Introduction and Overview
What is Lemon Cream Cheese Bread?
Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a moist, tender quick bread infused with the bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemon and the rich creaminess of cream cheese. This delightful bread combines the tartness of lemon with the creamy tang of cream cheese, creating a perfectly balanced treat that’s great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether enjoyed on its own or with a cup of tea or coffee, this bread brings a burst of sunshine to your table.
A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tangy
Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a wonderful option when you’re craving something sweet but not overly sugary. The creamy, smooth texture from the cream cheese pairs beautifully with the vibrant lemon flavor, making it a comforting yet refreshing baked good for any occasion.
Ingredients and Nutritional Benefits
Main Ingredients
Lemon
Lemon juice and zest are key ingredients in this bread, giving it a fresh, citrusy flavor. Lemons are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, making this bread not only delicious but also a little healthier.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese adds moisture and richness to the bread, creating a soft, tender crumb. It also brings a slight tanginess that balances the sweetness, making each bite rich but not too heavy.
Butter
Butter gives the bread a tender, rich texture and enhances the overall flavor. It helps create a moist, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Flour
All-purpose flour provides structure to the bread, helping it rise and hold together. For a heartier texture, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or a blend of both.
Sugar
Granulated sugar sweetens the bread and helps balance the tartness of the lemon and cream cheese. You can also use alternative sweeteners like honey or coconut sugar for a healthier version.
Nutritional Benefits
Rich in Calcium and Protein
The cream cheese and butter provide calcium and a small amount of protein, making this bread more satisfying than typical sweet breads.
Lemon’s Antioxidants and Vitamin C
Lemon juice and zest are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help support immune function and overall health.
Preparation and Variations
Basic Recipe
Ingredients List
To make Lemon Cream Cheese Bread, you’ll need:
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 all-purpose 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
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan.
2️⃣ Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine sugar, eggs, sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and canola oil. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
3️⃣ Sift Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4️⃣ Combine Wet and Dry:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. Set the batter aside.
5️⃣ Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl:
In a small bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
6️⃣ Assemble the Bread:
Pour half of the batter into the greased loaf pan. Spoon about half of the cream cheese mixture over the batter and swirl with a knife.
Pour the remaining batter on top, then spoon the rest of the cream cheese mixture on top and swirl carefully to create a marbled effect.
7️⃣ Bake:
Bake for 65-70 minutes, covering with foil during the last 20-30 minutes to prevent excessive browning. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8️⃣ Cool and Serve:
Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to let the cream cheese set properly. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 65-70 minutes
Total Time: 80-85 minutes
Calories: 290 kcal per slice
Servings: 10 slices
Recipe Variations
Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
For a fruity twist, fold 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter just before baking. The sweet bursts of blueberries complement the tangy lemon and cream cheese flavors beautifully.
Whole Wheat Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
For a healthier version, replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. The bread will have a slightly denser texture, but the flavor remains deliciously rich and zesty.
Lemon Poppy Seed Cream Cheese Bread
Add 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter for a nutty flavor and a slight crunch. Lemon and poppy seeds are a classic combination, and the cream cheese adds an extra layer of indulgence.
Gluten-Free Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. This ensures that the bread has a similar texture to the original.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serving Suggestions
With a Hot Beverage
Lemon Cream Cheese Bread pairs beautifully with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. The tart lemon flavor balances the richness of a hot beverage, making it a great afternoon snack or dessert.
As a Breakfast Treat
Enjoy a slice of this bread for breakfast with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt. It’s a perfect way to start the day with something sweet but not too heavy.
For Brunch or Dessert
Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bread at a brunch gathering or as a light dessert. Its bright flavor makes it a lovely addition to any spread, especially during spring or summer.
Toasted with Butter
For a comforting treat, toast a slice of Lemon Cream Cheese Bread and spread it with a little butter or cream cheese for an extra creamy texture.
Pairing Ideas
With Fresh Berries
Serve the bread with a side of fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries. The sweetness of the berries complements the tangy lemon flavor, making for a refreshing and balanced bite.
With Lemon Curd
For an extra lemony treat, spread a bit of lemon curd over each slice. The rich, tart curd enhances the citrus flavors in the bread.
With Whipped Cream or Mascarpone
Top slices of the bread with a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone for a luxurious dessert. The creaminess pairs well with the bright lemon flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the bread up to 2 days ahead and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. The flavor intensifies as it sits, making it even more delicious.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the bread for up to 2 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Just be sure to use high-quality bottled lemon juice for the best results.
How can I make the bread more lemony?
To enhance the lemon flavor, you can add extra lemon zest or a few drops of lemon extract to the batter. You can also increase the amount of lemon juice in the glaze for a more intense citrus punch.
Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?
Yes, reduced-fat cream cheese can be used, but the bread may be slightly less rich. Full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful combination of bright lemon flavor and rich cream cheese, making it the perfect sweet bread for any occasion. With its moist, tender crumb and balance of tangy and sweet, this bread is versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or as part of a special meal, Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is sure to brighten your day!