The first time I pulled this lemon loaf from the oven, the kitchen filled with a sweet citrus perfume that tasted like sunshine and buttery crumbs.
You can whip it up on a quiet weekend morning or as a sweet treat to pack in a lunch, and it feels special without any fuss.
SaveA few years ago I burned my first tray but kept trying, because store bought versions never tasted as good as this soft, zesty homemade version.
Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 5 by 9 inch loaf pan, then line it with parchment paper overhanging the edges for easy lift out.
- Whisk dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder until evenly combined.
- Cream butter and eggs
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth, then add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add lemon and vanilla
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla until the mixture looks slightly glossy.
- Combine wet and dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry mix.
- Scrape and smooth
Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then pour the thick batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake until golden
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool in pan
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment and set it on a wire rack.
- Make lemon glaze
Whisk powdered sugar with a tablespoon or two of lemon juice and a pinch of salt until smooth, then drizzle over the loaf.
- Slice and serve
Wait until the glaze sets, then slice and enjoy this tender, bright loaf with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Substitutions and variations
- Use salted butter and reduce added salt to 1/4 teaspoon if you prefer.
- Replace whole milk with any non dairy milk such as oat or almond.
- Swap fresh lemon juice and zest for 1 tablespoon bottled lemon zest in a pinch.
- Make it gluten free by using a gluten free flour blend with xanthan gum.
- Add a few tablespoons of freeze dried raspberry powder for a subtle berry twist.
Chloe's tips
- Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling off to avoid a dense crumb.
- Room temperature eggs and butter create a smoother, more emulsified batter.
- For extra lemony aroma, brush the top of the warm loaf with a little lemon juice before glazing.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for longer keeping.
How to store it
- Keep the fully cooled loaf wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to a week if you prefer a firmer texture, and bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze slices or the whole loaf for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and refresh in a 300 degree F oven for 5 minutes.
Serving suggestions
Serve this tender loaf sliced thin with a cup of coffee, or pack a piece in your lunch for a bright midday pick me up.
- Pair with a strong brewed coffee or hot black tea
- Top with a thin spread of lemon curd for extra zing
- Dust with powdered sugar for a simple finish
Frequently asked questions
Why did my loaf turn out dense?
Overmixing the batter or measuring flour too heavily can make the texture heavy; measure spoon and level, and mix just until combined.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Yes, use 2 tablespoons bottled lemon juice and consider adding a little extra zest for more vibrant flavor.
How do I know when the loaf is done?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, and the edges should pull slightly away from the pan.
Can I add blueberries or another mix in?
Gently fold in up to 3/4 cup of blueberries or your favorite mix in before baking to keep the batter light.
Let's get cooking!
This copycat lemon loaf captures the bakery flavor you love in a soft, easy to make dessert that feels indulgent without any bakery line, so preheat that oven and enjoy your kitchen smelling like a sunny cafe.
