Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful treat that perfectly balances rich flavors and refreshing brightness. Imagine a soft, dense loaf that not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also offers a burst of citrusy goodness with every bite. This delightful creation is more than just a loaf cake; it’s a versatile dessert that can easily fit into any part of your day. Whether enjoyed as a leisurely breakfast alongside your morning coffee, served as an elegant afternoon snack, or even presented as a stunning centerpiece at a special gathering, this bread shines in all its understated glory.

What makes this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread truly special is the creamy swirl of luscious cream cheese that runs through its heart. As it bakes, the cream cheese mixture melds beautifully with the lemon-infused batter, creating a delightful marbling effect. Each slice reveals a stunning contrast between the bright, zesty bread and the smooth, rich cream cheese, making it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Baking this loaf is not only a rewarding experience but also a great way to fill your home with the invigorating aroma of fresh lemons. With just a handful of simple ingredients, including zesty lemon juice and fragrant lemon zest, you can transform your kitchen into a haven of deliciousness. The best part? This recipe is straightforward enough for bakers of all levels, allowing you to impress your family and friends without any hassle.

Ingredients

• For the Bread:
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 1/8 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
• For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, canola oil, sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and sea salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
4. Prepare Cream Cheese Swirl: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth.
5. Layer the Batter: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over it and use a knife to gently swirl it. Add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the cream cheese mixture, swirling again to create a marbled effect.
6. Bake: Cover the pan loosely with foil for the last 20-30 minutes of baking to prevent browning. Bake for 65-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps the cream cheese swirl set properly.

Enjoy your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread as a delightful snack or dessert!

Pro Tips

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and a better cream cheese swirl.
2. Zest Carefully: When zesting the lemon, avoid the bitter white pith. Use a microplane for finely grated zest that will distribute evenly throughout the batter.
3. Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser loaf.
4. Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice will provide a brighter flavor compared to bottled lemon juice, enhancing the overall taste of the bread.