Introduction:
Brighten your mornings with this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread—a light, tender quick bread infused with tangy lemon and a luscious cream cheese swirl. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, each bite offers a delightful balance of zesty citrus and creamy decadence!
⏱ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🍳 Bake Time: 55–60 minutes
⏲ Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
🍽 Servings: 10 slices
🔥 Calories per Serving: ~250 kcal (approx.)
🍋 Ingredients
For the Bread Batter:
- 🥣 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 🍬 1 cup granulated sugar
- 🧂 1/2 tsp salt
- 🥄 2 tsp baking powder
- 🥚 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 🥛 1/2 cup milk
- 🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 🍋 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 🍋 Zest of 1 lemon
- 🍦 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 🧀 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 🍬 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 🥚 1 egg yolk
- 🍦 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 🍋 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for extra zing)
- 🍋 Zest of 1/2 lemon (optional)
📝 Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the Bread Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs, then mix in the milk, melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and, if using, the lemon juice and zest. Stir until well blended.
- Assemble the Bread:
- Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the batter.
- Gently dollop the remaining bread batter on top.
- Using a butter knife, lightly swirl the cream cheese into the batter to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Slice into 10 generous pieces and serve at room temperature. Enjoy this bright and creamy treat with a cup of tea or coffee!
🤩 Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread:
- Refreshing Zest: The lemon juice and zest infuse the bread with a bright, citrusy flavor that wakes up your palate.
- Creamy Swirl: The rich cream cheese layer adds a luxurious texture and subtle tang, perfectly complementing the lemon.
- Versatile Delight: Enjoy as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert paired with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Easy & Quick: With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, this bread is perfect for both novice bakers and experienced cooks!
💡 Tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the eggs, milk, and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smoother batter and even mixing.
- Swirl Gently: For an attractive marbled effect, swirl the cream cheese mixture into the batter lightly—overmixing can eliminate the beautiful pattern.
- Customize: For a twist, add a handful of blueberries or a sprinkle of poppy seeds into the batter.
- Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze slices for a quick breakfast later.
Enjoy your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread—a bright, creamy, and utterly delightful treat that brings a burst of sunshine to your table!