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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Combine flour, pudding mix, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- 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.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just incorporated. Fold in the lemon zest to distribute evenly.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring an even surface.
- 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.
- Allow the loaf to rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then carefully remove and transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
- 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.
- Once the loaf has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly across the top.
- 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