Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

Why Make This Recipe

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful treat that combines the zesty flavor of lemon with the rich creaminess of cream cheese. This bread is not just delicious; it’s also perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Its moist texture and fresh taste make it a wonderful choice for any occasion. Plus, it’s easy to make, bringing a sweet, citrusy aroma to your kitchen.

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tbsp lemon zest
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
1 egg (for filling)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line your loaf pan with parchment paper.
Make the cream cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Set aside.
Prepare the bread batter: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and sour cream until everything is combined.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Assemble the bread: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter. Top with the remaining batter and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Lemon Cream Cheese Bread!

How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is best served warm or at room temperature. You can slice it and enjoy it plain or spread a little butter on top for added richness. This bread also goes well with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect treat for your morning or afternoon snack.

How to Store Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

To keep your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze it for up to three months. Thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy a slice.

Tips to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
Be careful not to overmix the batter; this helps keep the bread nice and soft.
Adding a little more lemon zest can enhance the citrus flavor if you like it tangy.
For a fun twist, consider adding poppy seeds to the batter for texture and flavor.

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe by adding different flavors. Try mixing in some blueberries or cranberries for a fruity touch. You could also swap lemon juice with lime juice for a different citrus flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used, but the texture and flavor may be slightly different.

2. How can I tell if the bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done.

3. Is this recipe easy to double?
Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and use two loaf pans for baking. Adjust the baking time as necessary.