The Best Lemon Loaf Recipe – Better Than Starbucks!

If you’re a fan of all things lemon, this Glazed Lemon Loaf is the dessert (or snack!) you’ve been waiting for. Bursting with zesty lemon flavor and topped with a sweet, tangy glaze, this lemon loaf is moist, tender, and simply irresistible. Whether you’re in search of easy lemon bread recipes or the perfect lemon dessert for a weekend treat, this recipe will quickly become your go-to.

This recipe is inspired by the famous Starbucks lemon loaf but is even better! It’s perfect for breakfast, tea-time, or as a dessert centerpiece at gatherings. Plus, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Loaf

• Bright Lemon Flavor: Every bite is filled with the perfect balance of tangy lemon and sweetness.
• Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to the addition of sour cream and fresh lemon juice.
• Easy to Make: It’s a simple one-bowl recipe that anyone can master.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a dessert, snack, or even a light breakfast treat.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to whip up this delicious glazed lemon loaf:

For the Lemon Loaf

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 medium lemon)
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (finely grated)
• ½ cup whole milk

For the Lemon Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for extra zing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Loaf Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract, sour cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing until smooth.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix, as this can lead to a dense loaf.

2. Bake the Lemon Loaf

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Make the Lemon Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice. Start with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and add more as needed to achieve your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick but pourable.
2. For an extra punch of flavor, stir in a teaspoon of lemon zest.

4. Glaze and Serve

1. Once the lemon loaf has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. Let the glaze set for about 10–15 minutes before slicing.
2. Slice and serve your glazed lemon loaf with a cup of tea, coffee, or a refreshing glass of lemonade!

Tips for the Best Lemon Loaf

1. Fresh Lemons Are Key: Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest and most authentic lemon flavor. Bottled lemon juice doesn’t pack the same punch.
2. Don’t Skip the Zest: The zest contains essential oils that provide that fragrant, citrusy aroma.
3. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for a smooth, even batter.
4. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the loaf dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
5. Glazing Tip: For extra flavor, poke small holes in the loaf with a skewer and brush with lemon juice before glazing.

Variations to Try

• Blueberry Lemon Loaf: Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter for a fruity twist.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf: Add 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter for a classic combination.
• Gluten-Free Lemon Loaf: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
• Orange Lemon Loaf: Substitute half of the lemon juice and zest with orange for a citrusy blend.

Serving Suggestions

This lemon loaf pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and drinks:

• A hot cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea.
• Fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
• A dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.

Why This Recipe Is a Keeper

• Perfectly sweet with just the right amount of tang.
• Versatile enough for everyday snacking or special occasions.
• So much better than store-bought options, including the famous Starbucks lemon loaf!