Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

The loaf cake might just be the unsung hero of the baking world. They’re delightfully unfussy and are somehow appropriate to serve at any time of day. Cake for breakfast? Sign me up! This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a deliciously dense loaf cake with a swirl of rich cream cheese through the middle. Yes, it’s as good as it sounds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful blend of tangy lemon and creamy cheese, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or serving it as a dessert, its moist texture and vibrant flavors are sure to please. Plus, it’s easy to make and looks stunning with its swirled cream cheese center!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Standard loaf pan
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Spatula
• Knife
• Aluminum foil

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 8 oz sour cream
• ½ cup canola oil
• Zest of 2 lemons
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a standard loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, add sugar, eggs, sour cream, lemon zest, juice, vanilla, and oil. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. In another bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until fully combined, then set aside.
5. For the cream cheese swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
6. Add half of the batter to the prepared pan and spoon about half of the cream cheese mixture on top, then swirl together with a knife.
7. Top with the rest of the batter and spoon the remaining cream cheese mixture. Carefully swirl together to create a marbled look.
8. Bake bread for 65-70 minutes, covering with foil for the last 20-30 minutes to prevent the top from browning.
9. Allow the bread to fully cool before slicing to allow the cream cheese to set.

Tips for Success

• Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Be gentle when swirling the batter and cream cheese together to achieve a perfect marble effect.
• Covering the loaf with foil towards the end of baking prevents over-browning.

Additional Tips and Variations

For an extra lemony kick, consider adding a lemon glaze on top once the bread has cooled. Simply mix powdered sugar with a bit of lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency and drizzle over the loaf.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 250 | Protein: 5g | Carbs: 30g | Fat: 12g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different oil? Yes, you can substitute canola oil with vegetable or melted coconut oil.

How should I store the bread? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Can I freeze this bread? Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a must-try for anyone who loves the combination of citrusy and creamy flavors. It’s simple yet impressive, making it perfect for any gathering or just as a treat for yourself. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out. We’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations!