Bring the bright, zesty flavors of your favorite coffeehouse treat right to your kitchen with this irresistible Copycat Starbucks® Lemon Bread. Moist, buttery, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, this homemade lemon loaf rivals the original—and may even outshine it. Whether you’re serving it with coffee, enjoying a midday snack, or impressing guests with a vibrant dessert, this lemon bread delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Better than store-bought: Fresher flavor, no preservatives, and made with real lemon.
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Foolproof recipe: Simple steps and pantry ingredients make it ideal for beginner and experienced bakers.
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Versatile and shareable: Serve for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or gift-giving.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Bread:
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All-Purpose Flour (1 ½ cups): The base that provides structure to the loaf.
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Baking Powder & Baking Soda (1 tsp & ¼ tsp): Work together to give the bread a light, fluffy texture.
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Salt (½ tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances the lemon flavor.
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Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened): Adds richness and a tender crumb.
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Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the bread and helps create a moist texture.
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Eggs (3 large): Bind the ingredients and add moisture and richness.
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Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the flavor with a warm, sweet note.
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Lemon Zest (2 tbsp): Provides vibrant citrus aroma and flavor.
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Fresh Lemon Juice (¼ cup): Delivers a bright, tangy taste to the loaf.
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Sour Cream (½ cup): Keeps the bread ultra-moist with a slight tang.
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Milk (¼ cup): Helps achieve the perfect batter consistency.
For the Glaze:
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Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Forms the sweet, smooth base of the glaze.
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Fresh Lemon Juice (2 tbsp): Gives the glaze its signature zing.
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Lemon Zest (1 tsp, optional): Adds a burst of fresh citrus on top.
Tips and Tricks:
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Don’t overmix: Overmixing can lead to dense, dry bread. Mix until just combined.
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Use room temperature ingredients: They blend more evenly, creating a smoother batter.
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Zest before juicing: It’s much easier to zest a whole lemon than a squeezed one.
Variations and Customizations:
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Blueberry Lemon Loaf: Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries.
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Lemon Poppy Seed Version: Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the batter.
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for an easy substitution.
Pairing Suggestions:
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Drinks: Pairs perfectly with hot coffee, iced tea, or a creamy chai latte.
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Toppings: Add whipped cream or serve with fresh berries for an elegant touch.
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Occasions: Great for brunches, bake sales, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Storage Instructions:
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Refrigerate: Stays fresh for up to 1 week.
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Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Popular Questions:
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
Why is my loaf dense?
Overmixing or expired leavening agents can lead to a heavy texture. Always check your ingredients and mix gently.
Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day as the lemon flavor intensifies.