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Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe

4.6 from 113 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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