Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of baking this Starbucks lemon loaf! Every time I whip up this zesty delight, I’m transported back to those cozy café moments, sipping on coffee while savoring a slice of this glorious cake. Trust me, it’s the perfect blend of moist, tangy lemon flavor and sweet goodness that just brightens your day. This recipe captures that delightful essence, making it not only a fantastic treat for yourself but also a showstopper for gatherings, brunches, or even just a well-deserved afternoon snack. Seriously, every bite is a little piece of sunshine, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest, freshly grated
- ½ cup buttermilk
How to Prepare Starbucks Lemon Loaf
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because you want your loaf to bake evenly. While that’s heating up, grab your loaf pan and grease it with a little butter or cooking spray. I like to dust it with flour afterward, tapping out the excess. This little trick ensures your lemon loaf slides right out after baking—no sticking allowed!
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
Now, let’s tackle the dry ingredients. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until everything is well combined. I usually go for about 30 seconds of whisking. This helps to aerate the flour and distribute the leavening agents evenly. Trust me, it makes a difference in how fluffy your loaf turns out!
Creaming Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, it’s time to cream that butter and sugar together. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes should do it. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks pale and has a lovely whipped texture. This step is key for that moist, tender crumb we all love in a good loaf cake!
Combining Wet Ingredients
Next up, add in your eggs, vanilla extract, and that fresh lemon zest to the butter mixture. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Don’t skimp on this part—mixing well ensures the eggs incorporate fully, giving you that luscious texture. The aroma from the lemon zest is just heavenly, isn’t it?
Incorporating Dry and Wet Mixtures
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Alternate adding the dry mixture and buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the flour. I usually do this in about three parts. Gently fold everything together until just combined; don’t over-mix! You want to keep all that airiness we worked so hard to create.
Baking the Loaf
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and about 10 minutes before it’s done, start checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, you’re golden!
Cooling and Serving
Once your loaf is baked to perfection, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle it with a simple lemon glaze after it’s cooled down for that extra pop of flavor. Oh wow, it’s going to be so good!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Starbucks lemon loaf turns out perfectly every time, start with high-quality ingredients. Fresh eggs and real butter make all the difference in texture and flavor. When measuring your flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy—this helps avoid a dense loaf! Don’t rush the mixing process; take your time with the creaming stage to incorporate air for that fluffy crumb. And remember, when you’re alternating between the dry ingredients and buttermilk, mix gently to keep the batter light. For storage, wrap any leftovers in plastic wrap or keep them in an airtight container to maintain moisture. Trust me, this loaf is just as delightful the next day—or even frozen for a later treat!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content for a slice of this delicious Starbucks lemon loaf. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but generally, you can expect:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sugar: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
These figures are based on one slice, so if you’re like me and can’t resist a second piece, just keep that in mind! Enjoy your treat in moderation!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of flour?
Absolutely! While I recommend all-purpose flour for the best texture, you can substitute it with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf. Just keep in mind that it might change the flavor and density a bit. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just ensure it has xanthan gum included, or add a bit yourself so your loaf rises beautifully!
How can I store leftover lemon loaf?
Storing your leftover Starbucks lemon loaf is super easy! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. I like to keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days, but if you want to extend its life, pop it in the fridge. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving, so it’s nice and moist when you’re ready to indulge!
Can I freeze the lemon loaf?
You can definitely freeze this lemon loaf for future enjoyment! Just wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It should stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—just slice and dig in! It’ll taste just as delightful as the day you baked it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Brings the café experience home with a delightful, zesty flavor
- Moist and tender texture that rivals the original Starbucks loaf
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry
- Perfect for any occasion—breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack!
- Customizable with optional glazes or toppings for an extra treat
Starbucks lemon loaf: 5 Steps to Sunshine in Every Slice
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Starbucks lemon loaf is a moist and zesty cake perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ cup buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until creamy.
- Add eggs, vanilla, and lemon zest to the butter mixture; mix well.
- Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk into the wet mixture, starting and ending with flour.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This loaf can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- For extra flavor, drizzle with lemon glaze after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Starbucks lemon loaf, lemon cake, dessert
