Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe: A Tangy Homemade Treat

Baking a delightful lemon cream cheese bread can transport you to a sunlit kitchen filled with citrusy aromas.

Whisks and mixing bowls stand ready for a delectable adventure.

Soft, tangy cream cheese mingles with bright lemon zest, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

moist crumbs promise a delightful treat that feels like a warm embrace.

Subtle hints of sweetness dance through each slice, inviting culinary exploration.

Seasonal ingredients come together in a simple yet elegant recipe that sparks joy.

Slice into this bread and savor the magic of homemade comfort.

FAQs

• Why is cream cheese used in this recipe?

Cream cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor and creates a smooth, moist texture to the bread. It also provides a creamy swirl that makes the bread look beautiful and taste more decadent.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch. Just ensure it’s 100% pure lemon juice without added preservatives for the most authentic taste.

• How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Use the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. Avoid any wet batter on the toothpick.

• What makes the cream cheese swirl so special?

The cream cheese swirl is created by gently folding the cream cheese mixture into the batter with a knife, creating a beautiful marbled effect. This technique ensures a delicious ribbon of creamy texture throughout the bread.

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Highlights

• This recipe offers a straightforward method perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
• The cream cheese marble technique adds a beautiful visual appeal that makes the bread look professionally crafted without requiring advanced baking skills.
• Packed with fresh lemon juice and zest, this bread delivers a bright, tangy taste that elevates it from ordinary to extraordinary, making it a refreshing departure from traditional sweet breads.
• Ideal for multiple occasions like brunch gatherings, afternoon tea, potlucks, or simply as a delightful weekend treat that everyone from kids to adults will enjoy.

Ingredients in Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: The fundamental dry ingredient that provides structure to the bread.
• Butter, Sour Cream, Cream Cheese: These ingredients contribute to the rich, moist texture of the bread.
• Eggs: Provide binding and richness to the bread batter.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning and texture.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bring bright, tangy flavor to the bread.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Help the bread rise and balance the overall flavor profile.

How to Bake Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 175C (350F).

Grease a loaf pan generously with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Bread Base

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

In a separate large bowl, blend softened butter and sugar until fluffy.

Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly.

Pour in sour cream, fresh lemon juice, and zesty lemon zest.

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.

Step 3: Craft the Cream Cheese Swirl

In a small bowl, whip cream cheese with sugar, egg yolk, and lemon juice until silky smooth.

Step 4: Layer and Swirl

Pour half the bread batter into the prepared pan.

Dot half the cream cheese mixture across the surface.

Use a knife to create gentle swirls.

Add remaining bread batter, then top with remaining cream cheese mixture.

Swirl again to create a beautiful marbled pattern.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 55-65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.

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

Step 6: Slice and Savor

Cut into thick slices and enjoy with morning coffee or afternoon tea.

This bread delivers a burst of lemony goodness in every bite!

Moist Bread Tips for Lemon & Cream Cheese

• Grate fresh lemon zest instead of using bottled zest to maximize bright, citrusy notes and enhance the bread's aromatic profile.
• Toss cream cheese mixture with a teaspoon of flour to help it maintain its structure and prevent sinking during baking.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and butter to ensure smooth blending and create a consistently moist texture.
• Use a thin knife or wooden skewer to create elegant marbled patterns without overmixing the cream cheese and batter layers.
• Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 3-4 days at room temperature.

Saving and Reheating Lemon Cheese Bread

• Store leftover lemon cream cheese bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Slice the bread, place parchment paper between each slice, and store in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Keep at room temperature for 1-2 days if covered with a clean kitchen towel, but refrigeration is recommended to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast lightly in a toaster oven until heated through. For frozen slices, thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Good Pairings for Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

• Brew Refreshing Earl Grey Tea: Light, bergamot-infused tea perfectly balances the bread's tangy lemon notes and cuts through the rich cream cheese.
• Serve Chilled Honey Lavender Yogurt: Smooth, floral yogurt enhances the bread's creamy texture while adding a delicate sweetness that harmonizes with lemon's brightness.
• Create Citrus Fruit Salad Companion: Fresh orange, grapefruit, and mint segments provide a vibrant, juicy contrast that elevates the bread's tangy profile and adds nutritional balance.
• Drizzle Vanilla Bean Glaze: Silky, aromatic glaze adds subtle sweetness and complexity, complementing the bread's lemony undertones and creating a luxurious finishing touch.

Fun Twists on Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

• Gluten-Free Lemon Cream Cheese Bread: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same delicious tangy flavor.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free cream cheese, and substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt to create a lactose-free version.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and incorporate Greek yogurt for added protein and moisture while keeping the bread light and fluffy.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, plant-based cream cheese, and coconut cream to create a completely plant-based lemon bread that still delivers rich, zesty flavors.

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon cream cheese bread whispers sweet promises of comfort and indulgence. Delicate crumb meets tangy cream cheese, creating a harmonious slice that beckons you to savor each remarkable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 175C (350F) and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage with a light coating of non-stick spray.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, creating a uniform flour mixture with a whisk, ensuring no lumps remain.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and develops a fluffy texture, approximately 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth consistency.
5. Fold in sour cream, fresh lemon juice, and zest, stirring until the wet ingredients are completely integrated.
6. Gradually introduce dry ingredients into the wet mixture, gently folding until just combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain the bread’s tender texture.
7. For the cream cheese swirl, blend cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and lemon juice in a separate bowl until achieving a silky, uniform appearance.
8. Transfer half the bread batter into the prepared pan, creating an even base layer.
9. Distribute half the cream cheese mixture across the batter, using a knife to create elegant swirling patterns throughout the layer.
10. Pour remaining bread batter over the first layer, then add the final cream cheese mixture, creating additional marbled swirls.
11. Bake for 55-65 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure even browning, and test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean.
12. Remove from oven and allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
13. Once cooled, slice and serve as a delightful breakfast treat or afternoon snack.

Notes

• Softening butter and cream cheese at room temperature ensures smoother mixing and prevents lumps in the batter.
• Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients to maintain a light, tender texture and avoid overmixing.
• Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the most vibrant, bright citrus flavor that elevates the entire bread.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg