Description
Silky lemon cream cheese bread brings sunshine to your kitchen with its tangy, moist crumb. Delicate citrus notes and rich cream cheese create a perfect slice of comfort that brightens any morning or afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 175C (350F). Coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with grease and flour, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Create a creamy base by blending softened butter, sugar, and cream cheese until the mixture becomes airy and light. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition.
- Infuse citrus essence by stirring in fresh lemon juice and zest, creating a vibrant flavor profile.
- Sift flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate vessel to eliminate potential lumps and ensure even distribution.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to maintain a tender bread texture. Avoid overmixing to prevent a tough consistency.
- Transfer batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula for an even bake.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
- While bread bakes, whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice to create an optional tangy glaze.
- Remove bread from oven and let rest in the pan for 10 minutes to stabilize its structure.
- Carefully transfer to a wire rack, allowing complete cooling before applying optional glaze.
- Drizzle glaze over the cooled bread, creating a glistening, citrusy finish that enhances the bread’s flavor.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth, well-blended batter that creates a tender, even crumb.
- Avoid overmixing the batter after adding dry ingredients to prevent a tough, dense bread texture.
- Zest lemons carefully, using only the bright yellow outer layer to capture maximum citrus flavor without bitter white pith.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and add a teaspoon of xanthan gum for better structure.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg