Lemon Loaf Recipe (The BEST Starbucks Copycat)

Prep Your Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift the loaf out later.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set it aside.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar and lemon zest together until the sugar is fragrant and moist. This releases the oils from the zest for maximum flavor. Add the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk until everything is well combined.

Combine Batter: Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and fold them together with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine.

Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

Cool Completely: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before using the parchment paper overhang to transfer it to a wire rack. It's crucial to let the loaf cool completely before adding the glaze.

Make the Glaze: While the loaf cools, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. If it's too thick, add more juice, a teaspoon at a time. If it's too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Glaze and Serve: Once the loaf is completely cool, pour the glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides. Allow the glaze to set for about 20-30 minutes before slicing and serving.