Make this (better than) Glazed Starbucks Lemon Loaf Recipe and you will not be disappointed. It’s easy to make, delicious and the texture is perfect in every bite.

Holding a slice of my Starbucks Lemon Loaf in my hand.

Have you seen the Starbucks Lemon Loaf? It is perfection! But this recipe (in my opinion) beats it by a landslide.

I am OBSESSED with this lemon loaf recipe. It’s light, fluffy and moist. While also having enough structure to hold a slice in your hand.

This loaf can be made with both gluten free all purpose flour and regular all purpose flour. In the FAQ section, I provide details on the different flour substitutions.

By using simple and clean ingredients, eating this lemon loaf will not only be insanely delicious but also good for you too!

Ingredient Notes

Starbucks Lemon Loaf Ingredients measured out.

What makes this lemon loaf recipe better than Starbucks?

There are a few reasons that this lemon loaf is better than what they’re selling at your local Starbucks! I know that is a big statement, but once you try this recipe, you’ll understand and never go back.

First, the ingredients are amazing in this recipe. They are simple, easy to find and good for you too.

Next, the texture of this loaf is lighter while still being moist and the perfect amount of denseness to hold a slice in your hand. A Starbucks Lemon Loaf slice can make your stomach feel heavy, but not this recipe!

Last, but definitely not least, this recipe doesn’t use lemon zest. By using only the juice of a lemon, this recipe is simpler than most. However, it does not lack a strong lemon flavor and packs the perfect amount of tanginess in every bite.

How to Make this Lemon Loaf Recipe

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
  2. Add your eggs, oil, butter and kefir to a large mixing bowl
  3. Whisk and mix until fully combined
  4. Add in the lemon juice, vanilla extract and granulated sugar
  5. Mix until fully combined
  6. Gently fold in the dry ingredients a little at a time.
  7. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes
  8. After 30 minutes, pour the batter into a loaf pan that is lined with parchment paper
  9. Put in the oven and bake for 30 minutes
  10. Remove from oven and cover with foil. Put back into the oven and baked for an additional 20 minutes.
  11. Remove the lemon loaf from the oven and set aside to cool
  12. Make the lemon glaze
  13. Remove the loaf from the pan and drizzle the lemon glaze on top
  14. Once the glaze has set, slice and enjoy!
Starbucks Lemon Loaf ingredients in a large, glass mixing bowl.
Folding the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
Starbucks Lemon Loaf Batter ready in a glass bowl
Starbucks Lemon Loaf ingredients fully combined in a glass mixing bowl.
Starbucks Lemon Loaf baked in a loaf pan.
Starbucks Lemon Loaf Baked and Cooling in a loaf pan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn’t this recipe use lemon zest?

Honestly? Because I hate zesting lemon. I find it annoying and it can also lead to chewing chunky zest pieces and that’s just not something I want in my lemon loaf!

Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes! I actually use all purpose gluten free flour most of the time when baking. However, you can substitute either all purpose flour or gluten free all purpose flour at a 1:1 ratio.

If you don’t have almond flour, substitute it with gluten free flour or regular all purpose flour at a 1:1 ratio.

How do I know the loaf is done baking?

You know the loaf is done baking when a toothpick comes out of the center clean. When you remove the loaf from the oven, it will continue to bake in the loaf pan.

How do I know the lemon glaze is thick enough?

I use a thinner glaze so that it is not too heavy on the loaf. However, it adds the perfect level of sweetness. If you use the exact measurements in this recipe, it won’t come out too thick.

However, if you would like a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar until it reaches your desired consistency.

What is the best way to store this loaf?

Store wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you would like to keep it for longer, put in the fridge after 2 days. Keep for up to 7 days in the fridge. You can also slice the bread and freeze it for up to 1 month.

Like this recipe? Try these other luscious lemon treats!

Slices of Starbucks Lemon Loaf on a plate with a fork.
Slices of Starbucks Lemon Loaf on a cutting board.
5 stars (3 ratings)

Starbucks Lemon Loaf Recipe

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Resting Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Make this (better than) Glazed Starbucks Lemon Loaf Recipe and you will not be disappointed. It's easy to make, delicious and the texture is perfect in every bite.
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Ingredients
 

Lemon Loaf

  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted and cooled
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 6 tbsp plain kefir
  • 2 lemons, juice only
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups gluten free flour
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tbsp baking powder

Lemon Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 lemon, juice only
  • 1-2 tbsp milk

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
  • Add your eggs, oil, butter and kefir to a large mixing bowl
  • Whisk and mix until fully combined
  • Add in the lemon juice, vanilla extract and granulated sugar
  • Mix until fully combined
  • Gently fold in the dry ingredients a little at a time.
  • Once combined, let the batter rest for 30 minutes
  • After 30 minutes, pour the batter into a loaf pan that is lined with parchment paper
  • Using a knife, draw a line down the middle of the batter. This will create that beautiful opening once the loaf is done baking.
  • Put in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes
  • Remove from oven and cover with foil. Put back into the oven and baked for an additional 20 minutes.
  • Once the loaf is done baking, remove from the oven and set aside to cool
  • Do not remove from the pan until the loaf is fully cooled.
  • Before the loaf is done cooling, mix together the lemon glaze
  • Remove the loaf from the pan and drizzle the lemon glaze on top
  • Once the glaze has set, slice and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcal
Author: Jessica Selensky
Course: Breakfast, brunch, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Breakfast, Dessert
Keywords: gluten free bread, gluten free recipes, lemon, lemon bread, lemon cake, Lemon Glaze, lemon loaf, lemon recipes, Starbucks Lemon Loaf

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