Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful treat that combines the bright tang of fresh lemon with the creamy richness of cream cheese. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this bread is moist, flavorful, and irresistibly soft. It’s simple to make but fancy enough to impress guests—an all-around winner for lemon lovers!

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Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

• Bright and Zesty: The fresh lemon flavor adds a vibrant touch to every bite.
• Creamy Center: A swirl of cream cheese elevates this bread to indulgent dessert status.
• Moist and Tender: The perfect texture makes it absolutely irresistible.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or after-dinner dessert.

Ingredients for Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

Here’s what you’ll need to bake this delicious bread:

• For the Bread:
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Cream Cheese Filling:
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Lemon Glaze (optional):
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls: For the batter and filling.
• Hand or stand mixer: To ensure a smooth batter and cream cheese filling.
• Loaf pan (9×5 inches): For baking the bread.
• Spatula: For spreading the batter and filling evenly.

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Bread Batter

1. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Mix in the yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Bread

1. Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
2. Spoon the cream cheese filling over the batter, spreading it carefully to create an even layer.
3. Top with the remaining bread batter, gently spreading it to cover the filling.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the bread (not the cream cheese layer) comes out clean.
2. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Add the Lemon Glaze (Optional)

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread. Let it set before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve slices of Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with a cup of tea or coffee.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra treat.
• Pair with fresh berries for a refreshing accompaniment.

Tips for the Best Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth batter and filling.
• Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest give the best flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the bread dense—mix just until combined.
• Cool Completely: Let the bread cool fully before slicing to maintain its structure.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make this bread gluten-free?
A: Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Q2: Can I use other citrus fruits?
A: Absolutely! Try substituting the lemon with lime or orange for a different flavor profile.

Q3: Can I skip the cream cheese filling?
A: Yes, you can make a plain lemon bread by omitting the filling and following the rest of the recipe as is.

Conclusion: A Zesty Delight!

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a refreshing, sweet, and tangy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or serving it as a dessert, this bread is sure to impress with its bright flavors and creamy filling.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes

Nutritional Information (per slice)
Calories: 260
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fat: 12g

Bake this delicious Lemon Cream Cheese Bread today and brighten up your day with its sunny flavors! Don’t forget to share your photos and let us know how it turned out!

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