Moist Lemon Cream Cheese Bread – Best Easy Dessert or Brunch Recipe!

Introduction

Elevate your baking game with the delightful flavors of Lemon Cream Cheese Bread! This moist and tender quick bread is infused with zesty lemon and rich cream cheese, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet afternoon snack, this bread is sure to impress your family and friends. The bright citrus notes combined with the creamy texture make every slice a treat. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Moist: The addition of cream cheese keeps the bread incredibly moist and tender.
• Bright Flavor: Fresh lemon juice and zest provide a refreshing burst of citrus flavor.
• Easy to Make: This quick bread requires no yeast, making it simple and straightforward.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful dessert.
• Customizable: Add poppy seeds, blueberries, or nuts for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Ingredients List

• ✔️ 🔹 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• ✔️ 🔹 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ✔️ 🔹 1 cup granulated sugar
• ✔️ 🔹 2 large eggs
• ✔️ 🔹 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
• ✔️ 🔹 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
• ✔️ 🔹 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ✔️ 🔹 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• ✔️ 🔹 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ✔️ 🔹 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• ✔️ 🔹 1/4 teaspoon salt

Note: For precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card on cookingforhome.com.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

• Set Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

• Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add Sugar and Eggs

• Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the granulated sugar and mix until well combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

4. Add Lemon and Vanilla

• Flavor It Up: Stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

5. Combine Dry Ingredients

• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

6. Combine Mixtures

• Fold Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

7. Pour into Pan

• Transfer to Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

8. Bake

• Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Cool and Serve

• Cool Down: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Pro Tip: For an extra lemony flavor, drizzle a lemon glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cooled bread!

Variations & Substitutions

• Add-ins: Consider adding 1/2 cup of poppy seeds, blueberries, or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives for a dairy-free option.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftover lemon cream cheese bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Room Temperature: The bread can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days, but refrigeration is recommended to maintain freshness.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While bottled lemon juice can be used, fresh lemon juice provides a brighter flavor that enhances the bread.

Can I make mini loaves instead?
Yes! You can divide the batter into mini loaf pans and bake for about 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

What can I serve with lemon cream cheese bread?
This bread pairs wonderfully with tea, coffee, or as a light dessert with whipped cream or fresh fruit.

Conclusion

This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful treat that combines the brightness of lemon with the creamy richness of cream cheese. Perfect for any occasion, this quick bread is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share your thoughts and any variations you make in the comments below! For more delicious recipes, visit cookingforhome.com and follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more culinary inspiration. Enjoy your baking adventure! 🍋🍞✨

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

Pin Recipe

This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful and zesty treat that’s perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack! With a creamy lemony filling and a soft, moist texture, this bread is sure to brighten your day! 🍋🍞✨

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Layer in Pan: Pour half of the lemon bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread the cream cheese filling over the batter, then top with the remaining lemon batter.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy this zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Bread! 🍋❤️

• Author: Sara