Name: Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup sugar; 2 eggs; 1 tbsp lemon zest; ½ cup sour cream; ¼ cup lemon juice; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup sugar; 1 egg yolk; ½ tsp vanilla extract

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Looking for a treat that’s both sweet and tangy, moist and rich? This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is exactly what you need! With a zesty lemon flavor and the smooth cream cheese that makes every bite so luscious, this bread is the perfect combination of freshness and indulgence. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or sharing it at a brunch gathering, this bread is sure to impress. Trust me, one slice and you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is an absolute must-try. Here’s why it should be your next baking project:

Bursting with Fresh Lemon Flavor: The bright citrusy lemon flavor shines through in every bite, making it the perfect pick-me-up for any time of the day.
Super Moist: Thanks to the cream cheese, this bread is incredibly moist, soft, and tender, making it irresistible. No dry, crumbly bread here!
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this bread is beginner-friendly, so you can enjoy a homemade treat without the stress.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for breakfast, dessert, or a gift for someone special, this bread is versatile enough for any occasion. It also looks gorgeous when sliced, making it a great treat for sharing.
Comforting & Light: While this bread feels indulgent, the citrusy zest keeps it light and refreshing, so you can indulge without feeling weighed down.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread:

Cream Cheese: This ingredient makes the bread incredibly moist and adds a rich, creamy flavor that pairs beautifully with the lemon.

Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the bread, creating a soft, tender crumb.

Sugar: Sweetens the bread just enough to balance out the tart lemon.

Eggs: These help to bind everything together, providing structure and moisture.

Lemon Zest: This is the secret to that fresh, tangy lemon flavor. The zest of the lemon adds a fragrant citrus punch that’s key to this recipe.

Lemon Juice: Adds even more lemony goodness and helps balance the sweetness.

All-Purpose Flour: The base of the bread, creating the structure and texture.

Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and become fluffy.

Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.

Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla rounds out the flavor profile.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get baking! Here’s how to make your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread:

Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy.

Add the Eggs and Lemon

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest until everything is fully combined.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy.

Pour into the Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake

Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Cool & Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 250

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some ideas:

For Breakfast: Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or tea for a refreshing and satisfying start to your day.
For Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful treat.
As a Snack: Slice it up and enjoy a light, citrusy snack any time you’re craving something sweet.
With a Fresh Fruit Salad: Pair it with a fresh fruit salad for a light, refreshing meal.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread even more amazing:

Add a Lemon Glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze (powdered sugar and lemon juice) over the cooled bread for an extra burst of lemony sweetness.
Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream cheese and butter, though the texture may differ slightly.
Freeze It: This bread freezes beautifully! Slice it and wrap it in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it out at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds.
Add Poppy Seeds: For an extra touch of texture, sprinkle in some poppy seeds to mimic a lemon poppy seed bread.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use dairy-free cream cheese?

A1: Yes! You can substitute dairy-free cream cheese if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Just make sure it’s softened and easily blendable.

Q2: Can I add more lemon zest for a stronger lemon flavor?

A2: Absolutely! If you love that tangy lemon kick, feel free to add more lemon zest to suit your taste.

Q3: Can I make this bread ahead of time?

A3: Yes, this bread stores wonderfully. You can make it up to 3 days ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

Q4: Can I freeze the bread?

A4: Yes! You can freeze this bread for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

Q5: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

A5: Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that it will result in a denser texture and a slightly nuttier flavor.

Q6: Can I substitute the butter with something else?

A6: You can substitute the butter with oil, like vegetable oil or coconut oil, though the texture and flavor might differ slightly.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?

A7: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

Q8: Can I add nuts to the bread?

A8: Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would make a great addition for added crunch and flavor.

Q9: How do I reheat the bread?

A9: Reheat slices of the bread in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or toast them lightly in a toaster oven for a crispy edge.

Q10: Can I use this recipe to make muffins instead of bread?

A10: Yes! You can make muffins by dividing the batter into a muffin tin and baking at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Conclusion

This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is an easy, breezy, and utterly delicious treat that combines the best of tangy citrus and rich creaminess. Whether you’re baking it for yourself or sharing it with friends, this bread will surely become a favorite in your baking rotation. With its soft texture and zesty flavor, it’s the perfect way to brighten your day—one slice at a time. Happy baking!