Lemon Cream Cheese Bread: A Tangy Twist on a Classic Delight
There’s something heartwarming about the scent of freshly baked Lemon Cream Cheese Bread wafting through your kitchen. This indulgent treat combines the bright zest of lemons with the luscious richness of cream cheese, creating a loaf that is both tangy and sweet. It’s perfect for a cozy morning brunch or as a delightful snack with afternoon tea. Fast to prepare and bursting with flavor, this recipe is sure to evoke nostalgic memories while catering to the sweet tooth in everyone.
Imagine slicing into a warm loaf, where the creamy swirls of cream cheese peek through, creating an inviting contrast with the bright yellow bread. Each bite delivers a soft, moist texture that simply melts in your mouth. This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread isn’t just a recipe; it’s a memory waiting to be made.
Are You Ready to Indulge Your Senses?
Have you ever craved a sweet treat that’s both comforting and uplifting? Picture yourself enjoying a slice of Lemon Cream Cheese Bread, the citrusy aroma wrapping around you like a warm hug on a sunny day. Wouldn’t you love to bring that feeling into your home? With each bite, the delicious swirl of cream cheese adds a rich creaminess that balances perfectly with the lemon’s zest. It’s hard to say no to that!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread checks all the boxes you want in a recipe.
- Easy Prep: With simple ingredients and straightforward directions, you don’t need to be a baking expert to whip this up.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a gathering of friends or just a treat for your family, it’s a guaranteed hit.
- Minimal Ingredients: What’s even better is that you likely have most of these staple ingredients in your pantry already!
- Shelf Life: It stays delicious for days if stored correctly, making it perfect for meal prep.
There’s genuinely no better feeling than serving something that brings joy to those you love.
Ingredients
To make this delectable Lemon Cream Cheese Bread, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar – Sweetness that complements the tangy lemon perfectly.
- 3 large eggs – Bringing richness and stability to the batter.
- 8 ounces sour cream – Adds moisture and creates a soft texture.
- 1/2 cup canola oil – Ensures a tender, moist loaf.
- Zest of 2 lemons – For that intense lemon flavor that brightens the bread.
- Juice of 1 lemon – Provides balance and acidity.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A hint of warmth to enhance flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – The backbone of your loaf.
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder – For the perfect rise.
- 1 teaspoon salt – To round out all the flavors.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – The luscious, creamy core.
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar – A touch of sweetness for the cream cheese mixture.
Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a symphony of flavors in every bite of this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread.
Timing: Fast and Indulgent vs. Slow and Luxurious
One of the best parts about baking this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is that it strikes a beautiful balance between being a quick treat and a luxurious indulgence. With a total prep and bake time of under 90 minutes, you can easily whip this up on a busy weekday morning or for a spontaneous get-together.
However, if you’re feeling a bit more leisurely, the anticipation of waiting for the bread to bake creates a sense of occasion that makes each slice all the more rewarding.
Step-by-Step Directions
Ready to embark on this baking adventure? Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan, ensuring a non-stick surface for easy removal later.
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In a large bowl, combine 1 cup sugar, 3 eggs, 8 ounces sour cream, 1/2 cup canola oil, zest of 2 lemons, juice of 1 lemon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
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Whisk everything together until smooth, creating a beautifully creamy mixture that smells incredible.
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In another bowl, sift together 1 1/2 cups flour, 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt.
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Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, taking care not to overmix.
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In a separate bowl, beat together 8 ounces cream cheese and 1/3 cup powdered sugar until it achieves a smooth, creamy consistency that’s utterly irresistible.
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Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
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Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture over the batter and swirl it gently with a knife or skewer, creating beautiful marble patterns.
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Repeat with the remaining batter and cream cheese mixture, finishing with another swirl.
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Bake in your preheated oven for 65-70 minutes. Cover loosely with foil after 40-45 minutes to prevent over-browning.
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Once baked, allow it to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
The result will be a loaf that’s golden, airy, and inviting.
Nutritional Information
Each slice of your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is packed with flavor while being mindful of its treats. A standard slice (about 1/10th of the loaf) contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 12g
- Sugar: 15g
Occasional indulgence in this delightful loaf can add sweetness to your week, but moderation is key!
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, consider these swaps:
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Low-Sugar: Replace half of the sugar with a sugar substitute (like erythritol) to cut down the calories while still keeping a delicious taste.
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Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and coconut yogurt instead of sour cream for a plant-based version.
These alternatives can make your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread a bit more health-conscious without sacrificing too much flavor.
Serving Suggestions
What’s a good bread without some inspiring serving ideas?
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With Ice Cream: Serve warm slices alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
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Brunch Delight: Pair it with fruit salad and coffee for an elegant brunch spread.
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Holidays: Festive occasions call for a twist—serve it with cranberry sauce during Thanksgiving for a refreshing complement to the classic flavors.
No matter when you choose to enjoy it, this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is sure to shine.
Common Mistakes
As with any baking endeavor, certain pitfalls can dampen the joy of your creation:
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Overbaking: Keep a close eye on your bread to avoid a dry texture. Checking it a few minutes before the suggested time can save it from drying out.
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Texture Issues: Mixing too vigorously can lead to a dense loaf; fold gently when combining wet and dry ingredients.
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Messes: Preparing your workspace and measuring before you start will save you a lot of hassle during the process.
Avoid these common pitfalls, and you’re set for a delicious outcome!
Storing Tips
If you somehow have leftovers (though it’s hard to believe), here’s how to preserve them:
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Freezing Portions: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This will ensure they maintain their freshness for months.
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Reheating Instructions: To enjoy later, simply thaw your slices overnight in the fridge and warm them up in the toaster or oven until just heated through to enjoy that fresh-baked flavor again.
Tempted to Bake It ASAP?
So, are you ready to create this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread that’s sure to become a cherished part of your recipe collection? You’ve got the ingredients, the steps, and care to make something extraordinary. Don’t wait too long; gather your items and get baking!
Your taste buds will thank you, and you might just find that this recipe becomes an unforgettable tradition in your kitchen.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of citrus?
Yes! Oranges or limes could offer exciting variations if you’re feeling adventurous.
2. Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious gluten-free version.
3. How do I know when it’s baked properly?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
4. Can I add nuts to the batter?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add delightful crunch and texture to the bread.
5. How long does it last at room temperature?
When stored properly, this bread can last 2-3 days at room temperature, making it the perfect snack for any day.
Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Bread that blends the bright zest of lemons with rich cream cheese for a moist and flavorful loaf.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine sugar, eggs, sour cream, canola oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Whisk until smooth.
- In another bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture carefully.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Pour half the batter into the loaf pan.
- Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture over the batter and swirl gently.
- Repeat with the remaining batter and cream cheese mixture.
- Bake for 65-70 minutes, covering with foil after 40-45 minutes if necessary.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Serve warm with ice cream or as part of a brunch spread. Leftovers can be frozen for future enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
