There is something truly irresistible about a slice of perfectly moist, tangy, and creamy bread that feels like a hug in every bite. The Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe brings together the bright, zesty punch of fresh lemon with the rich, smooth texture of cream cheese swirling right through the loaf, creating a delightful contrast that wakes up your taste buds. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or a sweet ending to your day, this bread is an absolute showstopper with its golden crust and tender crumb, promising a burst of lemony freshness with every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the best part about this recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing flavors, contributing to the bread’s soft texture, and delivering that perfect lemony zing paired with creamy indulgence.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure to our bread, tender yet sturdy enough to hold the creamy filling.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the bread rise beautifully and maintain a light texture.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Reacts with the lemon juice to provide an extra boost to the bread’s fluffiness.
- ¼ tsp salt: A pinch to enhance all the sweet and zesty flavors.
- ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream: Adds moisture and tenderizes the crumb while complementing the tangy lemon.
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: The star ingredient that brightens the flavor and makes this bread uniquely refreshing.
- 1 tbsp lemon zest: For that intense lemon aroma and bursts of citrus throughout.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Subtly rounds out the tartness for a balanced taste.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetness that cuts through the tangy and creamy elements beautifully.
- ¼ cup melted coconut or vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender without overpowering the flavors.
- 2 eggs: Bind everything together and provide richness.
- 6 oz cream cheese (softened): The creamy filling that adds decadence inside the bread.
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer just right.
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour: Helps stabilize the cream cheese filling for perfect swirlability.
- 1 egg yolk: Enriches the cream cheese mixture with smoothness.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the filling with a gentle warmth and depth.
- Optional glaze – ½ cup powdered sugar and 1-2 tbsp lemon juice: To drizzle a shiny, tangy finish on top for extra lemon punch.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper. This ensures the bread releases easily once baked and prevents sticking, giving you a clean slice every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is essential for distributing the leavening agents evenly, so your bread rises perfectly without any uneven texture.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a larger bowl, combine the yogurt (or sour cream), freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, sugar, melted oil, and eggs. Whisk these together until the mixture is smooth and starting to look luscious. The yogurt adds that pleasant tang and moisture, while the eggs and oil enrich the batter.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mix into the wet ingredients, folding gently until everything is just incorporated. It’s important not to overmix here—you want to preserve the tender crumb without developing too much gluten, which could make the bread dense.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, flour, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until completely smooth. This creamy filling is what elevates the Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe into a luscious treat that feels special yet simple.
Step 6: Layer the Batter and Cream Cheese
Pour half the lemon batter into your prepared pan first. Then, spoon on the cream cheese mixture carefully and spread it evenly. Finally, top with the remaining lemon batter by gently pouring it over the cream cheese layer. This technique creates a beautiful marbled effect that will have your guests oohing and aahing.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread should be golden on top, and you can smell that wonderful citrus aroma filling your kitchen. Baking times may vary, so keep an eye on it after 40 minutes.
Step 8: Cool and Glaze
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice to create a simple glaze and drizzle it over the completely cooled loaf for an extra kick of sweetness and tang.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this bread lies in its simplicity, but a few garnishes take it to the next level. Fresh lemon slices or a sprinkle of lemon zest on top add visual charm and enhance the citrus vibe. You can also scatter a few edible flowers for a garden-fresh look when serving to guests.
Side Dishes
This bread shines on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. For brunch, serve slices alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone cheese. The creamy richness complements the tang of the lemon cream cheese bread perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread thick and lightly toasting it before serving to add a slight crunch contrast. You can also cut it into mini slices to serve as charming finger-food for parties. Another lovely idea is to spread a little of your favorite fruit jam or marmalade on top for a sweet, fruity twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, wrap any leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container. It will stay moist and fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead treat for busy mornings or afternoon cravings.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, the Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then again in foil or place it in a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Reheating
To enjoy your bread warm, slice and pop it in the toaster or oven at a low temperature for a few minutes. This refreshes the bread’s moist texture and brings out the lemon aroma, making every bite as delightful as the first.
FAQs
Can I use cream cheese spread instead of regular cream cheese?
It’s best to use regular cream cheese that is softened for the filling. Cream cheese spread tends to be lighter and contains more moisture, which could change the texture of your filling and make it less stable.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use coconut yogurt or another plant-based yogurt instead of plain yogurt. This way, you keep the creamy, tangy notes without dairy.
How can I make the bread more lemony?
Adding more lemon zest or a little extra lemon juice to the batter can boost the lemon flavor. Just be careful not to add too much liquid, or it might affect the bread’s texture. The optional lemon glaze is another easy way to increase the citrus punch.
Can I use butter instead of oil?
Yes, melted butter can be used as a flavorful alternative to oil. It will add a richer taste and slightly different texture, but the bread will still be moist and delicious.
Why does the cream cheese layer sometimes sink?
To help the cream cheese filling stay nicely layered or swirled, make sure it’s well mixed and use the egg yolk and flour included in the filling ingredients. Also, gently layering the batter and cream cheese without mixing them will help preserve the layers.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe is one of those delightful creations that feels as though it was made just for special moments with friends and family. Its bright, fresh lemon flavor paired with a luscious cream cheese swirl is comforting and bright at the same time—a rare and beautiful combination. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. Get ready to share slices of sunshine and smiles at any table!
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a moist and tangy treat, featuring a zesty lemon-flavored batter layered with a rich and creamy sweetened cream cheese filling. It’s finished with an optional lemon glaze that adds a bright, sweet touch, making it a perfect dessert or snack for any lemon lover.
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 the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, melted oil, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and maintain a tender crumb.
- Prepare cream cheese filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, flour, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the bread: 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. Then, top with the remaining lemon batter.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool the bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps it set properly.
- Prepare and apply glaze (optional): Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle this over the completely cooled bread for an added touch of sweetness and lemon flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the best lemon flavor.
- You can substitute yogurt with sour cream for a richer texture.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the bread light and tender.
- If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the sugar in the batter or glaze.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
- The glaze is optional but adds a nice finishing touch enhancing the lemon flavor.
- Store the bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to a week.
