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An extreme close-up of a thick slice of moist lemon loaf, highlighting the soft and tender crumb.

Lemon Loaf Bread (Better Than Starbucks!)

This easy Lemon Loaf Bread recipe creates a super moist, tangy, and flavorful loaf that's even better than the famous Starbucks version. Topped with a perfect sweet and tangy lemon glaze, it's the ultimate treat for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 3 Large Eggs room temperature
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream full-fat, room temperature
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Zest from about 2 large lemons
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar sifted
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1 tsp Milk or Heavy Cream as needed

Equipment

  • 1 9x5-inch Loaf Pan
  • 2 Mixing Bowls
  • 1 Wire Cooling Rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Slowly whisk in the oil. Stir in the sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until combined.
  4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. To make the glaze, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and lemon juice. Add milk or cream until you reach a thick, pourable consistency.
  8. Pour the glaze over the completely cooled loaf. Let it set for 20-30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest; bottled juice will not taste as bright.
Ensure your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature for a smooth, well-incorporated batter.
Do not overmix the batter! Mix only until the flour disappears to ensure a tender, not tough, loaf.