Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bright and Tangy Flavor: The fresh lemon juice and zest give this bread a refreshing citrus flavor that perfectly complements the creamy richness of the cream cheese swirl.
  • Moist and Tender Texture: The combination of sour cream and canola oil ensures a soft and fluffy crumb.
  • Visually Stunning: The cream cheese swirl creates a beautiful marbled effect, making it perfect for entertaining.
  • Versatile: Enjoy it as a dessert, snack, or even a decadent breakfast.
  • Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this bread comes together effortlessly.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Sugar
  • Eggs
  • Sour cream
  • Canola oil
  • Zest and juice of lemons
  • Vanilla extract
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Cream cheese
  • Powdered sugar

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a standard loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, mix sugar, eggs, sour cream, lemon zest, juice, vanilla, and oil until smooth and well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully incorporated. Set aside.
  5. In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth to create the cream cheese swirl.
  6. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture on top and swirl it into the batter using a knife.
  7. Add the remaining batter to the pan and spoon the remaining cream cheese mixture on top. Swirl again to create a marbled effect.
  8. Bake for 65-70 minutes, covering with foil for the last 20-30 minutes to prevent excessive browning.
  9. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to let the cream cheese set properly.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 8
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 70 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

  • Berry Twist: Add fresh blueberries or raspberries to the batter for a fruity addition.
  • Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
  • Citrus Blend: Use a mix of lemon and orange zest for a unique flavor combination.
  • Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
  • Glaze It: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar and lemon juice glaze over the top for extra sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
  • Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy them as if freshly baked.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can substitute canola oil with vegetable oil or melted coconut oil.

2. What can I use instead of sour cream?

You can use plain Greek yogurt as a 1:1 substitute for sour cream.

3. How do I prevent the top from browning too much?

Cover the bread with foil during the last 20-30 minutes of baking.

4. Can I make this bread without the cream cheese swirl?

Yes, you can skip the cream cheese swirl for a simpler lemon bread.

5. Why is my bread sinking in the middle?

This could be due to underbaking. Ensure your bread is fully baked by checking with a toothpick—it should come out clean.

6. Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch.

7. How do I create a perfect cream cheese swirl?

Use a knife to gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the batter without overmixing.

8. Can I bake this in a different pan?

Yes, you can use a muffin tin or mini loaf pans. Adjust the baking time accordingly.

9. How do I know when the bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter).

10. Can I add a glaze to this bread?

Absolutely! A simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice would enhance the flavor.

Conclusion

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy. With its moist texture and stunning presentation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Try it today and enjoy a slice of sunshine!

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Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a deliciously moist and tender loaf featuring the tangy brightness of fresh lemons paired with the creamy sweetness of a rich cream cheese swirl. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, this versatile treat is easy to make and sure to impress with its stunning marbled appearance and delightful flavor.

 

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup canola oil
  • Zest and juice of 2 lemons
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • ½ cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, sour cream, canola oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. Set aside.
  • In a small bowl, combine cream cheese and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth to form the cream cheese swirl.
  • Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture over the batter and gently swirl it using a knife.
  • Add the remaining batter on top, followed by the remaining cream cheese mixture. Swirl again to create a marbled effect.
  • Bake for 65-70 minutes. To prevent over-browning, cover the loaf with foil during the last 20-30 minutes of baking.
  • Let the bread cool completely before slicing to allow the cream cheese swirl to set.

Notes

  • For a fruity twist, fold in fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries.
  • Substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor.
  • To enhance sweetness, drizzle a lemon glaze over the cooled bread.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 70 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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