If you adore desserts that perfectly balance bright citrus with creamy richness, then this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe is your new best friend. With its tender crumb infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, alongside a luscious cream cheese swirl running through the middle, every slice feels like a little slice of sunshine. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat or impressing guests at brunch, this bread’s vibrant flavor and soft texture will have everyone asking for the recipe again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe simple yet flavorful is key to its charm. Each ingredient plays an essential role, lending moisture, tang, and that unforgettable creamy texture that makes the bread so special.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect base and structure for a tender crumb.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to give the bread a light and airy lift.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Plain yogurt or sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that complements the lemon.
- Fresh lemon juice: Infuses the bread with natural citrus brightness.
- Lemon zest: Packs an intense lemon aroma and flavor punch.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, comforting depth to the flavor profile.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens gently without overpowering the lemon.
- Coconut or vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and enrich the bread’s texture.
- Cream cheese: Creates the dreamy filling that’s rich and silky.
- Powdered sugar and lemon juice (optional): Make a simple glaze to add extra zing and shine.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and then line it with parchment paper to ensure your bread releases easily after baking. This little prep sets the stage for a perfect loaf.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Keeping these ingredients well blended guarantees an even rise and consistent crumb throughout your bread.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, take a large bowl and whisk together the plain yogurt (or sour cream), fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, oil, and eggs. The mixture should be smooth and fragrant, promising that wonderful lemon flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated. Overmixing can make the bread dense, so gentle strokes keep the texture light and tender.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar, flour, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. This luscious filling will create that signature creamy ribbon inside your bread.
Step 6: Layer Batter and Cream Cheese
Pour half of the lemon batter into your prepared pan. Carefully spoon the cream cheese filling on top and gently smooth it out. Finally, cover with the remaining lemon batter, making sure the cream cheese stays nicely layered in the middle.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 8: Cool the Bread
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial to firm up the loaf and make slicing easier.
Step 9: Add an Optional Glaze
If you want to take this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe to the next level, mix powdered sugar with a splash of lemon juice to make a bright glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled loaf to add a delightful tangy finish and beautiful shine.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few thin lemon slices on top create an inviting presentation. Fresh mint leaves also add a lovely touch of color and a little extra aroma.
Side Dishes
This bread shines on its own, but pairing it with a cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee makes the perfect cozy combo. For a brunch spread, add fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream on the side to complement the creamy lemon flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider slicing the Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe into small squares and serving as finger food at parties. You can also toast slices lightly and spread with a smear of butter or fruit preserves for a simple yet elegant snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep it fresh and moist. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate to extend freshness, but be mindful this may slightly firm up the texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to three months and thaw wonderfully when taken out the night before serving.
Reheating
For the best experience, warm slices of the bread in a toaster oven or regular oven at a low temperature to revive the softness and bring out the lemon’s brightness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture gummy.
FAQs
Can I use cream cheese that’s not softened?
Softened cream cheese is best because it blends smoothly into the filling, avoiding lumps that could interrupt the bread’s texture. If your cream cheese isn’t softened, try microwaving it for a few seconds or letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
What if I don’t have lemon zest? Can I use lemon extract instead?
Fresh lemon zest adds a bright, natural aroma that lemon extract can’t fully mimic. However, if you must substitute, use ½ teaspoon of lemon extract, but be aware it might alter the bread’s freshness slightly.
Is it okay to substitute yogurt with sour cream?
Absolutely! Both yogurt and sour cream add moisture and tang to the bread. Use whichever you prefer or already have on hand, and your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe will still turn out wonderfully.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The best method is inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done baking. If it has wet batter on it, give it a few more minutes and check again.
Can I make mini loaves or muffins using this recipe?
You sure can! Just adjust the baking time accordingly—mini loaves might take around 30-35 minutes, and muffins about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking and keep that tender crumb intact.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the combination of bright lemon and creamy filling in this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe, making it a standout for any occasion. It’s straightforward, comforting, and full of flavor that feels like a little sunshine in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with the ones you love—it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen!
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Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful, tangy treat combining moist lemon-flavored bread with a creamy, sweet cream cheese filling. Perfectly balanced with fresh lemon juice and zest, this quick bread is ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. The optional lemon glaze adds a lovely finishing touch, making every slice irresistible.
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 the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt within the flour.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine plain yogurt (or sour cream), freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, melted coconut or vegetable oil, and eggs. Whisk these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, gently mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing which could make the bread tough.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Assemble the Bread: Pour half of the lemon batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter, then gently spread it out. Top with the remaining lemon batter, smoothing the surface.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps retain structure and flavor.
- Optional Glaze: For an extra burst of lemon flavor, whisk together powdered sugar and 1 to 2 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled bread before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute plain yogurt with sour cream or buttermilk for slight variations in texture and flavor.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature to achieve a smooth filling.
- Adjust lemon juice in glaze to your taste preference for sweetness and tartness balance.
- Use fresh lemon zest for the best lemony aroma and flavor.
- Store the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing the bread is possible; wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
