Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

If you’re craving something that’s sweet, zesty, and comforting all at once, this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is exactly what you need. Picture this: A soft, moist loaf with a tangy lemon flavor that’s perfectly balanced by the rich, velvety cream cheese. Every slice is like a little bite of sunshine, and trust me, once you taste it, you’ll want to have this bread on hand at all times.

Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as a snack with tea, or even for dessert, this lemony treat will leave you with a smile on your face. It’s one of those recipes that makes your home smell amazing while baking and has everyone coming back for seconds. The best part? It’s easy to make, and the result is a showstopper. So, let’s dive into this incredible lemon cream cheese bread—your taste buds will thank you!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

This bread isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating a moment of joy. Here’s why it’ll become your go-to treat:

Moist and Tender: The addition of cream cheese gives the bread an incredibly soft and moist texture, making each bite feel like a warm hug.

Lemon Lovers Dream: If you’re a fan of citrus, the bright, tangy lemon flavor shines through in every slice. It’s sweet without being overpowering, with just the right amount of zest.

Simple Ingredients: It’s made with basic pantry ingredients, so you don’t need to hunt down anything special. Just a few easy steps, and you’re on your way to deliciousness.

Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. It’s also great for gifting to friends or bringing along to a gathering.

Quick and Easy: It may sound fancy, but this bread is super easy to whip up. It’s a no-fuss recipe that doesn’t take much time but delivers an amazing result.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread to life:

• Cream Cheese: This is the magic ingredient that makes the bread rich, moist, and oh-so-tender.
• Sugar: For sweetness, just enough to balance out the tangy lemon.
• Eggs: These help bind everything together and add structure to the bread.
• Lemon Zest: This is where the magic happens! The zest brings out the bright citrus flavor.
• Lemon Juice: For that fresh, zesty kick that ties everything together.
• Vanilla Extract: A little touch of vanilla brings out the sweetness and balances the tanginess.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the bread that holds everything together.
• Baking Powder: To give the bread that lovely rise.
• Salt: Just a pinch to bring all the flavors into balance.
• Butter: Adds richness and a subtle flavor to the bread.
• Milk: To help bring everything together and give the bread a smooth, moist texture.

(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s make some delicious Lemon Cream Cheese Bread:

1. Preheat Your Oven:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:

In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and mix until combined.

3. Add the Eggs and Flavors:

Add the eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until everything is well combined and smooth.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

5. Pour the Batter Into the Pan:

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.

6. Bake:

Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.

7. Cool and Enjoy:

Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice, serve, and enjoy the wonderful lemony goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
Calories per serving: 280
Total Fat: 18g

• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 60mg
  Sodium: 180mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 29g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 18g
  Protein: 4g
  Vitamin A: 8%
  Vitamin C: 10%
  Calcium: 4%
  Iron: 6%
  Potassium: 180mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes

How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas to take it up a notch:

• With a Hot Beverage: Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee for a relaxing snack or breakfast.
• Topped with Fresh Berries: Add some fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a burst of fruity goodness that pairs perfectly with the lemon flavor.
• With Whipped Cream: If you’re looking to make it extra indulgent, top the bread with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a light dessert.
• Garnish with Extra Lemon Zest: For an added burst of citrus flavor, sprinkle a little more lemon zest on top before serving.

Additional Tips

• Make it Gluten-Free: If you need to make this gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s one that works well in baking.
• Add a Lemon Glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze on top (made with powdered sugar and lemon juice) for an extra touch of sweetness and tanginess.
• Make Mini Loaves: You can bake this recipe in mini loaf pans for adorable little gifts or individual servings.
• Store Properly: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freeze It: This bread freezes beautifully. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
A1: Yes! Low-fat cream cheese works just fine in this recipe and will still give you a deliciously moist loaf.

Q2: Can I use frozen lemon juice instead of fresh?
A2: Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, but if you only have frozen, that works too! Just make sure to thaw it before using.

Q3: Can I make this recipe into muffins instead of a loaf?
A3: Yes! Just reduce the baking time to around 18-22 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

Q4: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A4: You can substitute the cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives, like dairy-free cream cheese and coconut or vegan butter.

Q5: Can I add poppy seeds to the bread?
A5: Absolutely! Adding 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds will give the bread a little extra texture and flavor.

Q6: Can I add blueberries to this bread?
A6: Yes! Adding fresh or frozen blueberries would pair wonderfully with the lemon flavor.

Q7: How do I know when the bread is done?
A7: When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s done.

Q8: Can I use a different citrus, like orange, instead of lemon?
A8: Yes! You can use orange or lime zest and juice for a different citrus twist, though the flavor will change slightly.

Q9: How should I store leftover bread?
A9: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

Q10: Can I freeze this bread?
A10: Yes, this bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it before slicing.

Conclusion

This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, with a soft, tender crumb and just the right amount of lemony zing. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying it on your own, it’s bound to become a recipe you reach for again and again. Happy baking!

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