Lemon 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.
- Author: Yana
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
- 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