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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.