Description
Lemon cream cheese bread brings sunshine to your kitchen with its tangy, velvety goodness. Bake this simple treat that combines zesty citrus and creamy richness for a delightful slice of comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
Supporting Ingredients:
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Leavening and Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray.
- Whisk 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt together in a medium bowl until well combined.
- Using an electric mixer, cream ½ cup softened butter and 8 ounces softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Mix 1 cup granulated sugar into the butter and cream cheese mixture until completely blended.
- Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Stir 1 tablespoon lemon zest, ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the wet ingredients.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined and being careful not to overmix.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake at 350°F for 55-65 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Zest your lemons carefully to avoid the bitter white pith, which can make the bread taste harsh.
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are completely softened at room temperature for the smoothest, creamiest texture.
- When mixing dry and wet ingredients, stop stirring the moment ingredients are combined to prevent a tough, dense bread.
- For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend and add an extra tablespoon of liquid to maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes - 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Breads
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 321 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 221 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 62 mg