Lemon Cream Cheese Bread: A Tangy and Moist Delight

If you’re looking for a soft, moist, and flavorful quick bread, this lemon cream cheese bread is the perfect treat! The zesty freshness of lemon combined with the richness of cream cheese creates a delightful balance of flavors. Whether served as breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this bread is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

This recipe belongs to the category of quick breads, which require no yeast, making it an easy and foolproof option for home bakers. Unlike traditional loaf cakes, lemon cream cheese bread has a wonderfully soft texture thanks to the addition of cream cheese, which helps retain moisture while adding richness. For expert tips on achieving the perfect texture, explore baking with cream cheese and learn how it enhances baked goods.

Beyond its velvety crumb and citrus aroma, this bread is incredibly versatile. You can add a lemon glaze, mix in blueberries, or experiment with gluten-free variations. Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to making this irresistible lemon cream cheese bread.

Ingredients for Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

Lemon Glaze (Optional)

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

1. Prepare the Batter

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan and line with parchment paper.

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

3. In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth.

4. Add the sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy.

5. Mix in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.

6. Stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), then gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.

2. Bake the Bread

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

2. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

3. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

3. Prepare the Lemon Glaze (Optional)

1. Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.

2. Drizzle over the cooled bread for an extra citrusy touch.

Tips for the Perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

• Use fresh lemon juice and zest – Bottled juice lacks the same fresh, bright flavor.

• Avoid overmixing – Overmixing the batter can make the bread dense.

• Use room temperature ingredients – This helps create a smooth and evenly mixed batter.

• Let the bread cool before slicing – This prevents it from crumbling.

Delicious Variations & Additions

• Blueberry-Lemon Cream Cheese Bread – Fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries for a fruity twist.

• Nutty Version – Add chopped walnuts or almonds for extra texture.

• Gluten-Free Option – Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

• Vegan Alternative – Use dairy-free butter, cream cheese, and milk substitutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with butter or lemon curd.

• Pair with a hot cup of green tea or espresso.

• Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: ~300 per slice

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Fat: 12g

• Protein: 5g

• Sugar: 25g

For a healthier version, reduce the sugar or use a sugar alternative.

Storage & Shelf Life

• At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Refrigerated: Keeps fresh for up to a week.

• Frozen: Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

To serve frozen bread, thaw at room temperature or warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds.

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