Introduction:
Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a moist, tender, and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack. The subtle tanginess of cream cheese combined with the bright citrusy flavor of lemon creates a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. This bread is easy to make and can be enjoyed by everyone, whether as a standalone treat or with a cup of coffee or tea.
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
2 tablespoons milk (if needed for consistency)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside.
In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the granulated sugar to the butter-cream cheese mixture and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice.
Add half of the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Then, add the sour cream (or yogurt) and mix it in. Finally, add the remaining dry ingredients and stir until fully incorporated.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center 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 before slicing.
Description:
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful combination of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors. The richness of the cream cheese adds depth and moisture to the bread, while the lemon zest and juice provide a refreshing citrus note. It’s incredibly soft and airy inside, with a slight crumb that makes it perfect for both casual snacking and elegant tea parties. The bread can be topped with a simple glaze or enjoyed as is for an extra punch of flavor.
Tips:
Add a glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness, you can make a simple lemon glaze using powdered sugar and lemon juice, and drizzle it over the cooled bread.
Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bread, you can reduce the sugar by ¼ cup.
Use room-temperature ingredients: Make sure the butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This will ensure a smooth batter without lumps.
Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week.
Correction:
The original recipe might require a few adjustments based on the moisture content of the ingredients (such as cream cheese or sour cream). If the batter appears too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk to adjust the consistency. Be sure to check the bread as it bakes—oven temperatures can vary, so adjust baking times accordingly.
This version of the recipe is designed to be flavorful and moist without being overly dense.
