Indulge in Sweet Citrus Bliss with Starbucks Lemon Loaf: A Homemade Delight

Experience the zesty goodness of Starbucks Lemon Loaf right in your own kitchen with this delectable homemade recipe. Bursting with fresh lemon flavor and topped with a tangy lemon icing, this moist and tender loaf cake is sure to brighten up any day. In this ultimate guide, we’ll take you through the steps to recreate this beloved treat, along with variations, tips, and answers to frequently asked questions, so you can enjoy a slice of sweet citrus bliss whenever the craving strikes.

Step into the world of Starbucks Lemon Loaf, where every bite is a burst of sunshine and joy. This iconic treat from Starbucks has won the hearts of lemon lovers everywhere with its irresistible combination of moist cake and tangy lemon icing. Now, you can bring the magic of Starbucks into your own home with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this Lemon Loaf is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. So, let’s get started on this delightful culinary journey!

Ingredients

For the Lemon Loaf:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon extract
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup oil

For the Lemon Icing:

1 cup powdered sugar, plus 1 tablespoon
2 tablespoons whole milk (or 2% milk)
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the softened butter, vanilla extract, lemon extract, lemon juice, and oil. Mix until well combined.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Lemon Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and lemon extract until smooth.
Glaze the Loaf: Once the loaf is completely cooled, drizzle the lemon icing over the top using a spoon or spatula. Allow the icing to set before slicing and serving.

Cook Notes and Variations

For an extra burst of lemon flavor, add lemon zest to the batter or the icing.
Substitute part of the lemon juice with lemon zest for added texture and brightness.
Experiment with different extracts such as almond or orange for unique flavor twists.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

For those following a keto or low-carb diet, here are some modifications you can make to the recipe:

Substitute almond flour or coconut flour for the all-purpose flour to reduce the carb content.
Use a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of granulated sugar.
Replace the whole milk in the icing with heavy cream or almond milk for a lower-carb option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

A: While fresh lemon juice is preferred for optimal flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute if fresh lemons are not available. Just be sure to use pure lemon juice without any added sugar or preservatives.

Q: How should I store leftover Lemon Loaf?

A: Store any leftover Lemon Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze the loaf for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I omit the lemon extract from the recipe?

A: Lemon extract adds an extra punch of lemon flavor to the loaf, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can omit it from the recipe without significantly affecting the overall taste.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

With its irresistible blend of tart lemon flavor, tender crumb, and sweet icing, Starbucks Lemon Loaf is a true delight for the senses. Now, with this easy-to-follow recipe, you can enjoy the same deliciousness from the comfort of your own home. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a sweet treat after dinner, this homemade Lemon Loaf is sure to bring a smile to your face. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the sweet taste of success with Starbucks Lemon Loaf!