Description
A moist, buttery Starbucks-inspired lemon loaf with bright citrus flavor and a sweet tangy lemon glaze, perfect for breakfast, snacking, or a light dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add the sour cream, vegetable oil, melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Mix until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a smooth batter forms. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for several minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice until smooth.
- Once the loaf is completely cooled, pour the glaze over the top and let it drip down the sides before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter or the loaf may turn out dense.
- Fresh lemon juice and zest give the best bright citrus flavor.
- Greek yogurt can be used instead of sour cream for a tangier loaf.
- Add poppy seeds for a lemon poppy seed variation.
- For a citrus twist, mix in a little orange zest.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freeze the loaf without glaze, then thaw and add fresh glaze before serving.
- Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a softer texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
