The Perfect Lemon Loaf Recipe: Tangy, Sweet & Foolproof

Craving a zesty Starbucks lemon loaf that perfectly balances sweet and tangy notes?

This delightful treat captures the essence of sunshine in every delectable slice.

Soft, moist cake layers burst with bright citrus undertones that dance across your palate.

Rich, velvety crumb provides a luxurious eating experience that feels both comforting and indulgent.

Home bakers can replicate the beloved coffeehouse favorite with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Professional bakery-quality results await those willing to master this straightforward recipe.

The secret lies in carefully combining fresh ingredients and precise baking techniques.

Starbucks Lemon Loaf: The Copycat Recipe You Need

• Burst of Citrusy Delight: Packed with tangy lemon extracts and fresh lemon zest, this loaf delivers an explosive burst of bright, refreshing flavor that dances on your taste buds.
• Bakery-Style Texture Magic: The secret pudding mix and yogurt combination creates an incredibly moist, tender crumb that mimics professional bakery-quality cake with a luxuriously soft mouthfeel.
• Quick Weekend Baking Triumph: With straightforward mixing steps and just 55 minutes of baking time, this recipe offers a simple yet impressive dessert perfect for lazy weekend mornings or unexpected guest surprises.
• Decadent Lemon Frosting Finish: The creamy, smooth lemon-infused frosting adds a rich, sweet layer that perfectly complements the cake's zesty base, transforming a basic loaf into a restaurant-worthy treat.

Ingredients for an Authentic Starbucks Lemon Loaf

• All-Purpose Flour: A classic base that provides structure and texture to the lemon loaf.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Adds moisture and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the loaf rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the loafs rich texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and helps keep the loaf soft.
• Plain Yogurt: Adds tanginess and helps create a moist texture.

• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bring bright, fresh citrus flavor to the loaf.
• Vanilla Extract, Lemon Extract: Adds depth and intensifies the lemon taste.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet topping.
• Softened Butter: Provides creamy base for the frosting.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tangy flavor to the frosting.

How to Make the Best Homemade Lemon Loaf

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 5 x 9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

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

Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and consistent.

Step 4: Create the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Sprinkle in fresh lemon zest and stir until everything is perfectly combined. The batter should be smooth and free of lumps.

Step 5: Bake the Loaf

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. The toothpick should come out clean when the loaf is fully baked.

Step 6: Cool the Loaf

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Carefully transfer to a wire rack and let it cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Lemon Frosting

• Softened butter
• Lemon juice
• Powdered sugar

Blend until smooth and creamy. Spread evenly over the completely cooled loaf.

Step 8: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the frosted loaf to help the topping set. Once chilled, slice and enjoy your homemade Starbucks-style lemon loaf.

Tips for Creating a Moist and Fluffy Lemon Loaf

• Zest Like a Pro: Carefully grate only the yellow part of the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath for a pure, bright citrus flavor.
• Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to create a smoother, more evenly mixed batter that bakes perfectly.
• Don't Overmix: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined to keep the loaf tender and prevent a tough texture.
• Check for Doneness Early: Start testing the loaf with a toothpick around 50 minutes to prevent overbaking, which can dry out the cake.
• Frosting Perfection: Let the loaf cool completely before spreading frosting to prevent melting and ensure a clean, professional-looking finish.

Storing Your Lemon Loaf for Freshness

• Store the lemon loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping it moist and fresh. Refrigerate the loaf if you want to extend its shelf life to 5-7 days, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Freeze individual slices or the whole loaf for up to 2 months by first wrapping it securely in plastic wrap, then placing it in a freezer-safe bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible to maintain its delicious flavor and texture.
• Reheat refrigerated or frozen lemon loaf by letting it thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours.

Serving Starbucks Lemon Loaf with These Pairings

• Pair with Refreshing Earl Grey Tea: Brew a hot cup of Earl Grey tea with its bergamot notes that beautifully complement the lemon loaf's citrusy flavor, creating a harmonious and sophisticated taste experience.
• Match with Lavender Lemonade: Craft a chilled lavender lemonade that echoes the loaf's lemony profile while adding a delicate floral undertone that enhances the dessert's brightness and complexity.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Gelato: Scoop a small portion of creamy vanilla bean gelato alongside the lemon loaf, allowing the smooth, rich ice cream to balance the cake's tangy zestiness and provide a cool, luxurious contrast.
• Accompany with Whipped Mascarpone: Dollop light, silky mascarpone cheese beside the slice, offering a subtle, luxurious creaminess that softens the loaf's sharp citrus notes and adds elegant richness.

Variations You Can Try with Your Lemon Loaf

• Gluten-Free Lemon Delight: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same tender texture while making the recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Olive Oil Zesty Cake: Swap butter for olive oil to create a Mediterranean-inspired version with a subtle fruity undertone that complements the lemon's brightness.
• Lavender Lemon Infusion: Add dried culinary lavender to the batter for a sophisticated floral note that elevates the classic lemon loaf with an aromatic twist.
• Dairy-Free Sunshine Loaf: Use coconut yogurt and plant-based butter alternatives to make a completely dairy-free version that maintains the original recipe's moisture and flavor profile.

Lemon Loaf Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Starbucks Lemon Loaf delivers sunshine on a plate with its zesty, moist crumb and creamy glaze. Lemon lovers will savor each tangy slice that brings café-style indulgence right to home kitchens.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) sugar
• 3 eggs
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 0.75 cup (180 ml) plain Greek yogurt

Flavor Enhancers:

• 3.4 ounces (96 g) instant lemon pudding mix
• 2 teaspoons lemon extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 0.33 cup (80 ml) fresh lemon juice

Dry and Stabilizing Ingredients:

• 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened

Frosting:

• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1.5 cups (180 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 5 x 9-inch loaf pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper, then thoroughly coat both pan and parchment with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, instant vanilla pudding mix, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined and lump-free.
3. Using an electric mixer, blend eggs, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, pure vanilla extract, lemon extract, fresh lemon juice, vegetable oil, and plain yogurt until the mixture becomes smooth and homogeneous.
4. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, incorporating lemon zest during the final mixing stage to ensure even distribution.
5. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring an even surface, and place in the preheated oven.
6. Bake for approximately 50-55 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking time, and test for doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center – it should emerge without any raw batter.
7. Allow the loaf to rest inside the pan for 8-10 minutes, which helps prevent structural collapse during removal.
8. Carefully transfer the loaf to a wire cooling rack, permitting it to reach room temperature completely before frosting.
9. Prepare the lemon glaze by whisking softened butter, fresh lemon juice, and powdered sugar until achieving a smooth, spreadable consistency.
10. Generously spread the glaze over the cooled loaf, then refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to set the frosting before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Zesty lemon loaf mimics the beloved Starbucks classic with a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors.
• Instant pudding mix creates an incredibly moist texture that keeps the cake soft and tender for days.
• Combining wet and dry ingredients separately ensures a smooth, lump-free batter with maximum flavor distribution.
• Lemon extract and fresh lemon juice deliver an intense citrus punch that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• Creamy, bright lemon frosting adds a decadent finishing touch that makes this homemade version even more irresistible than the coffee shop original.
• Storing the loaf in an airtight container helps maintain its moisture and freshness for up to 4-5 days at room temperature.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 62g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 120mg