When it comes to baking, there’s something irresistible about a loaf of bread with a rich, tangy flavor and a smooth, creamy texture. If you're looking for a sweet treat that combines the zest of lemons with the creaminess of cream cheese, then Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is the perfect recipe for you! This easy-to-make bread is moist, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack. Plus, it's a great way to use up extra lemons and cream cheese in your kitchen. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this recipe will leave your home smelling delicious and your taste buds dancing with joy.

 

 

Ingredients You'll Need:

For this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• For the Bread:

  • 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

• For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

  • ⅓ cup powdered sugar

 

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bread:

1. Preheat and Prepare:

   • Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a standard loaf pan. This step ensures that your bread will come out easily without sticking.

2. Make the Batter:

   • In a large bowl, combine 1 cup sugar, 3 eggs, 8 oz sour cream, zest of 2 lemons, juice of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ cup canola oil. Mix everything together until smooth and well combined.

   • In another bowl, sift together 1 ½ cups flour, 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt.

   • Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until fully combined. Set aside while you prepare the cream cheese swirl.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Swirl:

   • In a small bowl, combine 8 oz cream cheese and ⅓ cup powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy. This will be the swirl that adds a lovely marbled effect to your bread.

4. Layer the Batter and Cream Cheese:

   • Add half of the bread batter to your prepared loaf pan. Then, spoon about half of the cream cheese mixture on top and swirl together gently with a knife. This creates the marbled pattern that will be so delicious when you slice the bread.

   • Top with the remaining batter and add the rest of the cream cheese mixture. Carefully swirl it together once more to create that signature marble effect.

5. Bake the Bread:

   • Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 65-70 minutes. After about 35 minutes, cover the top of the bread with aluminum foil to prevent it from browning too much.

   • Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready.

6. Cool and Slice:

   • Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. This is crucial as it allows the cream cheese swirl to set and gives the bread its perfect texture.

 

Calories and Serving Information:

Each slice of this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on portion size. It's a perfect treat for a sweet snack or breakfast, but keep in mind that it's richer than a typical loaf of bread due to the cream cheese and sour cream.

 

Best time to serve:
This bread is best enjoyed at any time of the day! It makes a fantastic breakfast paired with a cup of coffee or tea. It also works wonderfully as a dessert after a hearty dinner, or even as a mid-afternoon snack. The zesty lemon and creamy cheese make it refreshing yet indulgent.

 

Storage:
You can store leftovers of this lemon cream cheese bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 1 week. If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it. Simply wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

 

Energy-Saving Tips for Baking:

If you're looking to save some energy while baking, here are a few simple tips:

• Batch baking: If you plan to bake more than one loaf or other baked goods, consider using the oven’s full capacity. By filling the oven, you maximize energy use, and it’s a great way to prepare multiple treats at once.

• Use smaller appliances: If you're making a small batch or baking a single loaf, consider using a toaster oven instead of a full-size oven. It uses less energy while still getting the job done!

• Avoid opening the oven door frequently: Every time you open the oven door, it loses heat, causing the oven to work harder. Try to resist peeking until the bread is almost done.

 

Who Can Enjoy This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread:

While this bread is absolutely delicious, it's important to note who might benefit from it or who should avoid it:

• Beneficial for people looking for a sweet but balanced treat: This bread offers a mix of protein and fats from the cream cheese and sour cream, which can help provide a more filling snack.

• Not suitable for those on a low-sugar or low-carb diet: This bread is made with sugar and flour, making it unsuitable for people on keto, diabetic, or low-sugar diets. It's also quite calorie-dense, so those managing their weight may want to enjoy it in moderation.

 

Final Thoughts:

This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors. The zesty lemon pairs perfectly with the rich cream cheese swirl, creating a treat that’s hard to resist. Whether you're hosting a brunch, looking for a family-friendly dessert, or simply indulging in a sweet snack, this recipe will surely satisfy your cravings. Plus, it's easy to make with minimal effort—no frosting or complicated techniques required!

So, get ready to bake this mouthwatering loaf and enjoy it with your loved ones. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for more.