Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
When life hands you lemons, make Lemon Cream Cheese Bread! This delightful treat is not only creamy and flavorful, but its bright, zesty flavor can lighten your mood instantly. Picture this: a slice of warm, moist bread, kissed by the tang of fresh lemon and the rich creaminess of cream cheese, just waiting to be enjoyed with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack. Doesn’t that sound incredible?
The beauty of Lemon Cream Cheese Bread lies in its simplicity and quick preparation time, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned bakers and kitchen novices. It’s a fantastic recipe to whip up when you need a little pick-me-up or when guests pop by unexpectedly. And if you love this sweet treat, you’ll definitely want to explore other fabulous recipes on the blog, like our classic Banana Bread, which is another family favorite! So, grab those lemons and get ready to bake a loaf that will warm your heart and delight your palate.
What is Lemon Cream Cheese Bread?
You might be wondering why this scrumptious recipe is called Lemon Cream Cheese Bread. Is it because it’s bursting with lemony love? Or perhaps it’s because the cream cheese makes it oh-so-decadent? The answer is a delightful combination of both! The tangy lemon adds a refreshing brightness, while cream cheese brings a rich, moist texture that is simply irresistible. It’s like a mini celebration in every bite! Who wouldn’t agree that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? This scrumptious Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is surely a crowd-pleaser! So, why not grab that mixing bowl and treat your loved ones to this zesty delight?
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
There are countless reasons to love Lemon Cream Cheese Bread. First and foremost, the star of the show is its irresistible creamy texture combined with the fresh, zippy lemon flavor that wakes up your taste buds. You won’t believe how delicious this bread is!
Another reason to whip this up at home is the cost-saving benefit. By making your own bread, you can elevate your breakfast or snack game without emptying your wallet. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about baking from scratch, don’t you think?
And let’s not forget about the delectable toppings; a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of lemon glaze can elevate it even further. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out our Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins for another delicious citrus creation. What are you waiting for? Dive into the world of Lemon Cream Cheese Bread!
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
Quick Overview
Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a delicious treat that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor. It’s tangy, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying, making it perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. In just about an hour, you can have a fluffy, moist loaf hot out of the oven!
Key Ingredients for Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
- 1/2 cup (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 large lemon)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Cream Together Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
- Add Sugar and Eggs: Gradually mix in the granulated sugar, followed by the eggs, one at a time. Beat until well blended.
- Incorporate Zest and Juice: Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid over-mixing for a tender loaf!
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Before Serving: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
What to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bread With
For a delightful breakfast spread, serve your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with fresh fruit like berries or sliced strawberries. A dollop of whipped cream or a light smear of lemon curd makes an enticing addition too! If you’re enjoying it with coffee, try pairing it with a light and fruity beverage like iced tea or a refreshing lemonade for a sunny afternoon treat.
Top Tips for Perfecting Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
- Ingredient Temperature: Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor, but bottled will work in a pinch.
- Don’t Over-mix: Mix the batter gently once the flour is added. Over-mixing can lead to a dense loaf.
- Add-ins: Consider adding poppy seeds or nuts for extra texture and flavor!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Lemon Cream Cheese Bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm individual slices in the microwave or toast them lightly in a toaster oven for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
In conclusion, Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is an easy, delicious recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re treating yourself or feeding a crowd, be sure to share your baking adventures in the comments below. Happy baking!
Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually mix in the granulated sugar, followed by the eggs, one at a time. Beat until well blended.
- Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid over-mixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
