Starbucks-Style Lemon Bread – Moist, Zesty, and Lightened-Up

This lemon bread is a citrusy, moist, and utterly satisfying take on the coffee shop classic—only made lighter for everyday enjoyment. With its soft crumb, vibrant lemon flavor, and simple glaze, it brings bakery-level goodness to your kitchen without going overboard. Whether paired with your morning coffee or served as an afternoon pick-me-up, this lemon loaf is sunshine in every slice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright & Refreshing – Real lemon juice and zest deliver bold citrus flavor.
Bakery-Inspired, Made Smarter – Classic coffeehouse taste with lightened ingredients.
Moist and Tender – Greek yogurt keeps the texture soft and rich without excess fat.
Great for Meal Prep – Stays fresh for days and perfect for freezing, too.

Ingredients

For the bread:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup powdered erythritol or sweetener of choice
• 2 tbsp lemon zest
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sweetener
• 1½ tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix applesauce, Greek yogurt, eggs, sweetener, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla until well combined.

4. Make the Batter
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated—don’t overmix.

5. Bake
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

6. Glaze and Finish
Once the loaf is completely cool, whisk glaze ingredients together and drizzle over the top. Let set before slicing.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

Calories: 160
Protein: 5g
Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Sugar: 6g
Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Lemon Juice – Bottled just won’t deliver the same brightness.
• Don’t Overmix – For a tender crumb, stir only until the batter comes together.
• Freezes Well – Slice and freeze individually for an easy grab-and-go treat.
• Serve with Tea or Coffee – It’s a perfect complement to your favorite hot beverage.

Why This Recipe Works

This lemon bread gets its tender texture from Greek yogurt and applesauce, keeping it moist without excess oil. The balance of sweet and tart, along with the bright lemon glaze, brings a true coffeehouse feel—without the heavy calories. It’s a treat that satisfies both the sweet tooth and the smart eater.

This Starbucks-inspired lemon bread brings bakery bliss to your own kitchen with a better-for-you twist. Light, moist, and bursting with real lemon flavor, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again—for breakfast, dessert, or anytime in between.