Starbucks Lemon Loaf (Best Copycat Recipe)

This Starbucks lemon loaf is as delicious as it gets. This copycat recipe makes a spongy, moist cake with a sweet lemon glaze that's just addictive. It's buttery, sweet, and bursting with the perfect amount of lemon flavor in each bite.

The Best Starbucks Lemon Loaf

If you love lemon desserts or have ever had the Starbucks lemon loaf before, you're in for a treat. This copycat Starbucks lemon loaf is spot on to the one you'd get from the iconic coffee shop, and it might be even better.

The moist lemon loaf cake is soft and dense with a wonderful cakiness. It'd be delicious eaten alone, but the lemon icing really takes the flavor to another level. Sweet, buttery, lemony, and refreshing, this loaf is just too good!

It's perfect for parties, small gatherings, or just to have during the week. You'll find any reason to make this Starbucks lemon loaf!

Why This Recipe Works

Simple ingreidents. This copycat Starbucks lemon loaf recipe is made with classic baking ingredients, so you probably have them on hand.

It's cheaper. You can basically make an entire loaf for the price of one slice from Starbucks, and this copycat lemon loaf is just as delicious as Starbucks.

Easy to make ahead. This lemon loaf keeps well, so you can make it ahead of time if you're expecting company or are planning on bringing it to a party. 

Crowd-favorite. This is an irresistible dessert that everyone loves. All it takes is one bite to be hooked, so it's a guaranteed winner whenever you serve it.

Ingredients

This copycat Starbucks lemon loaf recipe is made with classic cake ingredients with a twist. A couple of additional ingredients make this the moistest lemon loaf you'll ever have!

Here's what you need to make Starbucks lemon loaf:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• ¼ tsp. baking soda
• ¼ tsp. salt
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 11/2 tbsp. lemon zest
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice
• ½ cup sour cream or buttermilk

And here's what you need for the lemon icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar (plus more until desired consistency is reached)
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1-2 tbsp. heavy cream or milk 

How To Make Starbucks Lemon Loaf

1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180ºC) and grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and set it aside. 

3. Cream the eggs and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, mix the granulated sugar and the eggs for 2 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.

4. Combine the wet ingredients. Add the melted butter and vegetable oil to the egg mixture and mix until combined. Then, add the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix on medium speed until all ingredients are just combined. Add the sour cream to the bowl and mix until everything is well incorporated.

5. Add the dry ingredients: Add ⅓ of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredient mixture. Mix with a rubber spatula until almost incorporated, and add more. Continue until all the dry ingredients are incorporated into the wet mixture.

6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean and the top feels firm to the touch.

7. Glaze the loaf: Mix all of the icing ingredients in a bowl until they're smooth and combined. Let the loaf cool completely. Remove the cooled loaf from the pan. Place on a wire rack on top of a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pour the sweet lemon glaze over the entire loaf.

8. Serve: Add some lemon zest on top of the icing if desired. As soon as the icing sets, slice the loaf into about 6-8 servings and serve this delicious Starbucks copycat lemon loaf. Enjoy!

Tips To Make The Best Lemon Loaf Recipe

• Make mini loaves with smaller loaf pans and freeze the extras.
• Don't over-mix the batter when you combine the wet and dry flour ingredients. You'll want to mix until everything just combines. 
• Place parchment paper beneath the wire rack when pouring the glaze. This will make your clean-up much easier.
• Add more cream or milk to the glaze for a thinner glaze. Add powdered sugar to make it thicker, like frosting
• Add lemon juice and lemon extract to the glaze for a more intense lemon flavor.

How To Store Lemon Loaf

At room temperature: Place the slices of lemon loaf in an airtight container and store for about 4-5 days.

In the fridge: Store the loaf in an airtight container in the fridge and keep it for up to 1 week.

In the freezer: You can also store this lemon loaf in the freezer. Wrap the cooled lemon loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge, then mix the icing, pour it on the loaf, and enjoy.

FAQs About This Starbucks Lemon Loaf Recipe

How many calories are in a Starbucks lemon loaf?

According to the Starbucks website, the iced lemon loaf has 397 calories per slice.

Does Starbucks lemon loaf need to be refrigerated?

No, Starbucks lemon loaf is best kept at room temperature to keep the loaf moist. When stored in the refrigerator, it dries out quicker than when stored at room temperature.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil in this recipe?

You can substitute the vegetable oil in this recipe with canola oil or coconut oil. I don't recommend using olive oil because the bold flavor will alter the taste of this lemon loaf.

What is the best substitute for lemon extract?

I used lemon juice instead of lemon extract to give the glaze a lemon flavor, but you can also use lemon zest.

More Starbucks Recipes

• Starbucks cake pops
• Starbucks egg white bites
• Starbucks grilled cheese
• Starbucks overnight oats
• Starbucks banana bread
• Starbucks vanilla frappuccino