Air Fryer Copycat Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf

Summer is in full swing, and that means one thing – iced lemon loaf from Starbucks! Unfortunately, a trip to Starbucks can quickly add up.

So, we’ve devised a recipe for an air fryer copycat version of their iced lemon loaf that you can make at home for a fraction of the price. Plus, it’s so easy to make that even beginners can follow along. Keep reading for the recipe.

Air Fryer Copycat Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf is fantastic! If you love the original Starbucks version, you will so love this copycat version, made of course in the Air Fryer!

I love a great quickbread recipe, and no one does baked goods like Starbucks. They are light, tender, and delicious from Banana Bread or Danish cheese. And it does not hurt that they have excellent beverages to go along with them.

So, today, I brewed my coffee, don’t worry, I bought myself a Ninja Coffee Bar and came up with a delicious copycat version of one of my favorite quick bread, The Lemon Loaf From Starbucks!

If you are looking for other great baked goods made in the air fryer, here are some of my favorites, AIR FRYER GLAZED PUMPKIN SCONES, AIR FRYER APPLE CRANBERRY BREAD, AIR FRYER COPYCAT STARBUCKS DOUBLE CHOCOLATE BROWNIES, and NINJA FOODI RUM RAISIN RICE PUDDING.

Watch How To Make Starbucks Lemon Loaf In Your Air Fryer

Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf

Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf is a quintessential treat that has become a favorite for many. This delectable dessert strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, making it an irresistible choice for lemon lovers. The loaf is incredibly moist, with a dense yet tender crumb that melts in your mouth, infused with the zestful punch of lemon. Its crowning glory is a thick, glossy icing drizzled over the top, adding an extra layer of sweetness to complement the citrusy bite of the cake.

What sets the Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf apart is its vibrant flavor and its comforting texture, which pairs perfectly with a variety of beverages, from a morning cup of coffee to an afternoon tea. This versatility has cemented its status as a staple in the Starbucks pastry lineup. Whether you’re looking to indulge in a sweet treat alongside your latte or seeking a zesty snack to brighten your day, the Iced Lemon Loaf offers a delightful taste of sunshine, no matter the weather. Its popularity has even inspired many to recreate this beloved recipe at home, bringing a taste of Starbucks into their kitchens.

Why You Will Love Copycat Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf!

The Copycat Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf is a delightful recipe that brings the beloved coffee shop favorite right into your kitchen, and there are plenty of reasons to fall in love with it:

• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The exquisite balance of sweet and tangy flavors makes every bite of this lemon loaf a refreshing experience. The zesty lemon flavor, paired with the sweet icing, offers a refreshing and satisfying taste.
• Moist and Tender Crumb: Achieving that moist, tender crumb at home means you can enjoy a bakery-quality lemon loaf any time. This recipe ensures a texture that melts in your mouth, making it impossible to have just one slice.
• Simple Ingredients, Impressive Results: You don’t need fancy ingredients to create this masterpiece. With common pantry staples, you can whip up a dessert that looks and tastes as if it came straight from Starbucks.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a morning treat, a sweet snack alongside your afternoon coffee, or a dessert for dinner parties, the Copycat Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf fits seamlessly into any setting.
• Cost-Effective Indulgence: Making the Iced Lemon Loaf at home is a wallet-friendly alternative to buying it at Starbucks. Enjoy the luxury of indulgence without the coffee shop price tag.
• Customizable to Taste: When you make it yourself, you can adjust the level of lemon intensity, the sweetness of the icing, and even add your own twist with additional ingredients like poppy seeds or a dash of vanilla extract.
• The Joy of Homemade: There’s a special satisfaction in recreating a coffee shop favorite at home. The aroma of baking lemon loaf filling your kitchen is a delightful bonus that you can’t get from a store-bought slice.

For all these reasons and more, the Copycat Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf is not just a recipe but a gateway to creating memorable moments and flavors in your own home.

Ingredients In Air Fryer Copycat Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf

Bringing the iconic Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf into your home has never been easier, especially with the convenience of an air fryer. This copycat recipe captures the essence of the beloved bakery item with simple ingredients that work together to create a moist, flavorful cake topped with a sweet lemon glaze. Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this zesty, indulgent treat:

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Butter: Keeps the cake tender and moist longer.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden crust outside the loaf.
• Eggs: Mix the ingredients, contribute to the richness, and help leaven the loaf.
• Lemon zest: Provides a bright, citrusy flavor essential to the loaf’s signature taste.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
• All-purpose flour: Serves as the base of your loaf, providing structure to ensure it holds its shape while remaining tender.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, balancing the sweetness.
• Baking Soda: Acts as the leavening agent, giving the loaf its rise and light, airy texture.
• Sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang, ensuring the loaf stays deliciously moist.
• Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet base for the icing, perfect for drizzling.
• Fresh lemon juice: Gives the icing its lemony kick, complementing the zestiness of the loaf.

