Magical Starbucks CopyCat Lemon Loaf Recipe for Zesty Bliss

Baking a starbucks copycat lemon loaf at home can unleash your inner pastry chef with minimal effort.

Sweet citrus aromas might waft through your kitchen, promising a delightful treat.

Soft, moist crumbs paired with zesty glaze create a magical dessert everyone will adore.

Crafting this copycat recipe requires simple ingredients and basic baking skills.

Homemade versions often surpass coffee shop offerings with personal touches and fresh ingredients.

Rich lemony flavor promises to brighten any afternoon or morning moment.

Whip up this delectable loaf and watch smiles spread across eager faces.

How To Keep Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf Fresh

• Store the lemon loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
• Wrap the loaf completely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Place a label with the date to track storage time.
• Remove from freezer and let the loaf thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For quicker thawing, leave at room temperature for 1-2 hours.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, warm in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain moisture and texture.

FAQs About Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf

• Why does this recipe use pudding mix?

The pudding mix helps create a moist, tender texture and adds extra richness to the lemon loaf, making it soft and flavorful.

• Can I substitute Greek yogurt with another ingredient?

You can use sour cream or regular plain yogurt as a direct replacement for Greek yogurt in this recipe without changing the overall texture or moisture.

• How do I know when the lemon loaf is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf – if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is done baking. Avoid overbaking to maintain moisture.

Why Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf Tastes Just Right

• Seize Bakery-Quality Flavor: This copycat recipe delivers restaurant-grade taste right from your kitchen, matching the beloved Starbucks lemon loaf with precision and deliciousness.
• Create Restaurant-Worthy Dessert: Home bakers can confidently reproduce a professional-level treat without complicated techniques, making gourmet baking accessible to everyone.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe allows simple ingredient swaps and personal touches, letting you adjust sweetness, lemon intensity, or add extra zesty elements to suit your taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for breakfast gatherings, afternoon tea, potlucks, or casual dessert moments, this lemon loaf appeals to multiple age groups and satisfies diverse palates.

What Goes Into Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the lemon loaf.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Adds moisture and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the loaf rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's rich texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the loaf.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, classic background flavor.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Delivers bright, tangy citrus flavor throughout the cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the loaf stays moist and soft.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess to the cake.

• Unsalted Butter, Powdered Sugar: Create a smooth, creamy frosting base.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Extract: Intensify the citrus flavor in the frosting.

How To Make Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf

Step 1: Prep The Baking Station

Crank your oven to 350°F. Grab a loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Give the pan a quick spray with non-stick baking spray to ensure easy release.

Step 2: Create The Dry Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Instant vanilla pudding mix
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Step 3: Blend The Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Granulated sugar
• Softened butter
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon extract
• Fresh lemon juice
• Vegetable oil
• Greek yogurt

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and well integrated.

Step 4: Unite The Mixtures

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined. Sprinkle in fresh lemon zest and stir lightly.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 55 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool And Release

Allow the loaf to rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges and transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 7: Craft The Lemon Frosting

• Softened butter
• Lemon juice
• Lemon extract

Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until the frosting reaches a silky, spreadable consistency.

Step 8: Frost And Chill

Generously spread the frosting over the cooled loaf. Pop it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set the frosting before slicing and serving.

Tips To Nail Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf

• Measure Precisely: Use level measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate ingredient quantities, which guarantees consistent texture and flavor every time.
• Control Moisture: Replace Greek yogurt with sour cream if needed, maintaining the cake's rich, tender crumb and preventing dryness.
• Prevent Sinking: Toss lemon zest in a pinch of flour before adding to prevent it from sinking to the bottom of the batter during baking.
• Boost Lemon Flavor: Double the lemon extract or add fresh lemon zest for an intense citrus punch that elevates the entire dessert.
• Store Smartly: Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent flavor loss.

Tasty Spins On Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf

• Gluten-Free Citrus Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version. Use gluten-free pudding mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Lemon Loaf: Substitute butter with coconut oil, Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt, and use plant-based milk. Swap cream cheese frosting with a vegan lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
• Keto-Friendly Zesty Bread: Use almond flour, replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener, and add extra lemon zest. Create a cream cheese-based frosting using sugar-free sweetener for a low-carb alternative.
• Olive Oil Citrus Cake: Replace butter with extra virgin olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired version.

Perfect Pairings For Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf

• Brew Lavender Earl Grey Tea: The floral and citrusy notes of this tea perfectly balance the bright lemon flavor, creating a sophisticated and refreshing taste experience that enhances the loaf's tanginess.
• Select Vanilla Bean Gelato: Creamy, smooth gelato provides a cool contrast to the cake's zesty profile, with its subtle sweetness cutting through the lemon's sharpness and creating a delightful dessert combination.
• Match with Sparkling Prosecco: Light, crisp bubbles of prosecco cleanse the palate between bites, while its subtle fruity undertones harmonize with the lemon's citrus notes, elevating the entire dessert experience.

Starbucks CopyCat Lemon Loaf Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Lemon lovers rejoice with this irresistible Starbucks copycat lemon loaf that brings sunshine to your kitchen. Zesty citrus and sweet glaze make this homemade treat a delightful indulgence you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3.4 ounces (96 grams) instant lemon pudding mix
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons lemon extract
• Zest of 1 lemon

Dry and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Glaze Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter (softened)
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 5 x 9-inch loaf pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper and lightly greasing with non-stick spray.
2. Combine flour, pudding mix, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
3. In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to blend eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, lemon extract, lemon juice, oil, and Greek yogurt until the mixture becomes smooth and homogeneous.
4. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just incorporated. Fold in the lemon zest to distribute evenly.
5. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring an even surface.
6. Bake for 55 minutes at 350°F, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
7. Allow the loaf to rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then carefully remove and transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
8. Create the frosting by whipping butter, lemon juice, and lemon extract with an electric mixer, gradually incorporating powdered sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
9. Once the loaf has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly across the top.
10. Refrigerate the frosted loaf for 30 minutes to set the frosting before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Swap Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut or almond yogurt for a vegan-friendly version.
• Use gluten-free flour blend and instant pudding mix to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Reduce sugar content by replacing half the sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a lower-calorie option.
• Add a pinch of turmeric for a natural yellow color boost without changing the flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 301 kcal
• Sugar: 31 g
• Sodium: 174 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 57 mg