This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread combines the tangy brightness of lemon with the rich creaminess of a sweet cream cheese layer. The result is a moist, flavorful quick bread that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. With its delightful citrusy glaze, it’s sure to become a favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Burst of Lemon Flavor: Perfectly balanced sweet and tangy taste.
- Creamy Center: A luscious cream cheese layer makes it extra indulgent.
- Versatile Treat: Great for brunch, dessert, or gifting.Ingredients
For the Bread
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Zest of 1 large lemon
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Bread Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the milk, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Layer the Batter and Filling
- Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the batter, spreading it gently to create an even layer.
- Top with the remaining bread batter, spreading it to cover the cream cheese filling completely.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the bread (not the cream cheese layer) comes out clean.
- If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Step 6: Cool the Bread
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
- Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
Step 7: Prepare the Lemon Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice if needed.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
- Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled bread.
- Slice and serve!
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the bread dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the bread portion to check doneness, as the cream cheese layer will remain moist.
Variations
- Berry Lemon Bread: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries to the batter for a fruity twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Orange Cream Cheese Bread: Swap lemon juice and zest with orange juice and zest for a citrusy variation.
What to Serve With Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
- A warm cup of coffee, tea, or iced lemonade.
- Whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra indulgence.
- Fresh fruit on the side to complement the citrusy flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the best flavor, but store-bought works in a pinch.
2. How do I store this bread?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
3. Can I freeze lemon cream cheese bread?
Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
4. Can I skip the glaze?
The glaze enhances the lemon flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer a less sweet bread.
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful combination of tangy, creamy, and sweet flavors that’s bound to impress. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe is a surefire hit.
Ready to try this zesty delight? Let us know how it turns out
