Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Introduction
Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful treat combining tangy lemon zest with smooth, creamy cheese swirls. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, this bread is moist, flavorful, and easy to make at home.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 large eggs
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, lemon zest, and eggs until you form a smooth batter.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until creamy. Gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Step 3: Pour the mixture into a greased loaf pan and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 4: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For extra lemon flavor, add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to the batter.
- Try adding a handful of blueberries or chopped nuts for added texture.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer swirl.
Storage
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week, wrapped tightly to prevent drying. Reheat slices lightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-baked taste.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the bread may be less rich and creamy compared to using full-fat cream cheese.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick in the center of the bread—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done baking.
PrintLemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
This luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Bread combines a moist lemon-infused batter with a rich cream cheese swirl, creating a perfect balance of tangy citrus and creamy texture. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack, this quick-bake bread is both comforting and elegant.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Bread Batter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Make the Lemon Bread Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup sugar, and lemon zest. Add the eggs and mix until just combined to form a thick batter.
- Assemble the Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Pour half of the lemon batter into the pan, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over it, and top with the remaining batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter for a marbled effect.
- Bake the Bread: Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is lightly golden. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- You can substitute lemon zest with orange zest for a different citrus flavor.
- Store the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese alternatives.
- Adding a teaspoon of lemon juice to the batter enhances the lemon flavor further.
Keywords: lemon bread, cream cheese bread, lemon cream cheese swirl, quick bread, citrus bread, breakfast bread
