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- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 tsp baking powder - ½ tsp baking soda - ¼ tsp salt - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 tsp vanilla extract - ½ cup plain Greek yogurt - Zest of 2 large lemons - ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 cup powdered sugar - 2-3 tbsp lemon juice To make this Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf, you need simple, fresh ingredients. First, gather your dry ingredients. All-purpose flour is the base for the loaf. Baking powder and baking soda help the loaf rise. Salt enhances the flavor. Next, focus on the wet ingredients. Softened unsalted butter gives richness. Granulated sugar adds sweetness. Eggs bind the mix together. Vanilla extract brings a warm note. Greek yogurt keeps the loaf moist. Lemon zest adds a burst of fresh flavor. Freshly squeezed lemon juice balances the sweetness and gives a bright taste. Finally, for the glaze, powdered sugar creates the perfect sweetness. Lemon juice adds a tangy kick. This glaze makes your loaf shine and taste even better. For the full recipe, check the ingredients listed above. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for even baking. While the oven heats, grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. You can also line it with parchment paper. This makes removing the loaf easy later. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, ½ tsp of baking soda, and ¼ tsp of salt. Make sure there are no lumps. Set this bowl aside for now. Next, in a large bowl, cream ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer. Mix until it is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Stir in 1 tsp of vanilla extract, ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt, the zest of 2 large lemons, and ¼ cup of lemon juice. Blend until everything is well combined. Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be thick and smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean when done. After baking, remove the loaf from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, move it to a wire rack to cool completely. While the loaf cools, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2-3 tbsp of lemon juice. Adjust the glaze to your liking. Once the loaf is cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let it drip down the sides for a lovely finish. For the [Full Recipe], be sure to check the complete list of ingredients and instructions! To get a soft and moist lemon loaf, follow these tips: - Ensure ingredients are at room temperature: This helps the batter mix well. Cold eggs or butter can make your loaf dense. - Avoid overmixing the batter: Mix just until the dry ingredients disappear. Overmixing adds air and makes the loaf tough. Want to boost the lemon flavor? Here are some ideas: - Additional lemon zest or extracts: Add more zest for a stronger taste. A drop of lemon extract can also enhance the flavor. - Alternative glaze options: Try a simple icing made with orange juice instead of lemon for a twist. You could even use a cream cheese glaze. Make your lemon loaf look as good as it tastes: - Serving suggestions for an elegant look: Slice the loaf and place it on a nice plate. Use a cake stand for an added touch. - Garnishing ideas: Top your loaf with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves. A dusting of powdered sugar also adds a nice finish. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your lemon loaf easily. One fun option is to make an orange loaf. Just swap the lemon zest for orange zest. This gives the loaf a sweet, fruity twist. You can also try adding grapefruit zest. It adds a nice tart flavor. Both options keep the loaf fresh and vibrant. Want to mix things up? You can add poppy seeds to the batter. They add a fun crunch and look pretty too. Blueberries are another great option. They burst with flavor and add a nice color. If you want a creamier texture, use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt. This will make your loaf extra moist. If you need a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free flour. Make sure to choose a blend that works well for baking. This option keeps the loaf light and fluffy. You won’t lose any flavor or texture. Enjoy your tasty slice while still sticking to your dietary needs. For the full recipe, check out the Lemon Zest Delight Loaf . To keep your lemon loaf fresh, wrap it tightly. I recommend using plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This seals in moisture and prevents it from drying out. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, pop it in the fridge. Just remember, cold air can change its texture a bit. Freezing is your best friend for long-term storage. First, let the loaf cool completely. Then, wrap it well in plastic wrap. After that, put it in a freezer-safe bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, defrost it in the fridge overnight or on the counter for a few hours. To warm up your lemon loaf, slice it first. Place the slices on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for about 10-15 seconds. This gives you that fresh-baked taste. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the loaf in foil to keep it moist and bake for about 10-15 minutes. Enjoy every bite! To add moisture to your lemon loaf, consider these tips: - Use more Greek yogurt. This makes it richer. - Add a bit of sour cream. It enhances the texture. - Try adding an extra egg. This helps with moisture. - Drizzle simple syrup after baking. It adds sweetness and moisture. Yes, you can use salted butter. However, it will change the flavor. The loaf might taste a bit saltier. If you use salted butter, skip adding extra salt in the recipe. This keeps the balance right. Check these signs while baking: - The top should be golden brown. - A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. - The loaf should spring back when lightly pressed. Yes, you can make this lemon loaf vegan. Use these substitutions: - Replace eggs with flax eggs. Mix 1 tbsp of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tbsp of water per egg. - Use vegan butter instead of unsalted butter. - Substitute Greek yogurt with plant-based yogurt. Pair these with your lemon loaf: - A cup of herbal tea for a light touch. - Fresh berries for a fruity side. - A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet twist. - Cream cheese frosting for added richness. For the full recipe, refer to the Lemon Zest Delight Loaf section above. This blog post shows you how to make a tasty lemon loaf. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. I shared easy ways to enhance the flavor and present your loaf beautifully. You can even customize it with different citrus or gluten-free options. Lastly, I provided storage tips to keep your loaf fresh. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat with friends and family!

Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf

Indulge in the refreshing flavors of this Lemon Zest Delight Loaf! This easy recipe combines zesty lemon juice and vibrant lemon zest with creamy yogurt for a moist and delightful treat. Perfect for any occasion, you’ll love how simple it is to create this delicious loaf topped with a luscious glaze. Ready to brighten up your baking? Click through to explore the full recipe and make your own Lemon Zest Delight Loaf today!

Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

¼ tsp salt

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup plain Greek yogurt

Zest of 2 large lemons

¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)

2-3 tbsp lemon juice (for glaze)

Instructions
 

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

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

      In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).

        Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract, Greek yogurt, lemon zest, and lemon juice until fully combined.

          Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix. The batter should be thick but smooth.

            Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

                  While the loaf is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice if needed.

                    Once the loaf is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.

                      Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 1 hr 15 min | Servings: 10

                        - Presentation Tips: Slice and serve the lemon loaf on a decorative plate, garnished with a few lemon slices and fresh mint leaves for a refreshing touch. Add a dusting of powdered sugar on top for an elegant finish.