Starbucks Lemon Loaf is the perfect treat for lemon lovers! This moist quick bread is packed with zesty lemon flavor and topped with a sweet glaze. It’s great for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, and the simple recipe comes together with ingredients you probably already have at home. A little effort for a delicious loaf that’s sure to impress!
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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap "Jump to Recipe" at the top of the page.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Starbucks Lemon Loaf recipe is easy to follow, doesn't require a lot of time or effort, and has a bright lemon flavor. It's also versatile since you can enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert. The zesty lemon flavor and sweet glaze make it irresistible!
Plus, you get two loaves, so there's plenty to share with friends and family. It also freezes well, so you can always have a batch ready for when your sweet tooth strikes! If you are a lemon fan like me, you should also try this Lemon Poppy Seed Cake.
Ingredients for Starbucks Lemon Loaf
*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Softened Cream Cheese: The cream cheese helps give the bread a moist, light texture.
- Eggs: Eggs help bind all of the ingredients together and provide structure to the loaf. Use large eggs.
- Lemon Cake Mix: For an added burst of flavor, use lemon cake mix in this recipe.
- Instant Pudding Mix: The pudding mix adds sweetness and binds all of the ingredients together. Opt for lemon or vanilla pudding mix.
- Milk: You'll need ¾ cup of milk to help moisten the ingredients.
Ingredients for Simple Lemon Glaze
- Powdered Sugar: The primary ingredient in this glaze is powdered sugar, which adds sweetness and a glossy shine.
- Milk: Milk helps thin out the glaze so it's easier to spread over the loaf.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice gives an added kick of flavor and aroma.
- Lemon Zest: For a more intense lemon flavor, use freshly grated lemon zest. It also adds a nice pop of color.
How to Make Starbucks Lemon Loaf Recipe
[Step 1] In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon cake mix and lemon instant pudding mix. Set aside.
[Step 2] Beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy with a stand mixer or an electric mixer in a large bowl.
[Step 3] Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing in between.
[Step 4] Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined.
[Step 5] Grease two 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf pans with cooking spray and pour batter between the two pans.
[Step 6] Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
[Step 7] Remove from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes before removing the loaves from the pans.
[Step 8] Lemon Icing: In a medium or small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and milk until smooth. Drizzle glaze over the top of the loaf.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
How To Store Leftovers
Leftover lemon bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The glaze may start to lose its glossy finish after a few days.
To freeze, wrap the loaf tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer bag. It will last for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, allow the loaf to thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bring it to room temperature before serving.
Baking Tips
- If possible, use room-temperature ingredients for this recipe. Cold ingredients may cause the dough to be heavy and dense.
- If your loaves are browning too quickly, tent them with aluminum foil while baking.
- When measuring out the milk, make sure not to add too much or it will make the batter too wet.
Other Quick Bread Recipes to Try
- Triple Chocolate Zucchini Bread
- Sour Cream Banana Bread
- Quick & Easy Zucchini Bread
- Cake Mix Banana Bread
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen blueberries in this Starbucks Lemon Loaf Cake recipe? Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the batter.
- Can I substitute the cake mix for a homemade version? Yes, you can use your own homemade lemon cake recipe in place of the cake mix.
- Do I need to grease the loaf pans? Yes, it's important to grease the pans so that the bread doesn't stick. I like to add parchment paper as well.
- Can I make this recipe in a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan? Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking time slightly. Check the bread for doneness around 35 minutes and add extra time if necessary.
- Can I add nuts or raisins to the lemon bread recipe? Yes, you can! Add ½ cup of chopped nuts or raisins to the batter before baking.
- How long does it take to make the lemon bread from start to finish? This recipe takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to make from start to finish. This includes the prep time, baking time, and cooling time.
- What should I do if my lemon bread is overcooked or undercooked? If the bread is overcooked, it may be dry. Slice it and serve with butter or a honey glaze to help improve the texture. If it's undercooked, place back in the oven for an additional 10 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Can I make this recipe without lemon zest? Yes, you can! The recipe will still be delicious without the zest. It just won't have that extra hint of lemon flavor.
Final Thoughts
This delicious lemon loaf recipe is an easy dessert that you can enjoy any time of year. The combination of tangy lemon and sweet glaze makes it irresistible!
With just a few simple ingredients, you can have this loaf ready to serve in under an hour. Serve the bread for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as a special treat for a special occasion.
More Copycat Recipes
- Disney's Grand Floridian Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Cheesecake Factory's Four Cheese Pasta
- Disney Cruise Line's Lemon Icebox Pie
- Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo
Starbucks Lemon Bread Video:
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Starbucks Lemon Loaf Recipe
Ingredients
Lemon Bread Ingredients
- 8 Ounces Cream Cheese softened
- 3 Eggs
- 1 Lemon Cake Mix
- 1 Small Box Lemon or Vanilla Instant Pudding
- ¾ Cup Milk
Lemon Glaze Ingredients
- 1 Cup Powdered Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Milk
- 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 2 Tablespoons Lemon Zest
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon cake mix and lemon instant pudding mix. Set aside.
- Beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy with a stand mixer or an electric mixer in a large bowl.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing in between.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined.
- Grease two 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf pans with cooking spray and pour batter between the two pans.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes before removing the loaves from the pans.
- Lemon Icing: In a medium or small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and milk until smooth. Drizzle glaze over the top of the loaf.
