Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Bread: A Tangy Twist on Classic Baked Goods
Indulge in the bright and zesty flavors of Lemon Cream Cheese Bread, a delightful treat that perfectly balances the tartness of lemon with the creamy richness of cream cheese. This moist and tender bread is bursting with citrusy goodness, making it the ideal choice for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Follow along as we explore how to whip up this irresistible recipe, along with some handy tips, variations, and answers to frequently asked questions!
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 flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, sour cream, canola oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Layer Batter and Filling:
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter. Top with the remaining batter, spreading it out to cover the filling.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Add a Glaze:
- Drizzle the cooled bread with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
- Experiment with Citrus:
- Try using lime or orange zest and juice instead of lemon for a different twist on this recipe.
- Make it Nutty:
- Add chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Boost the Flavor:
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add a few drops of lemon extract to the batter along with the lemon juice and zest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream? A: Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe. It will provide a similar tanginess and moisture to the bread.
Q: Can I make this bread ahead of time? A: Absolutely! This bread can be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. It also freezes well for longer storage.
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese? A: While low-fat cream cheese can be used, keep in mind that it may affect the texture and richness of the cream cheese filling. Full-fat cream cheese will yield the best results.
Q: How can I make a keto-friendly version of this bread? A: To make a keto-friendly version, you can substitute almond flour or coconut flour for the all-purpose flour, use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia instead of sugar, and replace the sour cream with full-fat Greek yogurt.
Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful combination of tangy lemon flavor and creamy richness that’s sure to brighten up your day. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert, this bread is bound to impress with its moist and tender texture and irresistible citrusy taste. Get ready to savor every delightful bite of this mouthwatering creation!
More Tips and Tricks:
- Serve with Tea or Coffee:
- Enjoy slices of Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy and comforting treat.
- Gift it to Friends and Family:
- Wrap slices of this bread in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift that’s sure to bring joy to your loved ones.
- Dress it Up:
- Sprinkle the top of the bread with additional lemon zest or powdered sugar for an extra special presentation.
- Toast and Enjoy:
- For a delicious twist, toast slices of Lemon Cream Cheese Bread and spread with butter or cream cheese for a decadent breakfast or snack.
