Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is the perfect blend of zesty citrus and creamy richness. The bright, tangy lemon flavor cuts through the smooth, slightly sweet cream cheese swirl, creating a delicious balance of textures and tastes. Ideal for those who love the vibrant flavor of lemon but want something a little more indulgent, this bread is great for breakfast, as a dessert, or even as an afternoon snack.

INGREDIENTS

• Sugar: 1 cup, for sweetness and texture
• Eggs: 3 large, to bind the ingredients
• Sour cream: 8 oz, to keep the bread moist
• Canola oil: 1/2 cup, for richness and moisture
• Lemon zest: from 2 lemons, for a fresh, tangy flavor
• Lemon juice: from 1 lemon, to enhance the citrusy taste
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, for added flavor
• All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups, for structure
• Baking powder: 2 1/2 teaspoons, to help the bread rise
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, to balance the sweetness
• Cream cheese, softened: 1 (8 oz) package, for the swirl
• Powdered sugar: 1/3 cup, to sweeten the cream cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a loaf pan.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, combine sugar, eggs, sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and canola oil. Mix until smooth.

Step 3:

In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 4:

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 5:

In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 6:

Pour half of the batter into the loaf pan, then add half of the cream cheese mixture, swirling it through the batter with a knife. Add the remaining batter, followed by the rest of the cream cheese mixture, swirling again for a marbled effect.

Step 7:

Bake for 65-70 minutes, covering with foil for the last 20-30 minutes to prevent over-browning. Test for doneness with a toothpick.

Step 8:

Let the loaf cool completely in the pan before slicing to ensure the cream cheese swirl sets properly.

Serving and Storage Tips

• This bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for longer shelf life.
• Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence, or enjoy plain with a cup of tea or coffee.

Helpful Notes

• For a more intense lemon flavor, add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice or a few drops of lemon extract to the batter.
• If you prefer a sweeter bread, add an additional 1/4 cup of sugar to the batter.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Ina Garten recommends using freshly squeezed lemon juice for a brighter, more natural lemon flavor.
• Chef Dorie Greenspan suggests serving this bread with a light lemon glaze for extra sweetness and visual appeal.

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Conclusion

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a moist and tangy bread that blends the freshness of lemon zest and juice with the richness of a cream cheese swirl. This bread has a soft texture and is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. The batter comes together quickly with ingredients like sour cream, canola oil, and eggs, which ensure the loaf stays moist even after baking. The cream cheese swirl is made from softened cream cheese and powdered sugar, creating a marbled effect that is both visually appealing and delicious. With a bake time of about 65-70 minutes, this loaf is easy to prepare and is best served after cooling to let the cream cheese set properly. It's a perfect addition to your sweet treat collection!