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This easy-to-make Starbucks Lemon Loaf is loaded with delicious lemon flavor, and topped with amazing icing. It’s even BETTER than Starbucks!

This delicious Starbucks Lemon Loaf is the perfect cross between a quick bread and a cake! It’s similar to both our White Chocolate Lemon Bread, and our Lemon Bundt Cake – moist, delicious, and perfectly lemony!

Slices of Starbucks lemon loaf topped with frosting.
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Even better than Starbucks!

We love all things lemon during the summer, like our favorite Lemon Curd.

Well, raise your hand if you love the Starbucks Lemon Loaf! Yes, I see you raising your hand – I’m right there with you! There is something about that delicious, moist cake that keeps us all coming back for more.

It’s a rich, moist, perfectly flavored lemon loaf cake topped with a delicious layer of lemon frosting. There is no way I’m sharing a slice.

I’m here to tell you that you can make this delicious lemon loaf recipe right at home, and it will taste EVEN BETTER than Starbucks!

Ingredients for Starbucks lemon loaf cake prepped for baking.

Better than Starbucks Lemon Loaf

Unlike other recipes I tried, I added Greek yogurt to this cake recipe and a little more oil.

With these additions, this copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf recipe is spot-on! The ultimate moist, delicious lemon cake!

PREP. Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF. Line the bottom of a 5 x 9″ loaf pan with a piece of parchment paper. (With a pencil, trace the bottom of the pan on a piece of parchment paper and cut it out with scissors.)

Spray the pan and parchment paper with non-stick baking spray. Set aside.

DRY INGREDIENTS. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, pudding mix, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

WET INGREDIENTS. With a stand or hand mixer, combine the eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla, lemon extract, lemon juice, oil, and yogurt. Mix until evenly combined.

COMBINE. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the lemon zest, and mix until just combined.

BAKE. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55 minutes, or until the center is fully set, and a toothpick inserted comes out crumb free.

COOL. After baking, let cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Run a knife around the sides of the pan, invert and remove from the pan, removing the parchment paper from the bottom. Let the cake finish cooling on a wire rack

FROSTING. Combine the butter, lemon juice, and lemon extract with a hand or stand mixer. Gradually add the powdered sugar, and beat until smooth and creamy.

Evenly spread the frosting over the top of the loaf. Refrigerate to let the frosting set completely before slicing. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container.

Frosting + Decorating Tips

Grainy icing. Here are a few common reasons this could happen:

  • Poor sugar quality: Use โ€œpure sugar caneโ€ powdered sugar and sift the sugar.
  • Not enough fat (in this case the butter).
  • Not using room temperature butter.
  • Be sure to add the powdered sugar slowly, beating well between each addition.

Toppings. The thick frosting on this loaf is not only pretty, but delicious. Sometimes it’s fun to adjust a recipe and try something new. 

  • Drizzle with a lemon glaze.
  • Simply dust with powdered sugar.
  • Add a dollop of Whipped Cream and strawberries to each slice.

Ingredient Tips

Fresh lemons. Use about 3 medium-sized lemons to produce enough juice to use in this recipe. (A medium-sized lemon can produce 2-3 tablespoons of juice).

The peel of one of the lemons can be used to produce 1 tablespoon of zest. Using a citrus zester is the easiest, but you can also use the small side of a cheese grater. 

Flour. The flour can be replaced with a 1:1 gluten-free baking substitute

Room-temperature ingredients mix together better than cold. Set the eggs, butter, lemons, and yogurt out on the counter for about 30 minutes before using them in the recipe. 

Cooled Starbucks Lemon loaf and a bowl of frosting.

Recipe Tips

Different size pans. Since every oven seems to cook a little differently, use the following information as a guide. Keep a close eye on the cake toward the end of the baking time and adjust as needed.

The cake is done when an inserted toothpick/skewer comes out clean. 

  • Bundt pan: Preheat oven to 325ยฐF. Grease and flour the pan generously. Bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. 
  • Mini loaves: Preheat oven to 350ยฐF and bake for 25-30 minutes.
  • Muffins: Preheat oven to 350ยฐ F for 20-25 minutes.

What to do if the outside is browning, but the inside isn’t done:

  • Loosely place a piece of aluminum foil over the top of the cake as it finishes baking.
  • Reduce the oven temperature by 25ยฐ.
  • Be sure the pan isn’t too close to the heating element. It should be positioned in the center of the oven.
  • Use a rose nail to help spread the heat to the center of the cake for a more even bake. Also known as a flower nail or cake nail.
Close up of Starbucks lemon loaf slices topped with lemon frosting.

Storing Info

STORE. Lemon Loaf can be stored in an airtight container for 4-5 days. We do not recommend keeping it in the refrigerator as it will dry the cake out faster!

FREEZE. For long-term storage, go ahead and keep it in the freezer.

  • To freeze it without the frosting, allow the cake to completely cool, wrap the loaf with plastic wrap, then again with aluminum foil.
  • To freeze with frosting, flash freeze first by placing the cake (whole or sliced) on a baking sheet. Freeze for 2-3 hours, then wrap. Label and freeze for up to 6 months. 
Close up of frosted slices of Starbucks lemon loaf cake on a cutting board.

Recipe FAQ

Is it cheaper to make homemade lemon loaf than buying it at Starbucks?

