnish)
Preheat the oven to 350℉ and grease and flour a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.
In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the eggs and sugar until they turn light yellow. Slowly incorporate the melted butter, vanilla, lemon extract, lemon juice, lemon zest, and sour cream.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until barely combined. For a light, fluffy Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf, do not over mix.
Pour the Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf batter into a prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool before icing.
While the Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf is cooling, make the lemon drizzle by whisking together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk in a bowl. Depending on your ingredients, you may need to add more milk or powdered sugar.
Once the Starbucks Lemon Loaf is cooled, spoon the lemon drizzle over the loaf. Depending on your preference, you can add a drizzle or thoroughly coat the cake. The drizzle will harden, creating a glaze effect. Enjoy!