If you’re a fan of bright, citrusy flavors and rich, creamy textures, this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is the perfect treat for you! This moist and tender loaf is swirled with a tangy cream cheese filling and topped with a sweet lemon glaze, making it a delightful dessert, breakfast, or snack. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving something sweet, this bread is sure to impress. Plus, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making this delicious bread, including step-by-step instructions, tips for customization, and why this recipe is a must-try. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
- Bright and Tangy: The lemon flavor is fresh, zesty, and perfectly balanced with sweetness.
- Creamy and Rich: The cream cheese swirl adds a luscious, velvety texture.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Both kids and adults will love this flavorful bread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious bread:
For the Bread:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Bread Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the sour cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Bread
- Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Spoon the cream cheese filling over the batter, spreading it evenly.
- Top with the remaining bread batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers together.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Lemon Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using) until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Slice the bread and serve. Enjoy the tangy, creamy goodness!
Tips for Customization
- Add Berries: Stir in ½ cup of fresh blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
- Different Citrus: Swap the lemon for lime or orange for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the batter.
- Extra Sweetness: Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for a crunchy topping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use store-bought lemon juice?
Yes, but fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
3. Can I freeze this bread?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
4. What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can use plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a tangy, creamy, and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its moist crumb, rich cream cheese swirl, and sweet lemon glaze, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, it’s easy to make and endlessly customizable, so you can make it your own.
Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag us. Happy baking!
