1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This ensures the bread comes out perfectly intact and ready to slice.
2. Make the Lemon Bread Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and flour until smooth and creamy. This creamy layer is what sets this bread apart from traditional lemon loaves—it adds a luxurious richness that’s absolutely divine.
4. Layer the Batter and Cream Cheese: Pour half of the lemon bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the batter, spreading it out to create a smooth layer. Add the remaining lemon bread batter on top, carefully smoothing it out with a spatula.
5. Bake the Bread: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil during the last 20 minutes of baking. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the Lemon Glaze: While the bread is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. For an extra zing, add a teaspoon of lemon zest. The glaze should be thick yet pourable; you can adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or lemon juice as needed.
7. Glaze the Bread: Once the bread has fully cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze generously over the top, letting it cascade down the sides for an inviting, glossy finish. Let the glaze set before slicin
Serving Suggestions:
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is perfect served on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s a versatile treat that can be enjoyed as a light dessert, a morning pastry, or an afternoon snack with a hot cup of tea.
Why This Recipe Shines:
The combination of tangy lemon and rich cream cheese creates a dynamic contrast that elevates the flavor and texture of the bread. The lemon zest and juice bring brightness and freshness, while the cream cheese swirl adds a luxurious creaminess. The balance of sweet and tangy flavors keeps every bite exciting and satisfying.
The Ultimate Citrus Treat:
If you’re a fan of citrusy desserts, this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread will become one of your go-to recipes. It’s the kind of bake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, with the added bonus of filling your kitchen with the most delightful lemony aroma. Make it once, and you’ll be hooked—this loaf is more than just a bread; it’s a piece of sunshine on a plate.
Enjoy each tangy, creamy bite!
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