If you are searching for a delightful treat that feels like sunshine on a plate, this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe will quickly become a staple in your baking rotation. This moist, tender loaf is packed with vibrant lemon flavor alongside a luscious cream cheese swirl that creates the perfect marriage of sweet and tangy in every bite. Whether served warm for breakfast, enjoyed with afternoon tea, or presented as a light dessert, this bread strikes a comforting balance that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a significant role in creating its incredible texture and flavor. From the bright zest of lemon to the creamy richness of the cheese filling, every component is essential and easy to find.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the bread, ensuring a tender crumb.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to give the bread a nice rise and lightness.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the loaf.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps create a golden crust.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to the bread’s soft texture.
- Greek yogurt or sour cream: Keeps the bread tender and adds a subtle tang.
- Lemon juice and lemon zest: Deliver that signature fresh, zesty lemon flavor that brightens the bread.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
- Cream cheese: The star of the filling, bringing a smooth, rich swirl throughout the bread.
- Powdered sugar and lemon juice (for glaze): Optional, but adds a lovely, glossy finish and an extra citrus punch.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven reaches the perfect temperature so your bread bakes evenly. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking and make clean removal easy once your bread is baked.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combination creates the structure and rise needed for the perfect lemon bread, while the salt enhances all the flavors.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the batter, helping to make your bread especially tender.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time to maintain the airy texture, then stir in the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. These ingredients bring moisture, tang, and that irresistible lemon aroma.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing here can make the bread tough, so gentle folding is key to keep the crumb tender and soft.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and flour until smooth. This creamy mixture will create a delicious swirl of richness inside the loaf.
Step 7: Layer and Swirl the Batter
Pour half of the lemon bread batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Next, dollop the cream cheese filling over this layer, then top with the remaining batter. Take a knife and gently swirl the batter to create a beautiful marbled effect that makes each slice a work of art.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Optional Glaze
If you love an extra touch of sweetness and zing, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice and drizzle it over the cooled loaf for a glossy finish that intensifies the citrus flavor.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a thin slice of lemon on top adds a beautiful touch that invites a second glance. Fresh herbs like mint or a few edible flowers can also brighten the presentation and complement the lemony notes.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of herbal tea, black coffee, or even a refreshing iced latte. For brunch, serve it alongside fresh berries or a tangy yogurt parfait to enhance the fresh and creamy textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider slicing the bread thick and lightly toasting it; then serve with a smear of mascarpone or butter for extra indulgence. You could also cut it into petite cubes and thread on skewers for a charming party appetizer or dessert tray.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Lemon Cream Cheese Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, making it a perfect make-ahead treat during a busy week.
Freezing
This bread freezes exceptionally well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil or place in a freezer bag to protect against freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at a low temperature for a few minutes. This will revive the moist texture and melt any cream cheese that’s set, making every bite taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Absolutely! Plain yogurt or sour cream works just as well because they provide moisture and a slight tang, but Greek yogurt offers more thickness which helps with the bread’s tender crumb.
Is it necessary to swirl the cream cheese filling in the batter?
Swirling is what gives this bread its signature marbled look and delightful cream cheese pockets. You could simply layer it for a more uniform filling, but the swirl adds both visual appeal and texture variations.
Can I make mini loaves or muffins instead?
Yes, you can! Just adjust the baking time accordingly—mini loaves or muffins typically bake faster, around 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them and test with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
What if I don’t have fresh lemon zest or juice?
Fresh lemon zest and juice are best for that bright, natural flavor, but bottled lemon juice or lemon extract can work in a pinch. The flavor won’t be quite as fresh, but it will still give you that lovely lemony essence.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative like vegan cream cheese, and replace butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil. Use dairy-free yogurt to keep the texture moist and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser, with its tender crumb, refreshing lemon flavor, and irresistibly creamy swirl. It’s incredibly satisfying whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning at home or sharing with friends. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to baked goods. You won’t regret bringing a little sunshine into your kitchen with every slice!
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a moist, tender loaf bursting with zesty lemon flavor and a rich cream cheese swirl in every bite. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy, this bread makes an ideal choice for breakfast, brunch, or a light dessert paired with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
For the bread:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cream cheese filling:
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the glaze (optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure the bread releases easily after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps to incorporate air and create a tender crumb.
- Add eggs and wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Then add the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly for flavor and moisture.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the bread.
- Prepare cream cheese filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and all-purpose flour until smooth and creamy, creating the rich swirl filling.
- Layer batter and cream cheese: Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top, then add the remaining batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the batter and filling together, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set. Afterwards, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional glaze: If desired, whisk together the powdered sugar and 1–2 tablespoons of lemon juice to form a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the cooled loaf for extra sweetness and citrus brightness.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- This bread freezes well; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw completely before serving.
- Use plain Greek yogurt or sour cream interchangeably for similar moisture and tang.
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
