This moist and flavorful Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is the perfect combination of zesty lemon and rich, creamy cheese. It makes for a delightful breakfast or dessert, with a refreshing citrus flavor and a smooth, tender texture.
Ingredients
For the bread:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup whole milk
For the cream cheese filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the lemon glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. - Prepare the dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. - Make the bread batter:
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined. - Prepare the cream cheese filling:
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. - Assemble the bread:
Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter. Top with the remaining batter and smooth the surface with a spatula. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. - Make the lemon glaze (optional):
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread. - Serve and enjoy:
Slice the bread and enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee!
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a zesty, creamy treat perfect for any occasion!