Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful treat that perfectly blends bright citrus flavors with the rich, creamy goodness of cream cheese. Each slice is an indulgent experience, enveloping you in the warmth of nostalgia while satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether you’re reminiscing about sunny childhood days or simply indulging in a moment of self-care, this moist and flavorful bread is a fantastic bake to whip up. It’s fast and friendly for kids, making it a wonderful addition to your recipe arsenal. With the enticing smell of lemon wafting through your kitchen, it’s hard to resist stealing a slice (or two!) before it even cools down.
Can you resist a slice of ooey-gooey, zesty perfection?
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm slice of Lemon Cream Cheese Bread, the sweet citrus flavor dancing across your taste buds and the decadent cream cheese filling melting in your mouth. Doesn’t that sound like the perfect way to elevate your afternoon tea or brighten up a gloomy day? The heavenly combination of tangy lemon and creamy sweetness creates an irresistible dessert experience that brings joy in every bite. When was the last time a treat made you smile that much?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread will quickly become a favorite for numerous reasons.
Easy Prep: With minimal steps needed, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
Kid-Friendly: Engaging your little ones in the kitchen will create lasting memories—and they’ll love eating the final product!
Crowd-Pleaser: Its delightful flavor makes it a hit at gatherings and brunches.
Quick to Make: Who doesn’t love a speedy treat that tastes like it took hours to prepare?
With these benefits, you’ll quickly find yourself making this treat time and again—after all, who can resist the allure of that lemony goodness?
Ingredients
1 cup sugar: Sweetness that balances the tartness of the lemon.
3 eggs: Creating a rich and fluffy texture—like a warm hug for your taste buds.
8 ounces sour cream: Adds a luscious moisture that keeps every slice soft and tender.
1/2 cup canola oil: A healthy fat that contributes to an irresistibly moist crumb.
Zest of 2 lemons: For a burst of fresh aroma, making this bread scream “spring!”
Juice of 1 lemon: Brightening each bite with its tangy goodness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhancing the depth of flavor for an irresistible sweetness.
1 1/2 cups flour: The backbone that gives the bread its structure.
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: This gentle leavening agent ensures a beautiful rise.
1 teaspoon salt: A little salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
8 ounces cream cheese, softened: The creamy filling that adds richness and decadence.
1/3 cup powdered sugar: Sweetness that complements the cream cheese, creating an indulgent filling.
Each ingredient not only serves a purpose but also contributes to an experience bursting with flavor and nostalgia.
Timing
Making this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is as quick and satisfying as it is indulgent. The prep time is less than 15 minutes, allowing you to mix up the batter and fill your home with that irresistible lemon aroma in no time. But that’s not all! As it bakes—65-70 minutes—you get to relish that slow, luxurious anticipation as you await the final product. The time spent baking is a well-deserved self-care moment, enjoyable in its own right.
Step-by-Step
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The warm air will soon envelop your home, creating an inviting atmosphere.
Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan—you want the bread to slide right out, golden and perfect.
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup sugar and 3 eggs, whisking until smooth. The mixture should be pale and fluffy.
Add 8 ounces of sour cream, 1/2 cup canola oil, zest of 2 lemons, juice of 1 lemon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk again until everything is combined into a velvety mix.
In a separate bowl, sift together 1 1/2 cups flour, 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt, ensuring no lumps remain.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined—don’t overwork it, or you’ll lose that tender crumb!
In another bowl, beat together 8 ounces of cream cheese and 1/3 cup powdered sugar until smooth and creamy—this will be the luscious filling.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spoon half of the cream cheese mixture over the batter, and swirl gently.
Add the remaining batter on top, followed by the rest of the cream cheese mix, swirling again for that delectable marbled look.
Bake for 65-70 minutes, checking around 40-45 minutes to cover with foil if it’s browning too quickly.
Once done, cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely—this is the hardest part, as the smell will beckon you to dig in!
Each step is wrapped in sensory anticipation, making the experience as enjoyable as the final bite.
Nutritional Information
Each slice of Lemon Cream Cheese Bread contains approximately 250 calories. While it’s certainly an indulgent treat, it’s worth the occasional splurge for its zesty comfort. Each bite is an invitation to enjoy life’s sweeter moments—after all, cooking and baking should be about enjoyment!
Healthier Alternatives
For those looking to indulge without the guilt, consider some healthier alternatives.
Low-Sugar Swaps: Substitute sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or coconut sugar.
Dairy-Free Options: Use almond cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese.
Flour Swaps: Substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat or gluten-free flour for a healthier, nutrient-rich version.
There’s no reason you can’t enjoy a slice (or two) while keeping it aligned with your health goals!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread warm, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added decadence. Pair it with a cup of herbal tea or a classic cup of coffee for a heavenly snack. It’s the perfect addition to brunch spreads, picnics, or holiday gatherings, serving as a delightful centerpiece that sparks joy and nostalgia in every bite.
Common Mistakes
Cooking can sometimes be tricky, so avoid these common mistakes:
Overbaking: For the best texture, keep a close eye on your bread around the 60-minute mark—check for doneness with a toothpick.
Texture Issues: If your bread is too dense, avoid overmixing the batter when combining wet and dry ingredients.
Messy Swirling: Swirling the cream cheese blend should be gentle; otherwise, you may end up mixing it in instead!
Taking your time with these small details will reward you with a tender, flavorful loaf.
Storing Tips
If you somehow manage to have leftovers, storing them correctly ensures you can enjoy this delightful bread longer.
Freezing Portions: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer!
Reheating Instructions: To enjoy your bread, simply pop it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or reheat it in a toaster oven until warmed through and slightly crisped.
These tips will help you savor every last crumb without compromising the flavor or texture.
Tempting Conclusion
Why wait? The tantalizing burst of citrus flavor, combined with the rich creaminess of cream cheese, makes this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread a must-bake. It’s a delightful treat that not only nourishes your body but feeds your soul. You owe it to yourself to invite this lovely bread recipe into your kitchen. Trust us; once you take that first bite, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
FAQs
Can I use less sugar in the recipe?
Yes, you can use natural sweeteners to maintain the sweetness while reducing sugar intake.Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend.How do you know when the bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.Can I add nuts or other flavors?
Yes, feel free to personalize it—chia seeds, walnuts, or even blueberries make great additions!How long will it stay fresh?
At room temperature, it stays fresh for up to three days, but if refrigerated, it can last up to a week!
Now roll up your sleeves and get ready to bask in the glorious flavors of this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread!
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful treat that blends bright citrus flavors with the rich creaminess of cream cheese, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup sugar and 3 eggs, whisk until smooth.
- Add sour cream, canola oil, zest, juice, and vanilla extract; whisk until combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spoon half of the cream cheese mixture over it, and swirl gently.
- Add the remaining batter on top, followed by the rest of the cream cheese mix, swirling again.
- Bake for 65-70 minutes, checking at 40-45 minutes.
- Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a healthier alternative, consider using natural sweeteners or gluten-free flour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
