Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe | Easy & Delicious

Introduction

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a wonderfully moist and flavorful loaf that combines the tart brightness of lemon with the creamy richness of cream cheese. Its tender crumb and delicate glaze make it a delightful treat for breakfast, dessert, or as a midday snack.

This bread is perfect for springtime gatherings, cozy winter afternoons, or any moment you want a burst of sunshine on your plate. With its easy preparation and universally loved flavor, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients

• For the Bread:
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• For the Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the cream cheese and mix until smooth.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice. Drizzle over the cooled bread before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Calories: 320 kcal per serving

Variations

• Add berries: Fold in ½ cup of fresh blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
• Nutty addition: Add ¼ cup of chopped almonds or walnuts to the batter for extra texture.
• Vegan option: Substitute butter, cream cheese, and eggs with plant-based alternatives to make it vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing: Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
   Yes, but fresh lemon juice provides a brighter and more authentic flavor.
2. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
   Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
3. What if I don’t have sour cream?
   Plain yogurt or buttermilk can be used as substitutes.
4. Can I skip the glaze?
   Yes, the bread is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds extra sweetness and tang.
5. Can I add a streusel topping?
   Absolutely! A cinnamon sugar streusel would complement this bread wonderfully.
6. What’s the best way to serve this bread?
   Serve it slightly warm with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect treat.
7. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, simply double the ingredients and use two loaf pans.
8. Is this bread suitable for freezing?
   Yes, it freezes well. Just wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
9. Can I use whole wheat flour?
   You can replace up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a denser texture.
10. How do I prevent the bread from overbaking?
    Check it 5 minutes before the minimum bake time and use a toothpick test to avoid overbaking.

Conclusion

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a deliciously simple recipe that combines bright citrus flavors with a creamy texture. Whether served as a snack, breakfast, or dessert, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try this recipe for a taste of sunshine in every bite!