Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf
This Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf is ultra-moist, soft, and packed with bright lemon flavor. With a tender crumb and a tangy lemon icing that sets perfectly on top, this homemade version rivals the original coffee shop favorite. It’s quick to make and even better to enjoy with your morning coffee or as an afternoon treat.
Servings: 8 slices
Calories: 392kcal
Ingredients
For the Lemon Loaf:
- 1 cup 200g granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest from about 2 large lemons
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- ¼ cup 56g unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup 60ml sunflower oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup 80ml sour cream, at room temperature
- 1⅔ cups 235g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup 80ml whole milk, at room temperature
For the Lemon Icing:
- 1 cup 120g powdered confectioner’s sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8.5x4.5-inch or 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and lemon zest. Rub them together with your fingers until fragrant and the sugar is infused with lemon oils.
- Add the eggs and whisk until the mixture is smooth and slightly lightened in color.
- Whisk in the melted butter, sunflower oil, vanilla extract, and sour cream until fully combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Finish the Batter
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Add the milk and continue folding until the batter is smooth and no flour streaks remain. Avoid over-mixing.
Bake the Loaf
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface.
- For a classic loaf split, run a spatula or knife lengthwise through the center of the batter.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the loaf in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Icing
- In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Adjust consistency as needed—add more sugar to thicken or a drop more milk to thin.
Ice the Loaf
- Once the loaf is completely cool, pour the icing over the top, letting it drip slightly down the sides.
- Allow the icing to set before slicing and serving.