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Moist lemon loaf cake layered with sweet white lemon glaze, showing a bright yellow crumb and fresh lemon slices beside it.

Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf

Moist and tender copycat Starbucks lemon loaf with bright lemon flavor and a sweet-tart glaze that sets with a delicate crack. Easy, bakery-style results at home.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 44 minutes
1 minute
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Loaf:
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon extract
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 –3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon milk

Equipment

  • 9x5-inch loaf pan

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan well.
  2. Whisk eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in sour cream, oil, lemon extract, and vanilla.
  3. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt; fold into the wet ingredients until just combined.
  4. Pour into the pan and bake 45–50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean and the top is golden. Cool completely.
  5. Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk into a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle over the cooled loaf and let set about 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter. Cool completely before glazing. Fresh lemon juice makes the best glaze. The loaf is even better the next day. Store covered at room temperature. Excellent with coffee. Freezes well unglazed.