Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe: A Zesty, Moist Delight

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both tangy and indulgent, this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread recipe is your answer. Bursting with bright lemon flavor and a rich, creamy texture, this quick bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat. In this article, we’ll walk you through the full recipe, share expert baking tips, and explain why this lemony loaf is a must-try for home bakers. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread combines the zesty freshness of lemon with the smooth, velvety richness of cream cheese. The result? A moist, tender loaf that’s not overly sweet but packed with flavor. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

•   Versatile: Serve it as a breakfast bread, dessert, or snack.
•   Easy to Make: Ready in just over an hour with simple ingredients.
•   Crowd-Pleaser: Its bright flavor appeals to all ages.
•   Customizable: Add a glaze, zest, or even berries for a twist.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and delivers bakery-quality results every time.

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 45-50 minutesTotal Time: ~1 hour 5 minutesServings: 12 slicesCalories: 230 kcal per serving

Ingredients

•   1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
•   1 cup granulated sugar
•   1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
•   2 large eggs
•   1/2 cup milk
•   1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
•   2 cups all-purpose flour
•   1 tsp baking powder
•   1/2 tsp salt
•   1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

1.  Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2.  Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and cream cheese until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
3.  Add Eggs and Liquids: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Then, mix in the milk and freshly squeezed lemon juice until combined.
4.  Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, adding the vanilla extract. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
5.  Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6.  Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Baking Tips for the Perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

To elevate your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread to the next level, follow these expert tips:

•   Boost the Lemon Flavor: Add 1-2 teaspoons of fresh lemon zest to the batter for an extra citrusy kick.
•   Make a Glaze: For a sweet, glossy finish, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice and drizzle over the cooled bread.
•   Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better texture.
•   Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
•   Variations: Fold in 1/2 cup of blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist, or sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for a crunchy crust.

Why This Recipe is SEO-Friendly

This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread recipe is optimized for search engines to help you find it easily. Here’s how:

•   Targeted Keywords: We’ve incorporated high-traffic keywords like “Lemon Cream Cheese Bread,” “lemon bread recipe,” and “easy lemon loaf” naturally throughout the article.
•   Comprehensive Content: The article provides a detailed recipe, tips, and FAQs to answer user queries thoroughly.
•   User Intent: It caters to home bakers looking for an easy, flavorful recipe with clear instructions.
•   Engaging Format: Subheadings, bullet points, and concise paragraphs improve readability and keep users on the page longer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?Yes, but full-fat cream cheese provides the richest texture and flavor. Low-fat versions may slightly alter the bread’s moisture.
2. Can I make this bread gluten-free?Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
3. How do I know when the bread is done?Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready.
4. Can I double the recipe?Yes! Use two 9×5-inch loaf pans or one larger pan, and adjust the baking time as needed (check for doneness with a toothpick).
5. What’s the best way to freeze Lemon Cream Cheese Bread?Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 12 Slices)

•   Calories: 230 kcal
•   Fat: 10g
•   Carbohydrates: 30g
•   Protein: 4g
•   Sugar: 18g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Conclusion

This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful blend of tangy lemon and creamy richness, making it a standout addition to any baking repertoire. With its simple ingredients, quick prep time, and versatile serving options, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a brunch spread, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this lemony loaf won’t disappoint.

Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to experiment with our suggested variations like a lemon glaze or berry add-ins. Share your creations with us in the comments or on social media—we’d love to see how your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread turns out!

Happy Baking! 🍋🍞