Are you a fan of the moist, zesty, and incredibly flavorful lemon bread from Starbucks®? This recipe brings that same delightful treat right into your kitchen, allowing you to enjoy it any time you crave that lemony sweetness. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe that combines the tang of fresh lemon with the richness of sour cream, creating a perfect loaf with a tender crumb and just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, this Copycat Starbucks® Lemon Bread is sure to impress anyone who tries it.
Ingredients:
For the Bread:
- 1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
- 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant lemon pudding mix (or non-instant, if that’s what you have)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for a richer flavor)
- 4 large eggs
- 8 ounces sour cream (full-fat works best for moisture)
- ½ cup milk (whole milk is preferred)
- Zest of 1 lemon (for extra lemony flavor)
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2-3 tablespoons)
For the Glaze (Optional but Recommended):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it and flouring it, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bread once it’s baked.
2. Mix the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients—the yellow cake mix and lemon pudding mix. Add in the wet ingredients: vegetable oil (or melted butter for a richer flavor), eggs, sour cream, milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, mix the batter until all ingredients are well combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing could lead to a denser bread, so just blend until everything is incorporated for a tender loaf.
3. Bake:
Once your batter is mixed, pour it into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for even baking. Bake the bread for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, your bread is ready. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil and continue baking until done.
4. Cool:
After baking, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s important to let it cool fully before glazing, as the glaze will set better on a room-temperature loaf.
5. Prepare the Glaze:
While the bread is cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl. If you prefer a thinner glaze, simply add more lemon juice until you reach the desired consistency. You can also stir in lemon zest for an extra pop of citrus flavor.
6. Glaze the Bread:
Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing, which will give it a nice, glossy finish.
7. Serve:
Slice your lemon bread into thick slices and enjoy! It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, and its tangy lemon flavor is sure to brighten your day. For storage, keep the leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or store them in the fridge for up to a week.
Conclusion:
This Copycat Starbucks® Lemon Bread recipe is a real treat, offering that same delicious combination of sweet and tart you know and love. It’s moist, flavorful, and topped with a perfectly sweet lemon glaze that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re baking it for yourself or sharing it with friends and family, this lemon bread is sure to disappear quickly. So, next time you’re in the mood for something sweet and citrusy, skip the coffee shop and make this easy, homemade version instead! Perfect for any occasion, it’s the ideal blend of indulgence and freshness in every slice. Enjoy!
