Zesty Citrus Delight: Bright Lemon Loaf Recipe for Beginners

Sunshine bursts through every slice of this tantalizing Starbucks lemon loaf recipe that promises pure citrusy bliss.

Zesty and moist, this delectable treat captures the essence of bright, refreshing flavors in each tender crumb.

The perfect balance of sweet and tart dances across your palate with remarkable harmony.

Soft, delicate layers melt in your mouth, revealing a rich lemony essence that feels like a warm embrace.

Bakers of all skill levels can effortlessly master this simple yet sophisticated dessert.

Drizzled with a sparkling lemon glaze, this loaf turns an ordinary afternoon into a moment of pure culinary joy.

One bite will transport you to a sunny citrus grove, beckoning you to savor every delightful morsel.

Ways to Slice and Serve Lemon Loaf Perfectly

• Sunshine Breakfast Companion: Pair this zesty lemon loaf with a hot cup of earl grey tea or fresh orange juice for a bright morning treat that awakens your senses.
• Afternoon Tea Elegance: Slice the loaf into thin, delicate pieces and serve alongside lavender shortbread cookies or classic vanilla scones for a sophisticated tea time experience.
• Dessert Transformation: Crumble the lemon loaf over vanilla ice cream or use as a base for a trifle with fresh berries and whipped cream to create a stunning summer dessert that impresses guests.
• Gifting Delight: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift that spreads happiness and showcases your baking skills to friends and family.

Best Storage Ideas for Your Lemon Loaf

• Slice and Savor Strategy: Cut the lemon loaf into individual portions and wrap each slice in plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go snacks throughout the week. Perfect for busy mornings or afternoon treats.
• Chilled Delight Storage: Keep the frosted loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for up to 5 days. The cool environment helps maintain the frosting's texture and prevents spoilage.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap the unfrosted loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh frosting before serving.
• Quick Refresh Trick: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore the loaf's soft texture and enhance the lemony aroma, making each bite feel freshly baked.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 11

Ingredients in Starbucks Lemon Loaf

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tender crumb, choose unbleached flour for better texture and flavor.
• Instant Lemon Pudding Mix: Adds intense lemon flavor and moisture, ensures consistent taste throughout the loaf.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the loaf rise and create a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness in the recipe.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and create richness, use room temperature eggs for smooth mixing.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization, granulated white sugar works best.
• Butter: Adds richness and depth of flavor, softened to room temperature for easy incorporation.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavors and adds subtle depth to the lemon profile.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the loaf incredibly moist and tender, neutral oil prevents competing flavors.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds tanginess and moisture, full-fat version creates a more luxurious texture.

• Lemon Zest: Provides bright, intense citrus aroma and concentrated lemon flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tangy freshness and helps activate leavening agents.
• Lemon Extract: Boosts citrus intensity and adds professional bakery-style flavor.

• Butter: Creates creamy base for frosting, must be softened for smooth mixing.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tartness and helps thin the frosting.

Must-Have Tools for Baking a Great Lemon Loaf

• Loaf Pan (5 x 9-inch): Essential for baking the lemon loaf, ensuring the perfect shape and size.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes removing the loaf easier.
• Non-Stick Spray: Guarantees smooth release of the cake from the pan.
• Mixing Bowls (2): One for dry ingredients, another for wet ingredients.
• Whisk or Electric Mixer: Helps blend ingredients smoothly and thoroughly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements are key to recipe success.
• Zester or Grater: Needed to create fresh lemon zest for extra flavor.
• Toothpick: Checks cake doneness by testing the center.
• Wire Rack: Allows complete cooling of the loaf.
• Spatula: Spreads frosting evenly over the cooled cake.

How to Bake Starbucks-Style Lemon Loaf

• Preparation Ritual

Gather all your baking tools and ingredients. Set the oven to a cozy 350°F, creating a warm welcome for your soon-to-be delightful treat. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, giving it a gentle spray of non-stick magic.

• Dry Ingredient Symphony

Blend flour, instant pudding mix, rising agents, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. This dry mixture will be the foundation of your lemony masterpiece.

• Wet Ingredient Dance

In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, butter, and flavor boosters. The combination of vanilla, lemon essence, fresh lemon juice, oil, and yogurt will create a smooth, creamy base that sings with brightness.

• Batter Harmony

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Sprinkle in vibrant lemon zest, stirring until everything comes together in perfect unity. The batter should look like sunshine captured in a bowl.

• Baking Adventure

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Let it bake for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick emerges clean – a sign of cake perfection.

• Cooling Moment

Allow the cake to rest in the pan briefly, then transfer to a wire rack. Let it cool completely, building anticipation for the final touch.

• Lemony Crown

Whip up a creamy frosting by blending softened butter, lemon juice, and powdered sugar. Spread this zesty topping over the cooled cake. Chill briefly to set the crowning glory.

Tips That Make Lemon Loaf Brighter and Softer

• Replace some lemon juice with orange or lime juice for a unique citrusy twist that adds bright, unexpected flavor to your loaf.
• Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a delicious treat is always ready when cravings hit.
• Add a handful of poppy seeds or finely chopped almonds to the batter for an extra crunch and interesting texture that elevates the classic recipe.
• Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free instant pudding mix to create a delectable version for those with dietary restrictions.
• Brush the warm loaf with a mixture of lemon juice and sugar while it's still hot to intensify the citrus flavor and create a slight glaze that locks in moisture.

Zesty Lemon Loaf Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon loaf tempts taste buds with Mediterranean-inspired flavors and delicate crumb. Quick bread lovers will savor moist, tangy slices perfect for afternoon tea or morning indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 cups / 360 ml all-purpose flour
• 1 cup / 200 g sugar
• 3 eggs
• 3.4 oz / 96 g instant lemon pudding mix
• 0.5 cup / 120 ml vegetable oil
• 0.75 cup / 180 ml plain Greek yogurt
• 0.33 cup / 80 ml fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp lemon extract
• 2 tbsps butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 0.5 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 3 tbsps butter, softened
• 3 tbsps lemon juice
• 1.5 cups / 180 g powdered sugar
• 1 tsp lemon extract

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 5×9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, thoroughly spraying with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Combine flour, instant vanilla pudding mix, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, whisking until completely smooth and free of lumps.
3. Wet Ingredient Blending: Utilize an electric mixer to blend eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, lemon extract, lemon juice, vegetable oil, and yogurt until the mixture becomes silky and uniform.
4. Batter Assembly: Gently incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, folding in lemon zest during the final mixing to ensure even distribution throughout the batter.
5. Baking Process: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface, and bake for 50-55 minutes. Rotate the pan midway through cooking and verify doneness by inserting a toothpick that comes out clean.
6. Cooling and Resting: Let the loaf rest in the pan for 8-10 minutes to stabilize its structure, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely at room temperature.
7. Glaze Creation: Whisk softened butter, lemon juice, and powdered sugar until achieving a smooth, spreadable glaze consistency.
8. Finishing Touch: Generously spread the lemon glaze over the cooled loaf, then refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to set the frosting before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Measure with Precision: Use exact measurements for ingredients to guarantee consistent texture and flavor every time.
• Room Temperature Matters: Ensure eggs, butter, and yogurt are at room temperature for smoother batter and better mixing.
• Zest Technique: Grate lemon zest carefully to avoid bitter white pith, adding maximum citrus flavor without unwanted bitterness.
• Pan Preparation Tip: Properly line and spray the pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy loaf removal without breaking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg