Lemon Cream Cheese Bread – glassika recipes

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread: A Tangy and Buttery Delight 🍋🍞

Lemon lovers, get ready to experience the perfect blend of tangy citrus flavor and rich, creamy texture in this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a light dessert, this soft and moist bread will leave you craving more. With a delicate crumb, a hint of sweetness, and the bright freshness of lemon, every bite is pure bliss.

This homemade lemon bread is incredibly easy to make, using simple ingredients that come together to create a moist, buttery, and flavorful loaf. The cream cheese adds a velvety richness, balancing the zesty lemon flavor beautifully. Serve it warm with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra indulgent touch. Let’s dive into this delicious Lemon Cream Cheese Bread recipe that is sure to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

Moist & Tender – The combination of butter, cream cheese, and milk creates a soft and rich texture.
Bright & Refreshing – Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest add a natural citrusy tang.
Easy to Make – With simple pantry ingredients, this loaf comes together effortlessly.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Enjoy it for breakfast, a coffee break, or dessert.
Great for Gifting – Wrap up a loaf and share it with friends and family!

Ingredients

To make this flavorful and moist Lemon Cream Cheese Bread, gather the following ingredients:

Essential Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor

1/2 teaspoon almond extract for a nutty depth
1/2 cup white chocolate chips for added sweetness
1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) for crunch

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Cream the Butter, Sugar & Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, sugar, and cream cheese until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender crumb.

3. Add the Eggs & Flavorings

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to enhance the citrusy aroma.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for a perfectly risen loaf.

5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients & Milk

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can make the bread dense.

6. Pour into the Loaf Pan & Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil.

7. Cool & Serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy as is, or toast and spread with butter, cream cheese, or lemon curd for an extra treat.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

Use Fresh Lemons – Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor.
Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
Don’t Overmix – Stir gently to keep the batter light and fluffy.
Check for Doneness – Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is done.
Let It Rest – Cooling the bread fully before slicing ensures a clean cut.

Cooking Tips

For a More Intense Lemon Flavor: Add an extra tablespoon of lemon zest or a teaspoon of lemon extract.
For a Lighter Texture: Use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour.
For a Sweeter Bread: Increase the sugar to 1 1/4 cups or add a glaze (recipe below).
For a Gluten-Free Version: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Lemon Glaze for Extra Sweetness

Drizzle your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with a simple lemon glaze for added sweetness.

Ingredients for the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make It:

Whisk all ingredients together until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread and let it set before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

This moist and tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Bread pairs perfectly with:

A hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting breakfast.
A glass of iced lemonade for a refreshing snack.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
A spread of honey butter or lemon curd for an extra indulgent treat.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutrition per serving (1 slice):

Calories: 280
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 180mg
Vitamin C: 8%
Calcium: 6%

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheat: Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast for a crispy edge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch.

Can I make this bread into muffins?
Yes! Pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes.

Can I make this without cream cheese?
You can substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream for a slightly different texture.

How do I keep my bread from sticking to the pan?
Line your pan with parchment paper and grease it well with butter or baking spray.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you loved this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread, try these other delicious recipes:

Conclusion

This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is the ultimate combination of tangy, sweet, and creamy flavors. With its moist texture, bright citrus notes, and rich buttery taste, it’s a perfect anytime treat. Try this easy homemade recipe today, and enjoy a slice of pure lemony goodness! 🍋🍞