Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat: lemon cream cheese bread! This quick bread is like sunshine in a loaf – it’s moist, fluffy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. The combination of tangy lemon zest and creamy, dreamy cream cheese creates a delightful balance that leaves you wanting more. Trust me, the first time I made this, my kitchen was filled with the most intoxicating citrus aroma, and I couldn’t wait to slice into it. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, which makes it a go-to recipe in my home. I just know you’ll love it as much as I do!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
How to Prepare Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
Getting started with this lemon cream cheese bread is super easy! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a deliciously moist loaf that everyone will love. Trust me, it’s all about combining the right ingredients in the right order, so let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect rise!
- While the oven warms up, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the dry ingredients: 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mixing these well ensures that your bread rises evenly.
- In another bowl, beat together 1/4 cup of softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup of softened butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is where the magic starts to happen!
- Next, add in 1 large egg, 1/4 cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture. Mix everything together until well combined, but don’t overdo it; just mix until it’s smooth.
- Now, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. You want to combine them until just mixed; it’s okay if there are a few lumps—this keeps the bread fluffy!
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, let it cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This waiting is the hardest part, but oh-so-worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for this lemon cream cheese bread! Here are just a few:
- Incredible Flavor: The bright and zesty lemon flavor paired with creamy cream cheese creates a delightful taste that’s simply irresistible.
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip this up in no time—even on busy mornings!
- Perfect Texture: This bread is incredibly moist and fluffy, making every bite a treat for your taste buds.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as a light dessert; it fits any occasion!
- Homemade Goodness: Baking this bread fills your kitchen with a heavenly aroma that makes your home feel warm and inviting.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be baking this lemon cream cheese bread again and again!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying this lemon cream cheese bread, you might be curious about the nutritional values. Here’s a general breakdown per slice:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But hey, a little indulgence never hurt anyone, right?
Tips for Success
To really nail this lemon cream cheese bread, I’ve got a few handy tips for you! First, make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature. This helps them blend smoothly, giving your bread that lovely texture we all crave. Also, don’t overmix when combining the wet and dry ingredients—mix just until you no longer see flour. This keeps the bread light and fluffy!
Another little secret is to use fresh lemon juice and zest. It makes a world of difference in flavor! And always check your oven’s temperature with an oven thermometer if you have one; ovens can be tricky! Finally, let the bread cool completely before slicing—this helps it set perfectly and enhances that delightful lemony taste. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up with your lemon cream cheese bread, I’ve got some delicious ideas for you! First off, consider adding poppy seeds for a delightful crunch and a classic pairing with lemon. You can also throw in some blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist that complements the lemon beautifully.
Want a little extra indulgence? Drizzle a lemon glaze over the top after it cools—just mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out some of the all-purpose flour for almond flour for a nutty flavor and slightly different texture. And for a warming touch, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to try them all!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked this scrumptious lemon cream cheese bread, you’ll want to keep it fresh and delicious for as long as possible! To store leftovers, simply wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. When stored this way, it should stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the bread. Just slice it first, then wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. It’ll stay good for about 2 months in the freezer!
When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, just take it out and let it thaw at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or toast it lightly. The aroma of lemon will fill your kitchen again, and trust me, it’s worth the wait!
FAQ Section
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Absolutely! While low-fat cream cheese can be used, keep in mind that it might alter the texture slightly. The bread may not be as rich and creamy, but it will still be delicious!
Can I make this lemon cream cheese bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This bread actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Just store it properly in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
What can I do if my bread is too dense?
If your lemon cream cheese bread turns out dense, it might be due to overmixing or measuring too much flour. Make sure to mix just until combined and fluff up your flour before measuring to avoid packing it down.
Can I use other citrus fruits instead of lemon?
For sure! You can swap lemon juice and zest for orange or lime for a fun twist. Each will give your bread a unique flavor profile that’s equally delightful!
How should I serve this bread?
This lemon cream cheese bread is scrumptious on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a light lemon glaze for added sweetness. It’s perfect for brunch or as an afternoon snack!
For more delicious recipes, check out this lemon cake recipe or blueberry cheesecake cookies!
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Bread: 7 Steps to Joyful Baking
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon cream cheese bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread infused with lemon zest and cream cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add egg, milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture. Mix well.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Can serve with lemon glaze for extra sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: lemon cream cheese bread
