Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf – Moist, Zesty, and Irresistibly Sweet

This Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf is a soft, moist, and tangy pound cake bursting with bright lemon flavor and topped with a sweet, citrusy glaze. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert, it delivers the same bakery-style taste you love, but made fresh in your own kitchen. Every bite offers a perfect balance of zesty freshness and rich sweetness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright & Zesty Flavor – Fresh lemon juice and zest create a vibrant, refreshing taste.
Soft & Moist Texture – A rich, buttery base keeps every slice tender.
Better Than Store-Bought – Freshly baked at home for unbeatable flavor.
Perfect Pairing – Ideal alongside coffee, tea, or as a sweet treat any time of day.

Ingredients

For the Loaf:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp lemon extract
• ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 large lemon
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• ½ cup vegetable oil

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Prepare Wet Mixture
   In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs, sugar, and butter until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract, lemon extract, lemon juice, lemon zest, and yogurt (or sour cream).
4. Combine and Add Oil
   Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Slowly mix in vegetable oil until fully incorporated and batter is smooth.
5. Bake
   Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
6. Make the Glaze
   Whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled loaf.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~280
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Sugar: 28g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Lemons – Fresh juice and zest make a huge flavor difference.
• Don’t Overmix – Stir batter just until combined to keep the loaf tender.
• Make Ahead – This loaf tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.

Why This Recipe Works

Greek yogurt (or sour cream) adds moisture without heaviness, while lemon juice and zest infuse the loaf with bright, fresh flavor. The glaze enhances the tangy-sweet balance, making each slice taste like it came from a bakery.

This Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf delivers a moist, tender crumb and bold lemon flavor topped with a sweet citrus glaze. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, it’s a sunshine-filled treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.