Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe: A Sunny Homemade Treat

Baking enthusiasts adore this tantalizing lemon cream cheese bread that brings zesty brightness to your kitchen.

Creamy and moist, the recipe combines tangy citrus notes with rich dairy undertones.

Each slice promises a delightful burst of flavor that dances across your palate.

The soft, tender crumb melts in your mouth with incredible smoothness.

Vibrant lemon zest weaves through the bread, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your home.

cream cheese adds a luxurious depth that elevates every single bite.

Serve this delectable treat for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up that will surely impress everyone around the table.

Why Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Is A Favorite

• Transform Leftovers: Magically convert plain mashed potatoes into delightful, crispy appetizers that sparkle with cheesy goodness.
• Quick Party Pleaser: Prepare a crowd-winning snack in minimal steps that impresses guests with minimal kitchen effort and maximum flavor.
• Kid-Friendly Delight: Create bite-sized treats that children will adore, packed with familiar cheesy potato comfort and fun finger-food appeal.
• Versatile Crowd-Charmer: Perfect for game nights, potlucks, holiday gatherings, or spontaneous snacking moments that demand something deliciously irresistible.

Ingredients For Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: The main structure and foundation of the bread that provides texture and body.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the bread rise and create a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.

• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the bread.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bread's structure.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a tender crumb.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Provide bright, citrusy flavor and aroma to the bread.
• Vanilla: Adds depth and warmth to the overall taste.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, creamy layer in the center of the bread.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture.
• Egg Yolk: Helps bind the cream cheese filling and adds richness.
• Vanilla: Complements the cream cheese and adds complexity to the flavor.

Stepwise Guide To Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab your 9×5-inch loaf pan and give it a generous coating of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Together Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Whisk these dry buddies until they’re well acquainted.

Step 3: Create Wet Ingredient Magic

• Butter
• Sugar

Beat until the mixture looks fluffy and light.

• Eggs
• Lemon zest
• Sour cream
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla

Mix everything until it’s smooth and happy.

Step 4: Marry the Wet and Dry

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Stir gently until just combined – don’t go crazy with mixing!

Step 5: Craft the Cream Cheese Dream

• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Egg yolk
• Vanilla

Whip until silky smooth.

Step 6: Layer the Bread

Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the surface.

Top with remaining batter.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top turns golden brown. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Let the bread hang out in the pan until completely cooled. Slice and enjoy your lemony, creamy creation!

Helpful Hints For Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

• Use fresh lemon zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor, avoiding dried or packaged zest.
• Gently swirl the cream cheese filling with a knife to create beautiful marbled patterns without overmixing.
• Add sour cream to keep the bread incredibly moist and tender, preventing a dry texture.
• Insert a toothpick in the center – if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is perfectly baked.
• Let the bread cool completely in the pan to help it set and make clean, even slices easier.

Creative Takes On Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

• Gluten-Free Lemon Cream Cheese Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free alternative that maintains the bread's rich flavor and moist texture.
• Orange Cream Cheese Variation: Swap lemon zest and juice with orange zest and juice to create a citrusy orange-infused bread with the same creamy filling.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream cheese, plant-based butter, and dairy-free sour cream substitute to make the recipe suitable for those avoiding dairy products.
• Low-Sugar Version: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while keeping the bread's delightful taste and soft consistency.

Best Pairings For Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

• Pair with Citrus-Infused Tea: Brew a light herbal or green tea with fresh lemon slices to complement the bread's zesty flavor profile.
• Serve with Lavender Honey Butter: Whip softened butter with a drizzle of honey and a pinch of dried lavender for a delicate spread that enhances the bread's creamy texture.
• Match with Fresh Berries: Arrange a side of mixed berries like raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries to provide a bright, tangy contrast to the rich cream cheese filling.
• Create a Lemon Whipped Cream Topping: Whip heavy cream with a touch of powdered sugar and lemon zest to create a light, airy accompaniment that echoes the bread's citrus notes.

How To Store Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and keep moisture locked in.
• Slice bread completely, then wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place inside a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Keep bread covered at room temperature for 1-2 days maximum. Place in a sealed container or wrap in plastic to maintain freshness.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, toast in oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore original softness and enhance cream cheese filling's creamy texture.

FAQs

• What is the key flavor in this bread?

Lemon is the star flavor, providing a bright, zesty taste throughout the bread with lemon zest and lemon juice adding refreshing citrus notes.

• Can I make this bread without sour cream?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk to maintain the moisture and texture of the bread.

• Is this bread considered a dessert or breakfast item?

This lemon cream cheese bread works perfectly as both a breakfast treat and a dessert, offering versatility for different occasions and times of day.

• How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the bread is fully baked and ready to be removed from the oven.

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon cream cheese bread brings Mediterranean sunshine to your kitchen with its tangy, creamy perfection. Rich layers of citrus and smooth cream cheese create a delightful slice of pure comfort you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Lemon:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon zest
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) lemon juice

Dairy and Eggs:

• 1/2 cup (120 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (170 grams) sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 4 ounces (115 grams) cream cheese, softened

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and coating a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter.
2. Create the dry mixture by combining flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, whisking thoroughly to eliminate any lumps.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and airy, using an electric mixer at medium speed.
4. Incorporate eggs, lemon zest, sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla into the butter mixture, blending until ingredients are fully integrated.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to prevent overmixing.
6. Prepare the cream cheese filling by whipping cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until silky and uniform in texture.
7. Transfer half the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, creating an even base layer.
8. Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the initial batter layer, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
9. Top the cream cheese layer with remaining bread batter, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, monitoring until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center emerges clean.
11. Remove from oven and allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before slicing to maintain structural integrity.

Notes

• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version of the bread that reduces overall fat content.
• Fold in fresh blueberries or poppy seeds into the batter for added texture and complementary flavor profiles.
• Ensure cream cheese filling is at room temperature to achieve smoother, more even distribution throughout the bread.
• Use fresh lemon zest and juice for maximum bright, citrusy flavor that elevates the entire recipe’s taste complexity.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 267 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg