If you love the tangy-sweet, moist, and perfectly glazed lemon loaf from Starbucks, you’re in for a treat! This homemade lemon loaf recipe is easy to make, bursting with fresh citrus flavor, and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. Skip the coffee shop lines and enjoy this bakery-quality lemon loaf right in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Loaf Recipe
- Bakery-Style at Home: Enjoy a Starbucks-inspired lemon loaf without the extra cost.
- Moist & Flavorful: A perfect balance of sweetness and tangy lemon in every bite.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry!
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy it as a breakfast pastry, midday snack, or dessert.
- Easy to Store & Freeze: Stays fresh for days and freezes beautifully for later.
Ingredients for Lemon Loaf
For the Lemon Loaf:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
How to Make the Perfect Lemon Loaf
1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3: Blend Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together sugar and eggs until light and creamy. Gradually mix in oil, sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4: Combine & Bake
Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined—do not overmix! Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6: Prepare the Glaze & Drizzle
Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled lemon loaf and let it set before slicing.
Serving & Storage Tips
🍽 Serving: Slice and enjoy as a breakfast treat, dessert, or afternoon snack with coffee or tea.
🧊 Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
❄️ Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Lemon Loaf Variations & Add-Ins
🌿 Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour instead of all-purpose flour.
🍯 Healthier Twist: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt and replace some sugar with honey or maple syrup.
🍋 Extra Lemon Flavor: Add ½ teaspoon lemon extract for an even bolder citrus taste.
🎁 Mini Loaves: Use mini loaf pans for gift-sized treats—just adjust the baking time accordingly.
FAQs About Lemon Loaf
1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is always best for flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative instead of sour cream.
3. How do I prevent my lemon loaf from becoming dry?
Avoid overmixing the batter and do not overbake. Check for doneness around 50 minutes.
4. What’s the best way to get a strong lemon flavor?
Use both lemon zest and fresh lemon juice, and consider adding a teaspoon of lemon extract for an extra boost.
5. Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes! You can use melted butter, canola oil, or even coconut oil instead of vegetable oil.
More Delicious Breakfast Recipes To Start Your Day
- Easy and Delicious Breakfast Egg Muffins Recipe
- High Protein Chicken Orzo
- Carrot Desserts with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Conclusion
This lemon loaf is a delicious, bakery-quality treat that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday pick-me-up. With its tangy lemon flavor, moist texture, and sweet glaze, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Try this easy recipe today and enjoy the bright, refreshing taste of homemade lemon loaf!
The Best Lemon Loaf Recipe
Ingredients
For the Lemon Loaf:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare Your Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Blend Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together sugar and eggs until light and creamy. Gradually mix in oil, sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine & Bake: Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined—do not overmix! Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze & Drizzle: Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled lemon loaf and let it set before slicing.
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, you can add an additional 1/2 tsp of lemon extract or more lemon zest to the batter.
- Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
