Heavenly Lemon Cream Cheese Bread: A Zesty Delight

Are you craving a delightful treat that perfectly balances tangy lemon flavor with rich, creamy goodness? Look no further than our irresistible recipe for Lemon Cream Cheese Bread. This delectable bread is a wonderful combination of moist, tender crumb and velvety cream cheese filling, making it the ultimate indulgence for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this recipe is sure to impress. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let’s dive into the delightful world of Lemon Cream Cheese Bread!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 8 oz sour cream
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• Zest of 2 lemons
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Prepare the Batter:

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, eggs, sour cream, canola oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

3. Add Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

4. Prepare Cream Cheese Filling:

In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.

5. Layer the Batter:

Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the batter, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Top with the remaining batter, spreading it evenly to cover the cream cheese layer.

6. Bake:

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool and Serve:

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Lemon Glaze: For an extra burst of lemon flavor, you can drizzle the cooled bread with a simple lemon glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice.
• Add-In Options: Feel free to customize your bread by adding in extras like chopped nuts or poppy seeds for added texture and flavor.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream? A: Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream in equal amounts for a lighter alternative.

Q: Can I freeze this bread? A: Yes, you can freeze this bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Q: Can I use a different citrus fruit instead of lemons? A: Absolutely! You can swap lemons for other citrus fruits like oranges or limes for a different flavor profile.

Keto-Friendly and Low-Carb Version:

For a keto-friendly version of this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread, you can substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour and use a low-carb sweetener instead of sugar. You can also use full-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt for added richness.

In conclusion, our Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful treat that’s bursting with bright citrus flavor and creamy goodness. With its moist texture and irresistible cream cheese filling, this bread is sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee for breakfast or as a sweet indulgence after dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to bake up a storm – your taste buds will thank you!