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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Combine dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, creating a uniform flour mixture with a whisk, ensuring no lumps remain.
- 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.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth consistency.
- Fold in sour cream, fresh lemon juice, and zest, stirring until the wet ingredients are completely integrated.
- Gradually introduce dry ingredients into the wet mixture, gently folding until just combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain the bread’s tender texture.
- For the cream cheese swirl, blend cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and lemon juice in a separate bowl until achieving a silky, uniform appearance.
- Transfer half the bread batter into the prepared pan, creating an even base layer.
- Distribute half the cream cheese mixture across the batter, using a knife to create elegant swirling patterns throughout the layer.
- Pour remaining bread batter over the first layer, then add the final cream cheese mixture, creating additional marbled swirls.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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