If you adore the bright, tangy flavor of lemon combined with the smooth richness of cream cheese, you are in for an absolute treat with this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe. It’s a perfect balance between zesty freshness and luscious creaminess, making it a delightful baked good ideal for breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or a charming dessert. Imagine slices of moist, tender lemon bread with a luscious cream cheese swirl — it’s comfort and elegance in every bite. This recipe is simple to whip up yet impressive enough to make your kitchen smell amazing and your guests come back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe lies in the straightforward, everyday ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays its part, from the tangy yogurt lending moisture and softness to the fresh lemon juice bursting with citrus brightness, not to mention that creamy smooth filling that takes this bread to the next level.
- All-purpose flour: The base for the bread’s soft yet sturdy structure.
- Baking powder: Helps the bread rise beautifully for a light texture.
- Baking soda: Works with the yogurt to create tender crumb and subtle lift.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, keeping the sweetness balanced.
- Plain yogurt or sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang that complements the lemon.
- Fresh lemon juice: The star ingredient delivering fresh citrus zing and brightness.
- Lemon zest: Provides intense lemon aroma and flavor complexity.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, sweet undertone to the batter.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and balances the tartness.
- Coconut oil or vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist with a delicate richness.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the bread’s soft texture.
- Cream cheese (softened): Creates the luscious, creamy swirl inside the bread.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For a simple glaze that adds sweetness and a gleaming finish.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure the bread releases easily after baking. This simple prep step is essential for the perfect bake and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Combining these dry ingredients ensures your bread will rise evenly and have the ideal texture.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, blend ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream, ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup melted coconut or vegetable oil, and 2 eggs until smooth. This mixture hits the perfect note of tangy, sweet, and rich to infuse the bread batter with love.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your bread tender and soft — the batter should be slightly lumpy but well incorporated.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, beat 6 ounces of softened cream cheese with 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 1 egg yolk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This luscious filling adds a heavenly surprise in every slice.
Step 6: Layer the Batter and Filling
Pour half of the lemon batter into your prepared loaf pan. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the top, then spoon the remaining lemon batter on top. This layering technique creates that stunning swirl effect that makes this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe so irresistible.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the bread for 45 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the most inviting aroma of fresh lemon and warm baked bread.
Step 8: Cool and Optional Glaze
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool fully. If you desire a glossy, sweet finish, whisk together ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice to create a simple glaze, then drizzle it over the completely cooled loaf.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few thin strips of lemon zest on top adds a touch of elegance and extra lemon aroma. Fresh berries alongside can add a pop of color while complementing the lemon flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve slices warm or at room temperature with a dollop of softly whipped cream or a smear of your favorite jam for breakfast or brunch. It pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat that feels special but effortless.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch party, slice the bread and arrange it on a platter garnished with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves for stunning visual appeal. You can also spread it with whipped mascarpone and honey, turning it into an indulgent dessert or snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week to keep it fresh and moist.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy the Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe later, slice it before freezing and wrap each piece tightly. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months, making it perfect for busy mornings or unexpected guests.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave for about 15–20 seconds to bring back the soft, fresh-baked feel. If frozen, allow the slices to thaw at room temperature or warm gently to enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven delight.
FAQs
Can I use regular cream cheese or should it be low-fat?
Regular cream cheese works best because it provides the right texture and richness that makes the filling creamy and smooth. Low-fat versions can sometimes alter the consistency, making it less luscious.
Is it necessary to use fresh lemon juice and zest?
Fresh lemon juice and zest offer the brightest, most vibrant citrus flavor, which is key for a standout Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe. Bottled lemon juice won’t provide the same fresh punch.
Can I substitute the yogurt with sour cream or buttermilk?
Yes, plain yogurt, sour cream, or buttermilk all provide the moisture and tang needed in this recipe. The choice depends on what you have on hand and your personal taste preference.
What can I do if the top of the bread browns too fast?
If the bread browns too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning while the inside finishes baking perfectly.
Can I make mini loaves or muffins with this recipe?
Absolutely! This batter works well for mini loaves or muffins; just adjust baking time accordingly—about 20-25 minutes for muffins until a toothpick comes out clean.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe is one of those delightful finds that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s simple yet sophisticated, bright yet comforting, making it a perfect addition to your baking repertoire. I can’t wait for you to make it, share it, and most importantly, savor every delicious slice!
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful sweet treat combining tangy lemon flavors with a rich, creamy cheese filling. Moist and tender, it features a luscious cream cheese layer folded into a lemon-scented batter, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Finished with an optional lemon glaze, this loaf blends citrus freshness with indulgent creaminess for a truly satisfying dessert bread.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- ¼ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined, ensuring the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt (or sour cream), freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, melted coconut or vegetable oil, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently and mixing until just combined to maintain a tender texture in the bread.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, egg yolk, and vanilla extract together until the filling is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Assemble the Loaf: Pour half of the lemon batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter and gently spread it out. Top with the remaining lemon batter, spreading to cover the filling.
- Bake: Bake the assembled loaf in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to preserve its structure and flavor.
- Add Glaze (Optional): For the optional finishing touch, whisk together powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread to add a sweet, tangy shine.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best citrus flavor.
- The cream cheese filling adds moisture and richness to the bread.
- Do not overmix the batter; mix until just combined to keep the bread tender.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for a smooth filling.
- You can substitute coconut oil with a neutral vegetable oil if desired.
- If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- The glaze is optional but recommended for added sweetness and tanginess.
