
If you love Starbucks' famous Lemon Loaf, you’re going to adore this copycat recipe! This moist, tender, and perfectly sweetened loaf is infused with zesty lemon flavor, topped with a glaze that adds a perfect finish to each slice. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making it a delicious treat for breakfast, dessert, or a snack with your afternoon coffee.
This homemade lemon loaf recipe is incredibly easy to make and tastes just as good as the one from your favorite coffee shop. With simple ingredients and just the right amount of lemony goodness, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients (Makes 1 Loaf)
For the Lemon Loaf:
- All-purpose flour – 240g (2 cups)
- Granulated sugar – 200g (1 cup)
- Baking powder – 1 ½ teaspoons
- Salt – ¼ teaspoon
- Unsalted butter, softened – 115g (½ cup)
- Eggs – 2 large
- Whole milk – 120ml (½ cup)
- Fresh lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
- Lemon zest – 2 teaspoons
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
For the Lemon Glaze:
- Powdered sugar – 150g (1 ¼ cups)
- Fresh lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
- Lemon zest – 1 teaspoon
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Loaf Pan
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate large bowl, beat the butter until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Bake the Lemon Loaf
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare the Lemon Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more lemon juice until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 7: Glaze the Loaf
- Once the loaf has completely cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Slice and enjoy!
Nutrition Information (Per Slice, Based on 10 Slices)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fat: 14g
- Sugar: 24g
- Fiber: 0.5g
(Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients used.)
Tips & Tricks for the Best Lemon Loaf
✔ Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure the butter and eggs are at room temperature to achieve a smooth, well-blended batter.
✔ Don’t Overmix – Mix the ingredients just until combined to keep the loaf light and fluffy.
✔ Zest the Lemons – Make sure to zest the lemons before juicing them for maximum flavor.
✔ Let the Loaf Cool Completely – Wait for the loaf to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
✔ Use Fresh Lemon Juice – For the best lemon flavor, always use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled juice.
Variations & Add-Ins
🍯 Honey Lemon Loaf – Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the batter for a subtle sweetness.
🍫 Blueberry Lemon Loaf – Add ½ cup fresh blueberries to the batter for a fruity twist.
🌱 Herb-Infused Lemon Loaf – Add a teaspoon of fresh thyme or basil to the batter for a herby, aromatic flavor.
Serving Suggestions
☕ Pair with Coffee or Tea – This lemon loaf is the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
🍓 Serve with Fresh Berries – Pair with a handful of fresh berries for a refreshing touch.
🍦 Top with Whipped Cream – Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Perfectly Moist and Fluffy – This loaf has a tender crumb with just the right balance of lemony flavor.
✅ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and easy steps make this recipe a breeze to whip up.
✅ Zesty and Refreshing – The perfect combination of sweet and tangy for any citrus lover.
✅ Versatile – Great for breakfast, snacks, or even as a gift for family and friends.
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