What is the best lemon cream cheese bread recipe?

The best lemon cream cheese bread recipe blends tangy lemon zest, rich cream cheese, and a moist quick bread base. This recipe stands out for its perfect balance of flavors, easy preparation, and bakery-style results. Unlike others that may lack depth or fall flat in texture, this version layers real lemon juice and zest with a creamy swirl that delivers both richness and freshness in each slice.

Is lemon cream cheese bread from 12 Tomatoes different?

Yes, the Lemon Cream Cheese Bread 12 Tomatoes version is slightly different in its ratio of ingredients and may include glaze or extra sugar. Our recipe takes a cleaner, homemade approach while staying true to the original flavor profile. The cream cheese layer is more pronounced in our version, offering a better swirl-to-batter ratio that enhances both appearance and taste.

Can I make blueberry lemon cream cheese bread from this base?

Absolutely! This recipe adapts perfectly into blueberry lemon cream cheese bread . Just toss one cup of fresh or frozen blueberries with a bit of flour and fold them into the batter before swirling in the cream cheese layer. The berries complement the lemon beautifully and create pockets of juicy sweetness throughout the loaf.

Why does lemon cream cheese bread feel calming?

The flavor and aroma of lemon naturally evoke a feeling of brightness and freshness, while the rich cream cheese adds a soft, comforting mouthfeel. This sensory pairing creates a soothing eating experience. Many bakers also find that making lemon cream cheese quick bread becomes a calming ritual—zesting lemons, mixing batter, and watching it rise can feel meditative.

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread – The Best Soft & Moist Quick Bread Recipe

Name: Deliciously Moist Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup milk; 1 tbsp lemon zest; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for cream cheese layer); 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Description

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a moist and tender lemon loaf with a rich, tangy cream cheese swirl throughout. It’s like a cross between pound cake and cheesecake — perfectly sweet, bursting with citrus, and irresistible with coffee or tea.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1/4 cup milk
1 tbsp lemon zest
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp granulated sugar (for cream cheese layer)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
Mix in sour cream, milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Set aside.
In a small bowl, beat softened cream cheese, 2 tbsp sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Pour half the lemon batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon and spread the cream cheese mixture over the batter, then top with remaining lemon batter. Swirl lightly with a knife if desired.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cover loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes if browning too quickly.
Let cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest swirl.
Add 1/2 cup blueberries for a fruity twist.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Can be frozen whole or sliced for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 290
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 60mg