To buy a Lemon Loaf at my local Starbucks will cost $3.65 per slice. To make my own loaf, which contains several slices, only costs about $5.ย 

What if I can’t find lemon pudding mix?

If you have trouble locating lemon pudding, try ordering from Amazon OR use vanilla pudding instead. If you choose to use vanilla pudding, add a little extra lemon extract.

For more yummy quick bread loaves, try:

4.96 from 487 votes

Starbucks Lemon Loaf Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna
This easy-to-make Starbucks Lemon Loaf is loaded with delicious lemon flavor, and topped with amazing icing. It's even BETTER than Starbucks!
Servings: 10
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 55 minutes
Total: 1 hour

Ingredients 

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3.4 oz instant lemon pudding mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons lemon extract
  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • zest of 1 lemon

Frosting

  • 3 tbsp butter soft but not melted
  • 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon extract

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF. Line the bottom of a 5 x 9" loaf pan with a piece of parchment paper. (With a pencil, trace the bottom of the pan on a piece of parchment paper and cut it out with scissors.)
    Spray the pan and parchment paper with non-stick baking spray. Set aside.
  • n a mixing bowl, combine the flour, pudding mix, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. With a stand or hand mixer, combine the eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla, lemon extract, lemon juice, oil, and yogurt. Mix until evenly combined.
    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the lemon zest, and mix until just combined.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55 minutes, or until the center is fully set, and a toothpick inserted comes out crumb free.
  • After baking, let cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Run a knife around the sides of the pan, invert and remove from the pan, removing the parchment paper from the bottom. Let the cake finish cooling on a wire rack
  • For frosting. Combine the butter, lemon juice, and lemon extract with a hand or stand mixer. Gradually add the powdered sugar, and beat until smooth and creamy.
    Evenly spread the frosting over the top of the loaf. Refrigerate to let the frosting set completely before slicing. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 432kcal, Carbohydrates: 62g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 65mg, Sodium: 304mg, Potassium: 97mg, Sugar: 38g, Vitamin A: 250IU, Vitamin C: 5.7mg, Calcium: 39mg, Iron: 1.1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Thanks, Erin! For more great recipes from her, be sure to go to Delightful E Made.

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and Iโ€™m the mom of SIX stinkinโ€™ cute kids and the wife to my smokinโ€™ hot hubby, Lo. My momโ€™s maiden name is Luna, and Iโ€™m one of the many crafty โ€œLilโ€™ Lunasโ€ in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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4.96 from 487 votes (260 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




623 Comments

  1. Gina says:

    5 stars
    Perfection! Loved this lemon loaf. Cake is moist, lemony, and just sweet enough. The standout here is the FROSTING! Holy moly- it’s so lemony and adds just the perfect blend of tart and sweet to each bite. This recipe is a keeper for sure!

    1. LilLunaTeam says:

      I’m so glad you loved it as much as we do! The frosting is definitely my favorite part. ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. Amy Newton says:

    5 stars
    This lemon loaf recipe is incredible! Super moist & with wonderful lemon flavor. I think the best comment of all came from my husband, who said it was much better than Starbucks!

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Yay!! I love hearing that. I’m so glad you all enjoyed the loaf!

  3. Laura Jueschke says:

    This cake sounds delicious! But I hate yogurt! Can I leave the yogurt out?

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      I would swap it for sour cream if you don’t enjoy the greek yogurt. It helps gives that yummy texture, so I would just substitute it.

  4. Nancy says:

    5 stars
    Awesome cake ! Better than Starbucks !

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Thank you!!

  5. Anna says:

    5 stars
    I’m so happy to find a recipe of lemon loaf, but I have a problem with measure. Who can help me and make this recipe in grams or at least tell me how many grams of flour in 1 cup. Thank you very much

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      I believe that a cup of flour is about 120 grams. There are probably conversion charts online somewhere if you need to convert units of measurements. ๐Ÿ™‚ Hope you enjoy the lemon loaf!

  6. Sarah G says:

    Love the recipe, very moist and flavorful!! However twice I have struggled to cook the center without burning the edges. I have followed your tip of lowering temp and adding foil but Iโ€™m still struggling. What am I doing wrong? Help!

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      I’m sorry to hear you are having a struggle with a nice even bake. My guess would be the oven temperature just seems a little off. Perhaps try adding that foil sooner… just keep an eye on when the bread starts getting golden brown. I’m not totally sure what is going on if those tips aren’t helping!

  7. Ed says:

    Hello! Loved the recipe and came out very moist. Do you know how long it should last in the fridge?

    Thanks again!

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      We actually suggest to keep it in an airtight container, but not in the fridge. The fridge will dry it out faster. But it will last about 4-5 days in an airtight container.

  8. judith barbosa says:

    5 stars
    I found your recipe several years back and have been making it every since! Grandkids love it !
    Adults too

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Oh that makes me so happy to hear! Glad you all love the loaf!

  9. Pat Weaver says:

    5 stars
    I tried many Lemon Loaf recipes. This one is the best by far. It turned out perfectly without any tweaks. This is a keeper! I’ve already passed it on & gave Lil Luna full credit!

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Oh thank you so much!! I’m so glad to hear you loved the loaf!

  10. Bethie says:

    5 stars
    It’s awesome! Thank you!

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      You’re welcome!! So glad you love it!