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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, incorporating lemon zest during the final mixing stage to ensure even distribution.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring an even surface, and place in the preheated oven.
- 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.
- Allow the loaf to rest inside the pan for 8-10 minutes, which helps prevent structural collapse during removal.
- Carefully transfer the loaf to a wire cooling rack, permitting it to reach room temperature completely before frosting.
- Prepare the lemon glaze by whisking softened butter, fresh lemon juice, and powdered sugar until achieving a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- 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