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Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf Recipe

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3.8 from 12 reviews

This Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf recipe delivers a moist, zesty cake filled with fresh lemon flavor and topped with a tangy lemon glaze. The loaf is infused with lemon zest and fresh lemon juice, enhanced by a simple lemon syrup brushed on while warm, making every bite bright and flavorful. Perfect for a refreshing dessert or an indulgent snack with coffee or tea.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (about 10-12 slices)

Ingredients

Lemon Loaf

  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (224 g) granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons lemon zest (from 2 to 3 large lemons)
  • 1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (canola or any neutral oil)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon lemon emulsion
  • 1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup full-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup whole milk, room temperature

Lemon Simple Syrup

  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon

Glaze

  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving 1 to 2 inches of overhang on the sides for easy removal of the loaf later. Set aside.
  2. Infuse Sugar with Lemon Zest: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the granulated sugar and freshly grated lemon zest. Use your hands to mix and rub the zest into the sugar for about 30 seconds to release the lemon oils, intensifying the fragrance and flavor.
  3. Cream Butter and Oil: Add the room temperature unsalted butter and vegetable oil to the sugar mixture. Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
  4. Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl sides again to keep the batter uniform.
  5. Build Flavor: Add the fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon emulsion. Mix just until combined to preserve the bright lemon flavor.
  6. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
  7. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three batches, alternating with the Greek yogurt and milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently to avoid overworking the batter. Scrape down bowl sides one final time.
  8. Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with few moist crumbs. If the top browns too fast, tent loosely with foil.
  9. Cool Slightly: Remove the cake from oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes while you prepare the lemon simple syrup.
  10. Make Lemon Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar, bring to a boil for about 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Brush the warm syrup generously over the top of the cake multiple times to soak it in.
  11. Prepare the Lemon Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and milk until smooth and shiny. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice or milk if too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin. The glaze should be pourable but thick.
  12. Glaze the Loaf: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the top of the lemon loaf. Let the glaze set for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Using fresh lemon zest and juice enhances the natural lemon flavor.
  • Room temperature ingredients ensure even mixing and a tender crumb.
  • Lemon emulsion is optional but adds extra lemon aroma; can be omitted if unavailable.
  • Line the loaf pan with parchment paper for easy cake removal.
  • Brush the lemon simple syrup multiple times to keep the loaf moist and flavorful.
  • Adjust glaze consistency as needed to achieve a smooth drizzle.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/starbucks-copycat-lemon-loaf-recipe/