Copycat of Starbucks Lemon Bread

by Emily
Copycat of Starbucks Lemon Bread

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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:

  • Better than store-bought: Fresher flavor, no preservatives, and made with real lemon.

  • Foolproof recipe: Simple steps and pantry ingredients make it ideal for beginner and experienced bakers.

  • Versatile and shareable: Serve for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or gift-giving.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Bread:

  • All-Purpose Flour (1 ½ cups): The base that provides structure to the loaf.

  • Baking Powder & Baking Soda (1 tsp & ¼ tsp): Work together to give the bread a light, fluffy texture.

  • Salt (½ tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances the lemon flavor.

  • Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened): Adds richness and a tender crumb.

  • Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the bread and helps create a moist texture.

  • Eggs (3 large): Bind the ingredients and add moisture and richness.

  • Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the flavor with a warm, sweet note.

  • Lemon Zest (2 tbsp): Provides vibrant citrus aroma and flavor.

  • Fresh Lemon Juice (¼ cup): Delivers a bright, tangy taste to the loaf.

  • Sour Cream (½ cup): Keeps the bread ultra-moist with a slight tang.

  • Milk (¼ cup): Helps achieve the perfect batter consistency.

For the Glaze:

  • Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Forms the sweet, smooth base of the glaze.

  • Fresh Lemon Juice (2 tbsp): Gives the glaze its signature zing.

  • Lemon Zest (1 tsp, optional): Adds a burst of fresh citrus on top.

Copycat of Starbucks Lemon Bread

Tips and Tricks:

  • Don’t overmix: Overmixing can lead to dense, dry bread. Mix until just combined.

  • Use room temperature ingredients: They blend more evenly, creating a smoother batter.

  • Zest before juicing: It’s much easier to zest a whole lemon than a squeezed one.

Variations and Customizations:

  • Blueberry Lemon Loaf: Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries.

  • Lemon Poppy Seed Version: Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the batter.

  • Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for an easy substitution.

Pairing Suggestions:

  • Drinks: Pairs perfectly with hot coffee, iced tea, or a creamy chai latte.

  • Toppings: Add whipped cream or serve with fresh berries for an elegant touch.

  • Occasions: Great for brunches, bake sales, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Storage Instructions:

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Refrigerate: Stays fresh for up to 1 week.

  • 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.

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