Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf (Made Easy with a Cake Mix!)

Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf (Made Easy with a Cake Mix!)

12 servings
If your go-to Starbucks order always includes a slice of iced lemon loaf, try making this copycat version at home. We've swapped the coffee-shop price tag for a quick shortcut recipe that calls for just a handful of pantry staples, including boxed yellow cake mix and lemon pudding.

Ingredients

  • 2-layer-size pkg. yellow cake mix
    1
  • lemon pudding mix
  • eggs
    4
  • 8-oz. container sour cream
    1
  • plus 3 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

    divided

    ⅓ c
  • milk
    ⅓ c
  • vegetable oil
    ⅓ c
  • powdered sugar
    2 ½ c
  • candied lemon slices

Directions

  1. 1

    Prep Pan Preheat oven to 350°F. Make a parchment paper sling for a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

  2. 2

    Mix Batter In a large bowl combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, the 1/3 cup lemon juice, the milk, and oil. Beat with a mixer on medium until smooth, about2 minutes. Pour into prepared loaf pan (do not smooth the top).

  3. 3

    Bake and Cool Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 60 to 65 minutes (if necessary, cover loosely with foil the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent overbrowning). Cool in pan on a wire rack 20 minutes. Use parchment overhang to lift loaf from pan; cool completely on rack. Remove parchment paper.

  4. 4

    Glaze In a bowl whisk together powdered sugar and the 3 Tbsp. lemon juice until smooth. Add additional lemon juice or milk, 1/4 tsp. at a time, for thinner icing. Spoon over loaf; let stand 30 minutes before slicing. Top with Candied Lemon Slices, if desired. Any restaurant names or trademarks in the names of our recipes are included solely for reference and do not indicate any authorization or approval by their owners. All recipes were independently created and have not been reviewed or approved by any other parties.

Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf (Made Easy with a Cake Mix!)

Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf (Made Easy with a Cake Mix!)

3.6(5)220 min12 servings411 cal

Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Very Good

Based on 5 ratings

bhg.com
3.6(5 reviews)
View original recipe

Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Do you find yourself dreaming of that perfectly moist, tangy slice of Starbucks lemon loaf? Now you can recreate that beloved treat right in your own kitchen with this incredibly easy copycat recipe. Say goodbye to the coffee-shop price tag and hello to homemade bliss.

This recipe truly shines through its clever use of everyday pantry staples, transforming them into something extraordinary. By starting with a yellow cake mix and lemon pudding mix, you gain a significant shortcut that ensures a consistently tender crumb and vibrant lemon flavor without any fuss. The addition of sour cream is a game-changer, guaranteeing an exceptionally moist loaf that sets this recipe apart from dry, lackluster versions.

Prepare for a delightful sensory experience with every bite of this lemon loaf. You'll enjoy a wonderful balance of sweet and tart, with a texture that is remarkably soft and infused throughout with bright, zesty lemon. The simple, elegant glaze cascades over the loaf, creating a beautiful finish and adding another layer of sweetness. Often garnished with candied lemon slices, it offers an extra touch of sophistication. This is more than just a cake; it’s a comforting indulgence, perfect for elevating any moment.

Want to customize your loaf to your liking? While the lemon pudding mix is fundamental to its signature flavor, you can certainly play with the intensity of the glaze. Feel free to adjust the amount of fresh lemon juice in the powdered sugar glaze to make it as tart or sweet as you prefer. For a different visual or textural garnish, consider a sprinkle of finely grated lemon zest instead of the candied lemon slices.

This Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf is absolutely perfect for a weekend brunch, an afternoon tea, or simply as a comforting dessert alongside your favorite hot beverage. It’s also a wonderful treat to bring to a potluck, offering a generous 12 servings, or to give as a thoughtful homemade gift that's sure to impress.

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