Description
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a moist, tender quick bread bursting with fresh lemon flavor and a creamy texture from cream cheese and sour cream. Perfect for a bright, flavorful dessert or a delightful snack, this easy-to-make loaf combines zesty lemon juice and zest with a rich vanilla undertone for a refreshing, sweet treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent the bread from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure they are evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy, creating a fluffy base for the batter.
- Add Sugar and Eggs: Add the granulated sugar to the butter-cream cheese mixture and beat until light and fluffy. Then, incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition for a homogenous batter.
- Incorporate Flavors: Mix in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to infuse the bread with a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two parts, alternating with the sour cream. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the bread.
- Transfer and Smooth Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For an extra burst of lemon flavor, drizzle the cooled bread with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- This bread freezes well; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
