Oh my goodness, have you ever had the Starbucks lemon loaf? It’s this incredible, tangy treat that just brightens my day! I remember the first time I took a bite; the sweet and zesty flavor danced on my taste buds, and I was hooked! There’s something about that moist texture and the lovely citrus aroma that makes it feel like a warm hug on a rainy afternoon. I often find myself popping into Starbucks just for a slice with my coffee, but I knew I had to recreate this masterpiece at home. Trust me, once you try making this Starbucks lemon loaf yourself, you’ll never want to go back to just buying it! It’s so much fun to whip up!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Starbucks lemon loaf recipe! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your loaf, giving it that perfect structure.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For that sweet touch that balances the tanginess of the lemon.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar.
- 3 large eggs: These help bind everything together and add moisture.
- 1/3 cup buttermilk: This adds a lovely tang and keeps the loaf super moist.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: The zest is where all that bright lemon flavor comes from!
- 1/4 cup lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is best for that zesty kick.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the loaf rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: A little extra lift to make it fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
How to Prepare Starbucks Lemon Loaf
Alright, let’s get baking! Making this Starbucks lemon loaf is a breeze, and I promise the results are totally worth it. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan. I like to use a little cooking spray or butter to ensure it comes out easily.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step is crucial for that moist texture. Now, stir in the buttermilk, lemon zest, and lemon juice until everything is just combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until there are no flour streaks visible. Be careful not to overmix, or your loaf might turn out dense!
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Now, here comes the exciting part: bake it in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing, and oh boy, you’re in for a treat! Enjoy that glorious lemony goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Starbucks lemon loaf is a delightful treat that you’ll want to make again and again! Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Moist texture: Each slice is wonderfully soft and flavorful, thanks to the buttermilk and butter.
- Easy preparation: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip this up in no time!
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a cozy afternoon snack or a dessert for guests, it fits right in.
- Great flavor: The tangy lemon zest and juice create a refreshing burst of citrus that’s simply irresistible.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Starbucks lemon loaf turns out perfectly, here are some of my favorite tips! First, be sure your butter is softened properly; this makes it so much easier to cream with the sugar, resulting in a lighter loaf. Also, when mixing in the eggs, do it one at a time and really blend well in between each addition—this helps incorporate air for that fluffy texture.
Don’t skip the whisking step for your dry ingredients; it helps distribute the baking powder and soda evenly, which is crucial for even rising. And remember, every oven is different, so keep an eye on your loaf during the last few minutes of baking. If you notice it’s browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
When you indulge in a slice of this delightful Starbucks lemon loaf, you’re looking at approximately 250 calories per serving. Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional values:
- Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 6g, Unsaturated Fat: 4g)
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect while enjoying this tasty treat!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, let me tell you, serving this Starbucks lemon loaf is half the fun! I love pairing it with a steaming cup of tea or a rich coffee—there’s something about that tangy sweetness that just complements a warm drink perfectly. For an extra touch, try dusting the top with a bit of powdered sugar for a lovely finishing touch, or drizzle some lemon glaze over the top for that wow factor! You can also serve it alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate your dessert game. It’s all about those delightful combinations that make every bite even more enjoyable!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious Starbucks lemon loaf fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can easily freeze it! Just wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and it’ll stay good for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. If you prefer it warm, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back that delightful fresh-baked taste. Yum!
FAQ Section
Can I use whole milk instead of buttermilk? Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk, just add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to whole milk and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
How do I know when the loaf is done? A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached—perfectly baked!
Can I add poppy seeds to the batter? Yes! Adding poppy seeds gives it a delightful crunch and pairs wonderfully with the lemon flavor.
What if I want to make mini loaves? Great idea! Just divide the batter into mini loaf pans and adjust the baking time to about 30-40 minutes.
How do I store it for longer? You can freeze the lemon loaf for up to a month. Just wrap it well to prevent freezer burn!
Print
Starbucks Lemon Loaf: 7 Steps to Blissful Baking
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and tangy lemon loaf inspired by Starbucks.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in buttermilk, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before removing from the pan.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
- Can be frozen for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: starbucks lemon loaf, lemon cake, dessert recipe
