Discover the perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Bread recipe, combining zesty lemon and rich cream cheese for a delightful treat. This easy-to-make loaf is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. With simple ingredients like lemon zest, sour cream, and a cream cheese swirl, this bread is sure to impress. Follow our step-by-step instructions for a delicious homemade bread that will become a family favorite.
Ingredients for Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
To get started, gather the following ingredients:
For the Bread:
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 8 oz sour cream
- ½ cup canola oil
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a standard loaf pan to ensure your bread doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and canola oil. Mix until the ingredients are smooth and well combined. This will be your wet mixture, bursting with tangy lemon flavor.
Step 3: Sift the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that your bread will have a light and fluffy texture by evenly distributing the leavening agents.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl
In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. This sweet and tangy cream cheese mixture will create the delightful swirls in your bread.
Step 6: Layer the Batter
Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon about half of the cream cheese mixture on top of the batter, then use a knife to swirl the two together gently.
Step 7: Add Remaining Batter and Cream Cheese
Top with the remaining batter and spoon the rest of the cream cheese mixture over it. Carefully swirl together with a knife to create a marbled effect.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the bread for 65-70 minutes. To prevent the top from over-browning, cover the loaf with foil for the last 20-30 minutes of baking. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool fully before slicing. This ensures that the cream cheese sets properly and gives you clean, beautiful slices.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread isn’t just delicious; it’s versatile and perfect for various occasions. The lemon zest and juice provide a refreshing tang that pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy swirls of sweetened cream cheese. It’s a beautiful and tasty treat that works well for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a snack.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, attending a potluck, or simply want a delightful treat at home, this bread fits the bill. Its elegant marbled appearance makes it look as good as it tastes.
Easy to Make
Despite its impressive look and taste, this bread is straightforward to make. Even if you’re not an experienced baker, you can successfully create this delicious loaf with ease.
A Crowd-Pleaser
Everyone loves a good sweet bread, and the combination of lemon and cream cheese is always a hit. This bread is sure to become a favorite among your family and friends.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, you can substitute canola oil with vegetable oil or melted coconut oil. Each will give a slightly different flavor and texture.
2. Can I use low-fat ingredients?
You can use low-fat sour cream and cream cheese, but the texture and richness might be slightly affected.
3. How should I store the bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can also freeze it for up to three months.
4. Can I add other flavors?
Absolutely! Try adding a teaspoon of almond extract or a handful of poppy seeds for a different twist.
5. What can I serve with this bread?
Lemon Cream Cheese Bread pairs well with a cup of tea or coffee. It’s also delicious with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of fresh berries.
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