COPYCAT STARBUCKS ICED LEMON LOAF CAKE
- WineCheeseScallops
- Mar 6
- 5 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
If you're a fan of Starbucks' famous Iced Lemon Loaf Cake, this recipe will be your new favorite homemade treat! This moist, zesty, and rich lemon cake is bursting with citrus flavor, perfectly sweet, and topped with a tangy lemon glaze. It's the ultimate bakery-style cake, made right in your own kitchen—without the coffee shop price tag! Whether you're pairing it with your morning coffee or serving it as a dessert, this lemon loaf is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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🍋 Fresh Lemon Zest & Juice
Lemon zest and juice work together to give this cake a bright, citrusy punch. The zest contains essential oils that add an aromatic, intense lemon flavor, while the juice provides acidity that balances the sweetness and helps tenderize the cake.
🥄 Full-Fat Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt adds richness and moisture to this cake without making it too dense. Its slight tang enhances the lemon flavor, while its high protein content contributes to a beautifully soft crumb. Plus, it helps keep the loaf fresh longer!
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The Inspiration Behind This Recipe
There's something irresistible about Starbucks' Iced Lemon Loaf—it’s moist, buttery, and bursting with lemony goodness. But let’s be honest, grabbing a slice at Starbucks adds up! We set out to create a version that's just as delicious, if not better, using fresh, real ingredients. After several test runs, we landed on this foolproof recipe that delivers the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a texture that stays soft and tender for days.
This lemon loaf is perfect for brunch, an afternoon snack, or even as a make-ahead treat for special occasions. Plus, the homemade lemon glaze? Absolute perfection.
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Tips, Serving Suggestions, & Storage Advice
1️⃣ Use Fresh Lemons – Bottled lemon juice won’t give you the same bright, fresh flavor. Stick with real lemons for both the zest and juice. 🍋
2️⃣ Room Temperature Ingredients – Make sure eggs, yogurt, and lemon juice are at room temperature for even mixing and a smooth batter.
3️⃣ Don’t Overmix – Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf. Stir until just combined to keep it light and fluffy.
4️⃣ Check for Doneness Early – Ovens vary! Start checking at 40 minutes to avoid overbaking. A toothpick should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
5️⃣ Cool Before Glazing – Let the loaf cool completely before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting into the cake.
6️⃣ Adjust the Glaze Consistency – Add more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more lemon juice for a thinner drizzle.
7️⃣ Loosely Cover with Foil if Browning Too Fast – If your loaf is browning too quickly, tent it with foil to prevent overcooking the top.
8️⃣ Store Properly – Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
9️⃣ Freezing Instructions – Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy!
🔟 Perfect with Coffee or Tea – Serve with your morning latte or an afternoon cup of tea for the ultimate treat. ☕🍰
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What Makes This Recipe Special? | COPYCAT STARBUCKS ICED LEMON LOAF CAKE
✔️ Better Than Store-Bought – Fresh, real ingredients make this taste homemade in the best way.
✔️ Super Moist & Tender – Thanks to the Greek yogurt, this loaf stays soft for days.
✔️ Bright & Citrusy – The lemon flavor is perfectly balanced—not too tart, not too sweet.
✔️ No Fancy Equipment Needed – Just a bowl, whisk, and loaf pan!
✔️ Perfectly Sweet Glaze – A thick, tangy lemon glaze that sets beautifully on top.
✔️ Great for Any Occasion – Breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack anytime.
✔️ Freezes Well – Make ahead and store for a quick, delicious treat.
✔️ Simple Ingredients – You probably already have everything in your pantry!
✔️ Starbucks Copycat Perfection – Save money and enjoy this coffee shop favorite at home.
✔️ Kid & Crowd Approved – Everyone will love this bright, zesty cake!
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Ingredients
Lemon Loaf:
1 cup granulated sugar
1 Tbs lemon zest
3 large eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 Tbs fresh lemon juice
¾ cup full-fat Greek yogurt
Lemon Glaze:
1¼ cups powdered sugar
2–3 Tbs fresh lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2️⃣ In a mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar and lemon zest, rubbing them together with your fingers to release the lemon oils.
3️⃣ Add eggs to the lemon-sugar mixture. Using a hand mixer, beat for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
4️⃣ Mix in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing!
7️⃣ Stir in fresh lemon juice and Greek yogurt until smooth.
8️⃣ Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
9️⃣ Bake for 50–60 minutes, checking at the 40-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil.
🔟 Remove from oven and cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Prepare the Lemon Glaze:
1️⃣ While the loaf is cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust thickness as needed.
2️⃣ Once the loaf is completely cooled, pour or spread the glaze evenly over the top.
3️⃣ Slice and serve!
MUST-HAVE TOOLS FOR THIS RECIPE
We’re so excited for you to try this recipe! To make it even easier, we’ve put together a list of our favorite kitchen tools that are super helpful for this recipe. By using our affiliate links below, you’ll not only be getting top-notch products but also supporting our blog, Wine Cheese Scallops. Thank you so much for your support—happy cooking!
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FAQ Section
❓ Can I use a different oil instead of vegetable oil?
✔️ Yes! You can use melted butter, canola oil, or even coconut oil for a different flavor.
❓ What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
✔️ Sour cream works as a great substitute for similar moisture and tang.
❓ Can I double the recipe?
✔️ Absolutely! Just use two loaf pans and adjust the baking time as needed.
❓ How do I store leftovers?
✔️ Store in an airtight container at room temp for 3 days, in the fridge for a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
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