Famous Starbucks Lemon Loaf
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This copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf is a legendary dessert. This cake is light, moist, and bursting with lemon flavor. The subtle sweetness of the glaze makes it the perfect finishing touch.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can have your very own Starbucks Lemon Loaf in no time.
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The result is a delicious, tangy treat that is perfect for any occasion.

So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and whip up a loaf (or two) of this classic treat today.

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Why do I love this recipe?
- Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf Recipe
- Easy to Make
- Stores Well and Freezes
- Moist and Fresh
- Bursting with Lemon Flavor
- Cheaper than Buying at Starbucks

Can I Double This Recipe?
Yes, you can double the lemon loaf recipe. Simply double all the ingredients listed in the recipe. Keep in mind that the baking time may need to be adjusted.
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe in Mini Loaf Pans?
Yes, you can make the lemon loaf recipe in mini loaf pans. Simply divide the batter evenly among the mini loaf pans and adjust the baking time as needed.
Try out my lemon cookies for all you who enjoy lemon desserts. This is a chewy cookie recipe.
Is It Possible To Make This Lemon Loaf Gluten-Free?
Yes, it is possible to make a gluten-free lemon loaf by using gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour.
You can also use gluten-free baking powder and xanthan gum to ensure the bread has the right texture.
Can I Use Olive Oil in Place of Canola Oil?
You can use olive oil in place of canola oil, but keep in mind that olive oil has a stronger flavor, which may affect the taste of the lemon loaf.

Variations
- Add blueberries or raspberries to the batter for a fruity twist
- Replace some of the lemon juice with orange or lime juice for a different flavor
- Add a lemon glaze on top of the bread for a sweet and tangy finish
- Add a streusel topping for a crunchy texture.

Ingredients:
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Vanilla
- Baking powder
- Cake flour
- Sour cream
- Baking soda
- Lemon zest
- Lemon extract
- Granulated sugar
- Large eggs
- Salt
For the lemon glaze:
- Powdered sugar
- Lemon juice
For the lemon syrup:
- Granulated sugar
- Fresh lemon juice

How to make this Famous Starbucks Lemon Loaf?
Step 1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
Step 2. Mix together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a bowl.

Step 3. Blend together the eggs, lemon extract, and lemon zest in a separate bowl.

Step 4. Mix the butter, sour cream, and vanilla into the bowl with the egg mixture, and blend until smooth.

Step 5. Pour the dry ingredients in, and blend until well combined. Do not overmix.

Step 6. Spread the mixture evenly into two well-greased loaf pans.

Step 7. Bake for 20 minutes.
Step 8. Lower the heat to 325 degrees, and bake for another 30 minutes.
Step 9. Remove the loaf pans from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes.
Step 10. Add the syrup ingredients to a pot over medium heat, and stir for 3 minutes.

Step 11. Turn the loaves out onto a wire rack to cool the rest of the way.
Step 12. Poke holes in the top of the loaves with a toothpick.

Then, pour the syrup over the top.

Step 13. Blend together the ingredients for the glaze, and pour over the loaves.

Step 14. Let the glaze harden and then serve.

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Famous Starbucks Lemon Loaf
Ingredients
- 4 sticks Butter, unsalted and melted
- 1 ½ c All-purpose flour
- 2 tsp Vanilla
- 2 tsp Baking powder
- 1 ½ c Cake flour
- ½ c Sour cream , at room temperature
- ¼ tsp Baking soda
- ¼ c Lemon zest
- 2 tsp Lemon extract
- 2 ½ c Granulated sugar
- 8 Eggs, Large
- 1 tsp Salt
For the lemon glaze:
- 2 c Powdered sugar
- 5 tbsp Lemon juice
For the lemon syrup:
- ⅓ c Granulated sugar
- ⅓ c Lemon juice, Fresh
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Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Mix together the flours, salt, baking powder and baking soda in a bowl.
- Blend together the eggs, lemon extract and lemon zest in a separate bowl.
- Mix the butter, sour cream, and vanilla into the bowl with the egg mixture, and blend until smooth.
- Pour the dry ingredients in, and blend until well combined. Do not overmix.
- Spread the mixture evenly into two well-greased loaf pans.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Lower the heat to 325 degrees, and bake for another 30 minutes.
- Remove the loaf pans from the oven and let them cool for 10 minu
- Add the syrup ingredients to a pot over medium heat, and stir for 3 minutes.
- Turn the loaves out onto a wire rack to cool the rest of the way.
- Poke holes in the top of the loaves with a toothpick, and pour the syrup over the top.
- Blend together the ingredients for the glaze, and pour over the loaves.
- Let the glaze harden and then serve.
Nutrition
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How many calories are in one lemon loaf cake?
The calorie count of a lemon loaf cake can vary depending on the recipe and serving size. On average, one slice of lemon loaf cake can have around 250-300 calories.
How long does a Starbucks lemon loaf stay good for?
A Starbucks lemon loaf can last up to 3-4 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Here is a copycat Starbucks peanut butter and jelly sandwich recipe as well to try out.
Tips
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor
- Don’t overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense bread
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing
- Store the bread in an airtight container to keep it fresh for longer
Storing instructions:
Lemon loaf bread should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
Making in advance instructions
You can make the lemon loaf batter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it.
You can also bake the bread a day in advance and store it at room temperature in an airtight container.
Freezing instructions
- Lemon loaf bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then place it in a freezer-safe bag.
- To defrost, remove the bread from the freezer and let it come to room temperature on the counter or in the refrigerator.
- You can also reheat frozen lemon loaf bread in the oven or microwave for a few minutes.

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