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The Ultimate Moist Lemon Loaf with Zesty Glaze (Easy & Starbucks Copycat Inspired)

Close-up of a moist lemon loaf cake slice showing the crumb, topped with a thick white lemon glaze and zest.
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This easy lemon loaf recipe delivers a moist, tender cake bursting with bright citrus flavor. Topped with a simple, tangy lemon glaze, this bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat. It is a beginner-friendly bake that rivals your favorite coffee shop version.

Ingredients

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  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • Zest of 2 large lemons
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Glaze: 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • For the Glaze: 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and lemon zest. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers until the sugar smells strongly of lemon. This releases the essential oils for maximum flavor.
  4. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the lemon-sugar mixture. Whisk until just combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed or by hand until the batter is smooth. Do not overmix; stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  7. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. While the loaf cools, prepare the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. Add more powdered sugar or lemon juice, one teaspoon at a time, to reach a thick but pourable consistency.
  10. Once the loaf is completely cool, drizzle the zesty lemon glaze evenly over the top. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving your homemade lemon bread.

Notes

  • For an extra moist lemon cake, you can pour a simple syrup (made from 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 2 tablespoons sugar, heated until dissolved) over the warm loaf before glazing.
  • If you want a Starbucks style lemon loaf, make sure your glaze is thick enough to set with distinct drips down the sides.
  • This recipe is easy to make without a mixer; hand whisking works perfectly for achieving a tender crumb cake.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://gourmetgaze.com/moist-lemon-loaf-recipe/