Description

Copycat Starbucks Lemon Bread – Moist, buttery, and packed with fresh lemon zest and juice, topped with a tangy glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet pick-me-up—just like the café, but even better

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons lemon zest
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup milk
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Beat in eggs one at a time.
Mix in vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Alternate adding the flour mixture with sour cream and milk.
Start and end with the dry mixture. Mix just until combined.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake for 55–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over the cooled loaf.

Notes

This homemade lemon loaf is a near-perfect copy of the popular Starbucks version—moist, dense, and drenched in a bright lemon glaze. With better ingredients and no artificial preservatives, it’s the ideal bakery-style treat to satisfy your citrus cravings.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American