If you love the rich, tangy flavor of Starbucks Lemon Bread, this homemade version will become your new favorite. With a soft, moist texture and a bright lemon glaze, this easy recipe delivers bakery-quality results right from your kitchen. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat, this lemon bread is simple to make and full of fresh citrus flavor.

Ingredients
- 1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
- 1 (4.3 ounce) package non-instant lemon pudding mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
For the Icing:
- 2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (or more to taste)
Directions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two loaf pans to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
2. Mix the Batter
In a stand mixer, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, oil, eggs, sour cream, milk, and 6 tablespoons of lemon juice. Beat for 2 minutes until smooth. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans.
3. Bake Until Golden
Bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the loaves cool in the pans for 20 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Lemon Icing
Whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and 3 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. If needed, add more lemon juice to adjust the consistency.
5. Glaze and Set
Spoon the icing evenly over the cooled loaves and let it set for 30 minutes before slicing.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Bread
- Soft and moist texture thanks to sour cream and pudding mix
- Fresh lemon flavor with the perfect balance of sweetness and tang
- Easy to make using a cake mix but tastes completely homemade
- Great for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack

Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the lemon bread at room temperature or slightly warmed for the best flavor.
- Pair it with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a delightful treat.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
- For a refreshing twist, serve with fresh berries on the side.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the lemon bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator for up to one week. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container.
- Freezing: Wrap the cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Glaze Freshness: If freezing, consider adding the glaze after thawing for the best texture and flavor.
Following these tips will ensure your lemon bread stays fresh and delicious, whether you’re enjoying it right away or saving some for later.
Variations
1. Blueberry Lemon Bread
Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a fruity twist. Lightly coat the berries in flour before mixing them in to prevent sinking.
2. Poppy Seed Lemon Bread
Stir in 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds for added texture and a classic lemon-poppy seed flavor.
3. Lemon Coconut Bread
Mix 1/2 cup of shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical touch. You can also sprinkle toasted coconut on top of the glaze.
4. Cream Cheese Filled Lemon Bread
For a rich and creamy filling, mix 8 ounces of cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Spread half of the batter in the loaf pans, add the cream cheese mixture, then top with the remaining batter.
5. Gluten-Free Lemon Bread
Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure the pudding mix is gluten-free for a celiac-friendly version.
6. Almond Lemon Bread
Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract to the batter for a nutty flavor. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top of the glaze for extra crunch.
7. Extra Lemon Flavor
For an even bolder lemon taste, add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter and mix 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract with the icing.
These variations allow you to customize this copycat Starbucks lemon bread to match your favorite flavors. Try one or mix and match for a unique twist on this delicious treat.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant lemon pudding mix instead of non-instant?
No, instant pudding mix may alter the texture of the bread. Stick with non-instant pudding for the best results.
2. How do I prevent my lemon bread from being too dry?
Make sure not to overbake it. Also, using full-fat sour cream and not reducing the liquid ingredients will help keep it moist.
3. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, but it will change the taste. A white cake mix works well for a lighter flavor, or try a lemon cake mix for an even more intense lemon taste.
4. Can I make this into muffins instead of a loaf?
Absolutely! Pour the batter into a greased or lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F for about 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Can I make this lemon bread ahead of time?
Yes, this bread stays fresh for a few days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
6. How do I get a thicker glaze?
Reduce the amount of lemon juice in the icing or add more confectioners’ sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
7. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch. However, the taste may not be as vibrant.
8. Why did my lemon bread sink in the middle?
This can happen if the batter is overmixed, the oven temperature is too low, or the bread is underbaked. Ensure you measure ingredients correctly and check your oven temperature.
9. Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. Stir 1/2 cup into the batter before baking.
10. How do I keep my lemon bread from sticking to the pan?
Grease the loaf pans well with butter or nonstick spray, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
These FAQs should help you make the perfect copycat Starbucks lemon bread with ease!
This copycat Starbucks lemon bread is an easy and delicious way to enjoy a bakery-style treat at home. With its bright citrus flavor and soft texture, it’s a perfect choice for any occasion. Try making a batch and enjoy a slice with your favorite coffee or tea.
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Copycat of Starbucks® Lemon Bread
Description
If you love the rich, tangy flavor of Starbucks Lemon Bread, this homemade version will become your new favorite. With a soft, moist texture and a bright lemon glaze, this easy recipe delivers bakery-quality results right from your kitchen. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat, this lemon bread is simple to make and full of fresh citrus flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
- 1 (4.3 ounce) package non-instant lemon pudding mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
For the Icing:
- 2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (or more to taste)
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two loaf pans to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
2. Mix the Batter
In a stand mixer, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, oil, eggs, sour cream, milk, and 6 tablespoons of lemon juice. Beat for 2 minutes until smooth. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans.
3. Bake Until Golden
Bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the loaves cool in the pans for 20 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Lemon Icing
Whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and 3 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. If needed, add more lemon juice to adjust the consistency.
5. Glaze and Set
Spoon the icing evenly over the cooled loaves and let it set for 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the lemon bread at room temperature or slightly warmed for the best flavor.
- Pair it with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a delightful treat.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
- For a refreshing twist, serve with fresh berries on the side.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the lemon bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator for up to one week. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container.
- Freezing: Wrap the cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Glaze Freshness: If freezing, consider adding the glaze after thawing for the best texture and flavor.