If you adore bright, tangy flavors balanced with creamy richness, then this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine biting into a moist, tender lemon-infused bread with a luscious swirl of sweet, dreamy cream cheese right in the center – it’s a slice of sunshine that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you need a little pick-me-up. This recipe blends the zing of fresh lemon zest and juice with the smooth texture of cream cheese, creating a beautifully marbled bread that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, easy to find, and each plays a vital role in achieving that perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color in your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe. From the fresh lemon juice providing vibrant citrus notes to the cream cheese adding a silky tang, every component is essential.
- All-purpose flour: The base of your bread, providing structure and crumb.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that give the bread a lovely rise and lightness.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Plain yogurt or sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that complements the lemon.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Provides fresh, zesty brightness and natural acidity.
- Lemon zest: Packs intense citrus aroma and flavor without extra liquid.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and the cream cheese filling for perfect balance.
- Coconut oil or vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to the bread’s rich texture.
- Cream cheese (softened): The star of the filling, lending creaminess and tang.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For a simple glaze that enhances the lemon flavor and adds sweetness.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This step ensures your bread bakes evenly and comes out perfectly formed.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This combines your rising agents and balances flavors so they’re evenly distributed in every bite.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, blend the plain yogurt (or sour cream), fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, sugar, melted oil, and eggs. Whisk until you achieve a smooth, cohesive batter that promises moist, tender bread.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until everything is just combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense; so stop as soon as the flour streaks disappear.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Beat together softened cream cheese, sugar, flour, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This luxurious filling will create the irresistible creamy swirl that sets this bread apart.
Step 6: Assemble the Bread Batter and Filling
Pour half of the lemon batter into your prepared loaf pan, then spoon the cream cheese filling evenly over the top. Gently spread it, then carefully spoon the remaining lemon batter over the cream cheese, smoothing gently to cover.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (watch out for the creamy center, which might be slightly moist but not raw). The aroma spilling out of your oven will be absolutely heavenly!
Step 8: Cool and Optional Glaze
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. If using, whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice to make a simple glaze and drizzle it on top. The glaze adds a glossy finish with an extra hit of lemony sweetness.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh lemon slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar can turn this already stunning bread into a true centerpiece. A few sprigs of fresh mint also add a pop of color and a refreshing note that pairs beautifully with the lemon flavor.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream for a light breakfast or indulgent afternoon snack. It’s also a lovely companion to a mild cheese plate for brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing this bread and toasting it lightly for breakfast, then spreading with a little honey or preserves for a sweet treat. Alternatively, cut into cubes and serve alongside a citrus fruit salad, or even cubed as part of a dessert trifle layered with whipped cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover lemon cream cheese bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness and moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze the bread, whole or sliced, by wrapping it carefully in foil and placing it in a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to three months, making it a perfect make-ahead treat to enjoy later.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen slices at room temperature, then warm gently in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until soft and fragrant, just like freshly baked. Reheating revives the tender crumb and creamy filling beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of the softened one?
Yes! Make sure to let the cream cheese come to room temperature for easy mixing, which helps create that smooth, creamy filling essential for this recipe.
Is there a substitute for yogurt or sour cream?
If you don’t have yogurt or sour cream, buttermilk is a great substitute that will keep the bread moist and add a pleasant tang.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just ensure your baking powder is gluten-free to keep this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe accessible to everyone.
What is the best way to get a good lemon flavor without it being too tart?
Using both lemon zest and juice balances the flavor beautifully. Zest offers bright aroma without extra acidity, while juice adds freshness. Adjust the quantity slightly if you prefer it more or less tart.
Can I make this bread in a different pan size?
It’s best to stick with a 9×5-inch loaf pan for the correct baking time and bread thickness. Larger pans will require less baking time and may result in a thinner loaf, while smaller pans need longer and yield a thicker bread.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe is a true delight to bake and enjoy with loved ones. Its luscious combination of zesty lemon and creamy cheese wrapped in tender bread is sure to impress. Whether for a weekend brunch, afternoon tea, or a special dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles and brighten your day. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a cherished favorite!
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful blend of zesty lemon flavor and creamy filling, perfect for breakfast or dessert. Moist and tender, this quick bread features a luscious cream cheese swirl and an optional lemon glaze, making it both refreshing and indulgent.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bread.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to combine evenly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt (or sour cream), freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, melted coconut or vegetable oil, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, egg yolk, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Layer Batter and Filling: Pour half of the lemon batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter and gently spread it out. Top with the remaining lemon batter, smoothing the top.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully baked.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing or serving.
- Prepare and Add Glaze (Optional): If desired, whisk together powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread for a sweet, tangy finish.
Notes
- You can substitute plain yogurt with sour cream for a slightly richer flavor.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to maintain a light texture.
- The glaze is optional but adds a nice tangy sweetness to enhance the lemon flavor.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
