Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf – Easy Copycat Recipe
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If you love the famous Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf, you’re going to love this easy homemade version. This copycat recipe makes a soft, moist lemon loaf with bright citrus flavor and a thick sweet lemon icing — just like the one you get at Starbucks.
The best part? This Starbucks iced lemon loaf recipe is easy to make at home with simple pantry ingredients.
Table of contents
Iced Lemon Loaf is a great little sweet and tangy treat that you can get in the drive-thru if you have a Starbucks near your home.
If you don’t, now you can make it at home in your own kitchen.
You are going to enjoy the bright and tangy flavor in this Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf recipe.
And don’t miss my Key Lime Poke Cake for a new twist on traditional key lime pie.
Why You’ll Love This Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf
This lemon loaf has everything people love about the Starbucks bakery classic.
• Soft and moist quick bread
• Bright lemon flavor in every bite
• Thick sweet lemon icing on top
• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
If you’re a fan of Starbucks lemon loaf, this homemade version might become your new favorite.
Ingredients for Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this lemon loaf.
For the Lemon Bread
- Eggs
- Granulated sugar
- Sour cream
- Oil
- Lemon zest
- Lemon extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
The combination of sour cream and oil is what gives this loaf its soft, tender texture.
For the Lemon Icing
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh lemon juice
This simple icing adds the perfect sweet and tangy finish.
How to Make Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf
This lemon loaf comes together quickly and bakes into a soft, bakery-style loaf.
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together:
- eggs
- sugar
- sour cream
Slowly drizzle in the oil while whisking.
Step 3: Add Lemon Flavor
Stir in the lemon zest and lemon extract.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Add:
- baking powder
- salt
- flour
Mix just until combined.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake 50–55 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
🎥 Video Tutorial: How to Make Iced Lemon Loaf
Click the PLAY button below to watch our video tutorial on how to make Iced Lemon Loaf just like Starbucks.
For more video tutorials, visit our Instagram page @gracelikerainblog.
How to Make Lemon Icing
In a small bowl combine:
- powdered sugar
- lemon juice
Stir until smooth and spread over the cooled loaf.
The icing should be thick but spreadable, just like the Starbucks lemon loaf glaze.
Tips for the Best Lemon Loaf
These simple tips will help your lemon loaf turn out perfect every time.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing can make the bread dense. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
Use Lemon Extract for Strong Flavor
Lemon extract gives this loaf the same bold citrus flavor as the Starbucks iced lemon loaf.
Add Icing After the Loaf Has Cooled
If the loaf is still warm, the icing will melt instead of forming a thick glaze.
How to Store Lemon Loaf
This lemon loaf keeps well for several days.
Store the loaf:
• covered at room temperature for 2 days
• refrigerated for up to 5 days
You can also freeze slices for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
The combination of sour cream and oil creates a soft, tender crumb that stays moist.
Yes. Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to two months.
Fresh lemon juice adds flavor, but lemon extract gives the loaf a stronger citrus taste similar to the Starbucks version.
Yes! This lemon loaf is actually even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop. Bake the loaf, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and store it at room temperature.
Store the loaf in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. Because this recipe includes sour cream, it stays moist longer than many quick bread recipes.
Yes! Pour the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F for about 18–22 minutes. Once cooled, drizzle the lemon icing over the tops.
A 9×5-inch loaf pan works best for this recipe. A smaller pan may cause the loaf to rise too high and bake unevenly.
This usually happens if the loaf is undercooked or the batter was overmixed. Make sure a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean before removing it from the oven.
If you’re a fan of the famous Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf, this homemade version is an easy way to enjoy that same bright lemon flavor right in your own kitchen. The soft lemon bread and sweet lemon icing make it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat with coffee.
Once you try this Starbucks lemon loaf copycat recipe, you might find yourself making it again and again whenever you’re craving that classic bakery-style lemon bread.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out for you.
Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup oil
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 Tbsp lemon extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
For the Lemon Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 Tbsp lemon juice
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and sour cream. Slowly drizzle in the oil while whisking.
- Stir in the lemon zest and lemon extract.
- Add in the salt and baking powder. Slowly add in the flour while stirring just to combine.
- Pour batter into greased loaf pan. Bake 50-55 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the icing, combine powdered sugar and lemon juice. Stir until fully combined and smooth.
- Spread icing over bread when completely cool.
Equipment
Nutrition Facts
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