How To Make Air Fryer Copycat Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf

Crafting your own Air Fryer Copycat Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf at home is a rewarding endeavor, offering a fresh, zesty treat without needing to step out. Follow this straightforward guide to create a moist and flavorful lemon loaf topped with a sweet, tangy glaze, all with the convenience of your air fryer.

Prepare the Batter:

• In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.
• Then mix in the eggs, lemon zest, vanilla extract, flour, salt (if using), baking soda, and sour cream. Mix well.

Prepare the Loaf Pan:

• Then pour the prepared batter into an air fryer safe pan,  which has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray (you can also use olive oil spray)

Bake:

• Set in your air fryer oven or air fryer basket and set the temperature to 330 degrees F, air fryer setting, for 15 to 20 minutes. , or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Air fryer models may vary, so check for doneness around the 35-minute mark.

Prepare the Lemon Icing:

• Let the bread cool, and then mix the powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Spread the icing over the top.

Pro Tips

Creating the perfect Air Fryer Copycat Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf involves a blend of technique and creativity. Here are some pro tips to elevate your baking experience and ensure your lemon loaf comes out as deliciously moist and flavorful as the coffeehouse favorite:

• Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, use fresh lemons rather than bottled lemon juice. The zest and juice from fresh lemons provide a vibrant citrus taste that’s crucial for that authentic Starbucks experience.
• Properly Measure Flour: To avoid a dense loaf, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Packing too much flour into the cup can lead to a heavy, dry loaf.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough loaf.
• Check for Doneness Correctly: Because air fryers can vary, start checking for doneness a bit earlier than the recipe suggests. Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
• Let It Cool: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This makes it easier to remove from the pan without breaking and lets the loaf set up properly.
• Thin the Icing to Preference: Adjust the consistency of the icing with lemon juice or milk. If you prefer a thicker glaze that sits on top of the loaf, use less liquid. For a thinner glaze that drips down the sides, add a bit more.
• Flavor Boost with Lemon Zest: Add extra lemon zest to the icing for an additional pop of lemon flavor. This not only enhances the taste but also adds a lovely decorative touch.
• Cool Completely Before Icing: Ensure the loaf is completely cool before adding the icing. If the loaf is too warm, the icing will melt and run off rather than set on top.
• Use the Right Pan: Make sure your loaf pan fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. A pan that’s too large won’t allow for proper air circulation, leading to uneven baking.
• Experiment with Add-Ins: While the classic lemon loaf is delicious on its own, feel free to experiment with add-ins like poppy seeds for a Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf variation.

Following these tips will help you master the Air Fryer Copycat Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf, allowing you to enjoy a slice of sweet, lemony perfection any time you like, right from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Faq’s

Can I make this lemon loaf without an air fryer? Absolutely! While this recipe is tailored for air fryer users, you can easily adapt it for a conventional oven. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

What can I use if I don’t have sour cream? If you’re out of sour cream, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or buttermilk. These alternatives will still provide the moisture and slight tanginess that sour cream contributes to the loaf.

Can I freeze the iced lemon loaf? Yes, the iced lemon loaf freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and, if desired, refresh the icing after thawing for the best taste and texture.

How do I prevent the loaf from sticking to the pan? Grease your loaf pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray, and consider lining the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. Ensure the loaf has cooled for about 10 minutes before attempting to remove it from the pan.

Why did my lemon loaf sink in the middle? Sinking can occur if the batter is overmixed, causing too much air to be incorporated and then collapse, or if the loaf is underbaked. Make sure to mix just until the ingredients are combined and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free? To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Check the blend includes xanthan gum, or add it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure the loaf’s structure.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the sour cream? For a dairy-free version, you can use a plant-based sour cream substitute or coconut yogurt. These alternatives should be as thick as possible to mimic the consistency of sour cream.

How long will the lemon loaf last? The iced lemon loaf will last for about 3-4 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator where it can last up to a week.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh? While fresh lemon juice is preferred for its vibrant flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Keep in mind that fresh lemon zest is still recommended for the best lemony aroma and taste.

Can the icing be made without lemon juice? If you prefer a less tart icing, you can make a simple glaze using milk or water instead of lemon juice. However, you’ll miss out on the extra lemon flavor that complements the loaf.

Equipment Used

• Wilton Recipe Right Non-Stick Mini Loaf Pan Set, 3-Piece

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