Description
This moist, citrus-packed Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is swirled with tangy cream cheese and topped with an optional lemon glaze. It’s perfect for brunch, dessert, or a sunny afternoon treat.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons lemon zest
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for glaze)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat butter and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add granulated sugar and mix until creamy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
5. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Do not overmix.
8. Fold in sour cream or Greek yogurt until fully incorporated.
9. Pour half the batter into prepared loaf pan. Add spoonfuls of cream cheese and swirl. Repeat with remaining batter and cream cheese.
10. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
11. Cool for 10 minutes in pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. If desired, mix powdered sugar with 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice and drizzle over cooled loaf.
Notes
Don’t skip the zest — it’s the key to that real lemon punch. Always zest before juicing!
Room temp ingredients blend smoother and help the batter stay uniform without lumps.
Cream cheese swirl tip: Use a toothpick or knife to lightly swirl, don’t overdo it or it will blend into the batter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: lemon bread, cream cheese loaf, spring dessert