Description
This Starbucks Lemon Loaf recipe replicates the moist, flavorful lemon cake served at Starbucks. It features a tender crumb enriched with lemon zest and lemon extract, topped with a tangy lemon glaze that perfectly complements the sweetness of the loaf.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Lemon Loaf
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large lemon, zested
- 2 tablespoons lemon extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar (add more until desired consistency is reached)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 3 large eggs, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup sour cream. Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture until smooth and well blended.
- Add Oil: With the mixer running on low speed, slowly pour in ½ cup vegetable oil while continuing to mix, ensuring the batter emulsifies well.
- Incorporate Flavors: Add the zest of one large lemon, 2 tablespoons lemon extract, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract into the batter. Beat again to combine all flavors evenly.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1½ cups all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. It’s important not to overmix; some lumps remaining in the batter are normal.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 43 to 45 minutes, or until the top is nicely browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Loaf: Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan to firm up and prevent breaking when glazed.
- Prepare Lemon Icing: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon milk until smooth and the glaze reaches a pourable consistency. Add more powdered sugar if you want it thicker.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the loaf has completely cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze evenly over the top. Slice and serve your deliciously moist Starbucks-style Lemon Loaf.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the loaf tender and light; some lumps are acceptable.
- Lemon zest and lemon extract provide the signature bright lemon flavor; do not substitute with only lemon juice.
- Let the loaf cool completely before glazing to prevent the icing from melting.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best quality in the icing.
- Store the loaf covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Starbucks Lemon Loaf, Lemon Cake, Lemon Bread, Moist Lemon Loaf, Lemon Glaze Cake
