Starbucks Lemon Loaf Copycat is a delightful treat that brings the bright, zesty flavors of your favorite coffee shop right into your kitchen. As someone who has always been captivated by the refreshing taste of lemon, I can assure you that this recipe is a game-changer. The Starbucks Lemon Loaf has garnered a loyal following over the years, and for good reasonits moist texture and perfectly balanced sweetness make it an irresistible choice for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.
This beloved loaf has its roots in the café culture that celebrates simple yet flavorful ingredients, and it has become a staple for many who crave a slice of sunshine in their day. People adore this dish not only for its vibrant flavor but also for its convenience; its easy to whip up and can be enjoyed fresh or stored for later. With my Starbucks Lemon Loaf Copycat recipe, you can indulge in this delightful treat anytime you wish, all while impressing your friends and family with your baking skills!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
- ? cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
Preparing the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an essential step to ensure that your lemon loaf bakes evenly and rises perfectly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and ensures a light and fluffy loaf.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, giving your loaf a nice rise.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. The combination of these ingredients will give your loaf that signature lemony flavor.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense loaf. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
Baking the Lemon Loaf
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. This will help the loaf bake evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it after the 50-minute mark, as oven temperatures can vary.
- Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process is important to prevent the loaf from becoming soggy.
Preparing the Glaze
- While the loaf is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth. The consistency should be pourable but not too runny. If its too thick, add a little more lemon juice; if its too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Once the loaf has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top. You can use a spoon or a whisk to create a beautiful pattern. Let the glaze set for about 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Assembling and Serving
- Once the glaze has set, its time to slice your lemon loaf! Use a serrated knife for clean cuts. I recommend cutting it into thick slices for a hearty serving.
- Serve the lemon loaf on a platter or individual plates. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon treat.
- If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Loaf
- For an extra burst of lemon flavor, consider adding poppy seeds to the batter. About 2 tablespoons should do the trick!
- Make sure to use fresh lemons for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice just doesnt compare.
- If you want to elevate your loaf
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this Starbucks Lemon Loaf Copycat recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The moist, tender crumb paired with the zesty lemon glaze makes it a perfect treat for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a dessert. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea, this lemon loaf is sure to brighten your day and impress your friends and family. For serving suggestions, consider pairing your lemon loaf with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. You can also experiment with variations by adding poppy seeds for a delightful crunch or incorporating blueberries for a fruity twist. The possibilities are endless, and I encourage you to get creative! I genuinely hope you give this Starbucks Lemon Loaf Copycat recipe a try. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any modifications you made, or even a picture of your delicious creation. Lets spread the joy of baking together! Happy baking! Print
Starbucks Lemon Loaf Copycat: How to Make the Perfect Citrus Cake at Home
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
Description
This moist and fluffy Lemon Loaf is infused with fresh lemon flavor, making it a perfect treat for afternoon tea or a sweet snack. Topped with a zesty glaze, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and tanginess. Enjoy it fresh or store for later!
Ingredients
Scale- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
- ? cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray, and optionally line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the loaf is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.
- Once the loaf has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top and let it set for about 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Slice the lemon loaf using a serrated knife for clean cuts.
- Serve on a platter or individual plates, ideally paired with tea or coffee.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for up to 2 months.
Notes
- For an extra burst of lemon flavor, consider adding 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter.
- Always use fresh lemons for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice is not recommended.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
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