Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread combines the fresh, zesty flavor of lemon with the rich creaminess of a cream cheese filling. This moist, flavorful bread is perfect for a sweet breakfast, a snack with tea, or a light dessert. The lemony batter is topped with a smooth cream cheese layer, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the sour cream, milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
5. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
6. In another bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and lemon juice until smooth.
7. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the batter in the pan.
8. Top with the remaining batter, spreading it evenly.
9. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the bread to cool before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 slices
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

1. Lemon glaze: For extra sweetness and a glossy finish, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the bread once it cools.
2. Add-ins: Add poppy seeds to the batter for a subtle crunch or mix in some chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for added texture.
3. Berries: You can fold in fresh blueberries or raspberries to the batter for a fruity twist.
4. Dairy-free: Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use a plant-based butter and milk for a dairy-free version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week.
• Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a toaster oven for a few minutes to enjoy it warm.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese? Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese as a substitute for regular cream cheese, but the bread may be slightly less rich in texture.
2. Can I freeze Lemon Cream Cheese Bread? Yes, this bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
3. Can I use lemon extract instead of lemon zest? Yes, you can use lemon extract as a substitute, but fresh lemon zest gives the bread a more vibrant and natural lemon flavor.
4. How can I make this bread more lemony? If you want a more pronounced lemon flavor, increase the amount of lemon zest or add a bit more lemon juice to both the batter and the cream cheese layer.
5. Can I use a different fruit in place of lemon? Yes, you can substitute lemon with orange zest and juice for an orange cream cheese bread, or try lime for a citrusy twist.
6. Can I double this recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in two loaf pans or use a larger pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
7. Why did my cream cheese layer sink? If your cream cheese layer sinks into the batter, it may be due to overmixing or not enough flour in the batter. Be sure to mix gently and evenly spread the batter in the pan.
8. Can I make this bread without sour cream? Yes, you can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk for a similar texture and tang.
9. Can I make mini loaves of this bread? Yes, you can divide the batter into mini loaf pans and reduce the baking time by about 15-20 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
10. Why is my bread dense? If your bread is too dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Measure flour carefully and mix gently until combined.

Conclusion

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is the perfect balance of fresh, tangy lemon flavor and rich, creamy texture. With a moist crumb, a smooth cream cheese filling, and a touch of citrus, this bread is a wonderful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply enjoying a slice with your afternoon tea, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!

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