If you are craving a vibrant, tangy, and irresistibly moist treat, this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe will become your new best friend. Bursting with fresh lemon flavor and the luscious cream cheese filling, this bread offers the perfect balance of sweet and tart in every tender slice. The soft crumb, complimented by the rich cream cheese center and optional lemony glaze, makes it an ideal companion for your afternoon tea, breakfast, or even a casual dessert. It’s a simple yet impressive recipe that delivers a delightful homemade experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect texture, flavor, and look for this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe involves ingredients that are simple but essential. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s enhancing the lemony brightness, creating a tender crumb, or enriching the creamy filling.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base for the bread’s soft and sturdy structure.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the bread rise for a fluffy texture.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Works together with baking powder to lift the batter nicely.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that complements lemon.
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: The heart of that fresh and zesty flavor.
- 1 tbsp lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon aroma and brightness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter without overpowering the lemon.
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or vegetable oil: Keeps the bread tender and moist.
- 2 eggs: Provide structure and richness to the batter.
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened: Essential for that silky cream cheese filling layer.
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling perfectly.
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour: Stabilizes the cream cheese filling for a smooth texture.
- 1 egg yolk: Enriches the filling for creaminess.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract: Adds a delicate flavor to the filling.
- Optional glaze – ½ cup powdered sugar and 1-2 tbsp lemon juice: A zesty drizzle for a beautiful finishing touch.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even baking temperature right from the get-go. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper. The parchment helps release the bread easily and keeps the sides perfectly intact.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This uniform blend will loft and season your lemon bread evenly, so take a moment here to get all those powders nicely combined.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the yogurt (or sour cream), lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, sugar, oil, and eggs. This mixture comes alive with zingy lemon and creamy richness, setting the flavor foundation for your bread.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so stop as soon as the flour disappears. This simple step ensures a tender, moist crumb perfect for this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, flour, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. The filling should be silky and spreadable to add that indulgent surprise inside your bread.
Step 6: Layer the Batter and Filling
Pour half of the lemon batter into your prepared loaf pan. Spoon the cream cheese filling evenly over the top, then carefully spread the remaining lemon batter over the cream cheese layer. This layering creates a beautiful swirl and richness throughout the bread.
Step 7: Bake Your Bread to Perfection
Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (small cream cheese crumbs are okay). The baking transforms the ingredients into a wonderfully golden, aromatic masterpiece.
Step 8: Cool and Glaze
After baking, let the bread cool for about 10 minutes in the pan to set before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely. If you want to jazz things up, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice for the optional glaze and drizzle it over your cooled loaf. This adds a shiny, sweet, and tangy finish that’s hard to resist.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like thin lemon slices, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a sprinkle of poppy seeds can make your bread look even more inviting. These little touches add brightness and a hint of texture, making the presentation as enjoyable as the taste.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a variety of light sides. Think fresh fruit salad, a dollop of whipped cream, or a cup of hot tea or coffee. The lemon and cream cheese flavors complement subtle, refreshing accompaniments perfectly, enhancing your overall snack or breakfast experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, slice the bread and arrange it on a pretty platter with fresh mint leaves and small edible flowers. You can also cut into thick slices and toast them lightly to bring out the citrus notes — then add a smear of butter or honey for an extra-touch of indulgence. These ideas turn a homemade bread into a charming centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe fresh for days, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigeration unless your home is very warm, as that can dry out the bread.
Freezing
If you want to hold onto this treat longer, slice the bread and freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic and foil. Frozen bread lasts up to 2 months and is perfect for quick thawing when you need a lemony pick-me-up.
Reheating
Reheat slices of the bread gently in a toaster oven or microwave. Just 15-20 seconds in the microwave or a few minutes in a toaster oven will revive the soft texture and enhance the flavors, making it taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use butter instead of oil in this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe?
Yes, melted butter can be used as a substitute for oil. It will add a richer flavor and a slightly denser texture to the bread, which can be quite delightful if you prefer that buttery note.
Is it necessary to use fresh lemon juice and zest?
Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the brightest, most vibrant flavor, so they are highly recommended. Bottled lemon juice or dried zest won’t quite capture the same fresh citrus punch that makes this bread special.
Can I make this bread dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based yogurt. Also, using coconut oil instead of vegetable oil helps maintain the dairy-free status while keeping the bread moist and flavorful.
What can I do if my cream cheese filling oozes out during baking?
Make sure your cream cheese filling is well mixed and slightly thickened with flour and egg yolk as directed. Also, gently spread the filling layer to avoid it sinking or spilling. Baking at the correct temperature helps set it properly inside the bread.
How should I adjust baking time if I use mini loaf pans?
If making mini loaves, reduce the baking time to around 25-35 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and use the toothpick test to confirm doneness since smaller loaves bake faster than a full-sized one.
Final Thoughts
Making this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe at home is like gifting yourself a little burst of sunshine wrapped in tender, creamy layers. It’s simple enough for weeknight baking but special enough to impress family and friends. So go ahead and try it—you might just find your new favorite sweet treat that brightens any day!
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread combines the zesty brightness of lemon with a rich, creamy cheese filling, creating a moist and flavorful loaf perfect for breakfast or dessert. The bread features a tender crumb enhanced by lemon juice and zest, complemented by a smooth cream cheese swirl, and optionally topped with a tangy lemon glaze for extra sweetness and charm.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- ¼ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to combine evenly and aerate the mixture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the plain yogurt or sour cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, melted coconut or vegetable oil, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can lead to a dense bread.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until the filling is smooth and creamy.
- Layer Batter and Filling: Pour half of the lemon batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter and gently spread it out. Then, top with the remaining lemon batter, ensuring it covers the filling completely.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely for best texture and ease of slicing.
- Prepare and Add Glaze (Optional): For an extra touch of sweetness, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled bread before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute plain yogurt with sour cream for a richer flavor.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the best lemon flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and light.
- The cream cheese filling adds moisture and a delightful contrast of textures.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
- This bread stores well wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a vegan alternative and use plant-based yogurt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
