Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf

The allure of baking has a special magic, especially when it comes to recreating beloved café recipes in the comfort of your own home. One such recipe that has captured the hearts of many is the Zesty Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf. This delightful treat is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience that combines the refreshing tang of citrus with the heartwarming embrace of freshly baked goods. Lemon-flavored desserts have a unique appeal, particularly during the warmer months, when their bright and zesty flavors can invigorate the senses.

Discover the joy of baking with this easy Zesty Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf recipe! This delicious treat combines a refreshing lemon flavor with a moist texture, making it perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients like fresh lemon juice, zest, and a touch of vanilla extract, you can create a delightful dessert that rivals your favorite coffee shop version. Follow our step-by-step guide to enjoy a slice of sunshine right from your kitchen!

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Ingredients

For the Lemon Loaf:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

3 large eggs

2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 2 lemons)

⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 to 2 lemons)

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup buttermilk (or homemade version with milk and vinegar)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon lemon zest

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).

Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Add Lemon Zest & Juice: Mix in the lemon zest and lemon juice until well incorporated.

Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.

Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool the Loaf: Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice or powdered sugar as needed.

Glaze the Loaf: Once the lemon loaf has cooled completely, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Slice and Serve: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing the loaf into generous pieces. Serve with a cup of tea or your favorite beverage!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour 10 minutes | 8 slices