Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful and indulgent treat that combines the tangy brightness of lemon with the creamy richness of cream cheese. This moist, tender loaf is perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, offering a balance of sweet and zesty flavors that are sure to please your taste buds. Whether served with a cup of tea or as a stand-alone snack, this bread is a comforting and irresistible choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is the perfect blend of light, fluffy texture and a rich, creamy swirl. The vibrant lemon flavor is complemented by the smoothness of cream cheese, making every bite a burst of flavor. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that yields a loaf full of tender, moist crumbs, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. The creamy swirl adds a beautiful marbled effect, making it as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Bread:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

• 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg yolk

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
   Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

2. Make the Bread Batter:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

   In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Mix in the sour cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.

3. Add Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Set aside.

4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl:
   In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and lemon juice until smooth.

5. Assemble the Bread:
   Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Dollop half of the cream cheese mixture over the batter and swirl gently with a knife. Add the remaining bread batter on top, and dollop the rest of the cream cheese mixture over the top. Swirl again to create a marbled effect.

6. Bake:
   Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.

7. Cool and Serve:
   Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy as a delicious treat for breakfast or with your favorite tea.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 slices

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 60 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Lemon Glaze: For an added burst of lemon flavor, drizzle a simple lemon glaze (made with powdered sugar and lemon juice) over the cooled bread.

• Add-ins: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture and flavor.

• Frosting: You can add a light cream cheese frosting on top of the loaf for an extra indulgent touch.

• Citrus Twist: Experiment with orange or lime zest for a unique citrus twist that complements the lemon flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the Lemon Cream Cheese Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week.

• Freezing: This bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for a few hours.

• Reheating: To reheat, place slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat sour cream in this recipe?

Yes, you can use low-fat sour cream, though the bread might not be quite as rich and creamy as with full-fat sour cream.

2. Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, but you can try using whole wheat flour for a slightly denser loaf. You may need to adjust the baking time.

3. Can I substitute the cream cheese in the swirl?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, you can try using a dairy-free cream cheese substitute, but the texture may be slightly different.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bread the night before and bake it in the morning. It also keeps well for several days, so it’s great for meal prep.

5. Is it possible to double this recipe?

Absolutely! You can double the ingredients to make two loaves. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly if you’re using larger pans.

6. Can I freeze the batter?

It’s best to bake the bread fresh, but you can freeze the batter for later. Just pour it into the loaf pan and freeze it before baking. When you’re ready, bake directly from the freezer, adding 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time.

7. Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

8. How can I make this bread more lemony?

You can increase the amount of lemon zest or add extra lemon juice to both the bread batter and the cream cheese swirl for a stronger lemon flavor.

9. How do I know when the bread is done baking?

Use a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is done.

10. Can I add berries to this bread?

Yes! Blueberries or raspberries would pair beautifully with the lemon flavor. Gently fold them into the batter before pouring it into the pan.

Conclusion

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a simple yet luxurious treat that brings together the tangy, refreshing flavor of lemon with the smooth, creamy richness of cream cheese. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing loaf that’s perfect for any time of day. With its tender texture, delightful swirl, and the option to customize with variations, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven or as a make-ahead breakfast or snack.