Experience the bright and tangy flavors of lemon paired with creamy cream cheese in this delightful Lemon Cream Cheese Bread. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day, this moist and flavorful bread is sure to become a new favorite. With a burst of citrus from fresh lemon zest and juice, complemented by the richness of cream cheese, each bite is a deliciously indulgent experience. Let’s dive into the recipe and bake up a loaf of this irresistible Lemon Cream Cheese Bread.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 8 oz sour cream
- ½ cup canola oil
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare Wet Ingredients
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, sour cream, canola oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling
- Cream Cheese Filling: In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble Bread
- Layer Batter and Filling: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon the cream cheese filling over the batter, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Pour the remaining batter over the cream cheese filling, spreading it to cover the filling completely.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Step 8: Slice and Enjoy
- Serve: Once cooled, slice the Lemon Cream Cheese Bread into thick slices and serve. Enjoy it as is or with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Cook’s Tips:
- Fresh Lemon Flavor: For the best flavor, use freshly grated lemon zest and juice rather than bottled lemon juice.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before beating it with the powdered sugar to ensure a smooth and creamy filling.
- Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature or gently warm slices in the microwave before serving.
Variations:
- Add Nuts: Fold in chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, into the batter for added texture and crunch.
- Glaze: Drizzle the cooled bread with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for extra sweetness and decoration.
With its bright lemon flavor and creamy cream cheese filling, this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, each slice is bursting with citrusy goodness and indulgent creaminess. Whip up a loaf of this irresistible bread and savor the tangy sweetness with every bite.
Indulge in the zesty sweetness of Lemon Cream Cheese Bread, a deliciously moist and flavorful treat that’s sure to brighten your day
Additional Tips:
- Zesting Lemons: When zesting lemons, use a microplane or fine grater to ensure you only capture the outer zest and avoid the bitter white pith underneath.
- Cream Cheese Texture: To ensure a smooth and creamy texture for the cream cheese filling, allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before beating it with the powdered sugar.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the bread as it bakes, as oven temperatures can vary. Use a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread to test for doneness. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready.
- Cooling Time: Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before removing it to prevent it from breaking apart. This also helps the cream cheese filling to set.
Variations:
- Lemon Glaze: For an extra burst of lemon flavor and sweetness, drizzle the cooled bread with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice. Adjust the consistency to your liking by adding more or less lemon juice.
- Lemon Poppy Seed: Add a teaspoon or two of poppy seeds to the batter for a Lemon Poppy Seed variation. The poppy seeds add a subtle crunch and visual appeal to the bread.
- Lemon Blueberry: Fold in fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter for a Lemon Blueberry variation. The tartness of the blueberries complements the lemon flavor beautifully.
Serving Suggestions:
- Breakfast or Brunch: Serve slices of Lemon Cream Cheese Bread alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or brunch option. Pair it with fresh fruit or yogurt for a complete meal.
- Afternoon Snack: Enjoy a slice of Lemon Cream Cheese Bread as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy with a book or while catching up with friends.
- Dessert: Elevate the bread to dessert status by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Garnish with fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra special touch.
With these additional tips, variations, and serving suggestions, you can elevate your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread experience and enjoy it in a variety of delicious ways. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative with your own twists, this delightful bread is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
