Cream Cheese Loaf

Heavenly Orange Cream Cheese Loaf: A Burst of Citrus Sunshine

Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delightful burst of citrusy goodness? Look no further than our Orange Cream Cheese Loaf recipe! This moist and flavorful loaf is infused with vibrant orange zest and tangy orange juice, complemented by a rich cream cheese swirl. Whether you’re indulging in a slice for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this loaf is sure to brighten your day with every bite. Let’s embark on a culinary adventure and learn how to create this heavenly treat!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup orange juice
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Stir in the orange zest and set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until smooth and creamy.
5. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the orange juice, and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Prepare Cream Cheese Swirl: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
7. Layer Batter and Cream Cheese: Pour half of the orange batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture on top of the batter. Gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter using a knife or skewer. Pour the remaining orange batter over the cream cheese layer.
8. Bake: Transfer the loaf pan to the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and Serve: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Serve and enjoy!

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Glaze Option: For an extra burst of sweetness, drizzle the cooled loaf with a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice.
• Nut Addition: Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the batter for added texture and crunch.
• Chocolate Twist: For a decadent twist, fold in chocolate chips or chunks into the batter for a delightful chocolate-orange flavor combination.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

• Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of this loaf, substitute almond flour or coconut flour for the all-purpose flour. Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of granulated sugar. Increase the amount of orange zest and orange extract for a more intense orange flavor without adding extra carbs.
• Low-Carb Version: Similarly, for a low-carb version, use almond flour or coconut flour in place of the all-purpose flour. Replace the granulated sugar with a low-carb sweetener and adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use store-bought orange juice instead of fresh orange juice? A: While fresh orange juice provides the best flavor, you can use store-bought orange juice if fresh oranges are not available. Just make sure it’s 100% pure orange juice without any added sugar.

Q: Can I freeze leftover slices of the loaf? A: Yes, you can freeze individual slices of the loaf in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or serving.

Q: Can I substitute lemon or lime zest and juice for orange in this recipe? A: Yes, you can experiment with different citrus flavors by substituting lemon or lime zest and juice for the orange. Each citrus variation will provide a unique and refreshing twist to the loaf.

Q: Can I add a streusel topping to the loaf? A: Absolutely! Prepare a simple streusel topping using flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon, and sprinkle it over the batter before baking for added texture and flavor.

Indulge your senses with the delightful aroma and flavor of our Orange Cream Cheese Loaf. With its moist crumb, tangy citrus notes, and creamy cream cheese swirl, it’s a true crowd-pleaser that will brighten any meal or occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely breakfast, hosting a brunch gathering, or treating yourself to a sweet afternoon snack, this loaf is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the irresistible allure of Orange Cream Cheese Loaf today!