🍋 Copycat Starbucks® Lemon Bread – A Zesty, Moist, Bakery-Worthy Treat!

If you’ve ever stood in line at Starbucks and been tempted by the glistening, lemon-glazed slice perched behind the glass, you’re not alone. That iconic Lemon Loaf—moist, sweet, tangy, and oh-so-lemony—is practically irresistible. And guess what? You don’t need to make a coffee run to enjoy it anymore. This Copycat Starbucks® Lemon Bread recipe delivers that same bright citrus flavor and velvety texture right in your own kitchen.

Whether you’re baking for brunch, prepping snacks for the week, or simply treating yourself, this recipe checks all the boxes. Made with pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients, it’s fuss-free, family-friendly, and delightfully decadent.

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✨ What Makes This Lemon Bread So Good?

Let’s break down why this loaf deserves a top spot in your baking repertoire:

• Bursting with real lemon flavor from both juice and pudding mix.
• Super moist thanks to the addition of sour cream and oil.
• No fancy ingredients—just mix, bake, and glaze.
• Perfect texture—dense but tender, with a soft crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Versatile—great for breakfast, dessert, or gifting.

Now let’s walk you through exactly how to recreate this bakery-style masterpiece at home.

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📋 Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe combines the simplicity of a boxed cake mix with the richness of homemade ingredients for a hybrid that’s both easy and elevated.

For the Lemon Bread:

• 1 (18.25 oz) box yellow cake mix – The foundation of the loaf. Choose a quality brand like Betty Crocker or Pillsbury.
• 1 (4.3 oz) box non-instant lemon pudding mix – Adds bold lemon flavor and extra moisture.
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil – Keeps the texture tender and rich.
• 4 large eggs – Provide structure and richness.
• 8 oz sour cream – The secret to ultra-moist bread!
• 1/2 cup milk – Loosens the batter and enhances softness.
• 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice – Adds fresh citrus zing.

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar – Gives the glaze its signature sweetness and silky texture.
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (or more to taste) – Brightens the glaze and adds tang.

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🧁 Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to bake like a barista? Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat & Prep

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two standard loaf pans (about 9×5 inches) with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the Batter

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or large mixing bowl if using a hand mixer), add:

• cake mix
• lemon pudding mix
• oil
• eggs
• sour cream
• milk
• 6 tablespoons of lemon juice

Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated. The batter will be thick and smooth.

3. Pour & Bake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.

Bake in the center of the oven for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean. Keep an eye on them around the 45-minute mark to prevent overbaking.

4. Cool the Loaves

Let the lemon loaves cool in the pans for 20 minutes, then gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial—warm loaves soak up the glaze better, but you don’t want them too hot or the glaze will melt.

5. Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar and 3 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth and pourable. Taste and add more lemon juice if you prefer a stronger citrus bite.

6. Glaze Generously

Once the loaves have cooled for at least 20–30 minutes, spoon the glaze evenly over each loaf. Let it drip down the sides—this is the Starbucks signature look! Let the glaze set for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

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🍽 How to Serve Lemon Bread

This lemon bread is delicious any time of day! Here are a few serving ideas:

• With morning coffee: Skip the coffee shop and enjoy your own slice with a latte.
• As a brunch centerpiece: Pair it with fresh berries, yogurt, and eggs.
• Pack for lunch: Slice it up and include it in lunchboxes.
• Wrap it as a gift: Wrap slices or whole loaves in parchment, tie with twine, and gift to friends or neighbors.

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🔁 Tips, Tricks, and Variations

✨ Pro Tips:

• Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
• Don’t overmix the batter or it may become tough.
• Let the glaze firm before wrapping or slicing to avoid stickiness.
• Want deeper lemon flavor? Add lemon zest from 1 or 2 lemons to the batter and glaze!

🍓 Delicious Variations:

• Berry Boost: Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries for a lemon-blueberry twist.
• Coconut Lemon: Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut for a tropical vibe.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and pudding if needed.

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🧊 Storage & Freezing

Storage: Wrap leftover lemon bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Freezing: These loaves freeze beautifully! Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and glaze before serving (or freeze with glaze if you prefer).

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💛 Why This Recipe Works

This copycat Starbucks® lemon bread combines the convenience of cake mix with the flavor and richness of scratch baking. It’s a proven favorite across Pinterest, baking blogs, and kitchen tables because it’s:

• Easy for beginners but satisfying for pros.
• Perfectly balanced between tart and sweet.
• Moist for days—seriously, it just gets better over time.
• Highly adaptable—customize it however you like.

Whether you’re a Starbucks regular or someone who just loves a good lemon loaf, this recipe gives you everything you crave—without leaving home.

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📌 Pin & Share!

This is the kind of recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again. Pin it for your brunch boards, save it to your recipe binder, or share with a friend who’s obsessed with lemony desserts.

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