Lemon Cream Cheese Bread – A Zesty, Moist, and Flavorful Treat
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This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread recipe is the perfect combination of tangy lemon and creamy cream cheese, resulting in a moist, flavorful loaf that’s sure to brighten your day!
Introduction:
If you love the refreshing taste of lemon and the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese, this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is the perfect baked good for you! The tangy lemon zest and juice add a bright citrusy punch, while the cream cheese provides moisture and a hint of richness that makes each bite irresistible.
This bread is easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and is perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or as a dessert for any occasion. With its soft, tender crumb and delicious lemon flavor, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection!
Ingredients:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- 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 later.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Lemon
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients.
- Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan andHomemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Glaze (Optional)
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread, allowing it to set before slicing.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Slice the bread once the glaze has set, and enjoy the moist, tangy, and creamy flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread:
- Moist and Tender: The cream cheese helps create a soft, moist crumb, and the buttermilk adds richness and depth to the flavor.
- Bright Lemon Flavor: The lemon zest and juice give the bread a refreshing citrusy kick, perfect for those who love bright, zesty flavors.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert, this bread is versatile enough for any time of day.
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and is easy to put together, even for beginners.
Additional Tips and Variations:
- Add Poppy Seeds: For an extra texture and a more traditional flavor, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter.
- Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Bread: Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a fruity twist.
- Vegan Option: To make this bread vegan, substitute the eggs with a flax egg and use a plant-based cream cheese and butter. Make sure the buttermilk is non-dairy or use a homemade buttermilk substitute.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 26g
(Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)
Conclusion:
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is the ultimate treat for anyone whoPotsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy loves tangy lemon and rich cream cheese. It’s easy to make, incredibly moist, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. Whether you serve it at a brunch gathering, enjoy it with a cup of tea, or simply indulge in a slice for dessert, this bread is sure to become a favorite.
So, preheat your oven and get ready to enjoy a slice of this heavenly, zesty bread today!