Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

Introduction

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the creamy richness of cream cheese with the bright zing of lemon, look no further than this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread recipe. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack, this bread is an irresistible fusion of flavors and textures. With its tender crumb, subtle tanginess, and a touch of sweetness, it’s sure to become a family favorite. In this article, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, preparation, and baking tips to ensure your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread turns out perfectly every time.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – for a light and fluffy texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – helps the bread rise.
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda – adds additional leavening.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – enhances the flavors.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter – softened to room temperature.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – provides sweetness.
• 1/2 cup cream cheese – softened for a rich, moist texture.
• 2 large eggs – bind the ingredients together.
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest – adds a fresh lemony flavor.
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice – enhances the lemon flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds depth to the flavor.
• 1/4 cup milk – ensures the bread is moist.

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
4. Add Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the butter-sugar mixture and continue to beat until well combined and smooth.
5. Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
6. Mix in the Lemon: Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until evenly distributed.
7. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
8. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smooth batter and even mixing.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to keep the bread tender.
• Adjust Lemon Flavor: If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, you can add an extra tablespoon of lemon zest or juice.

Conclusion

This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful way to enjoy the refreshing taste of lemon combined with the creamy texture of cream cheese. Whether served as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a light dessert, it’s sure to impress with its moist, flavorful crumb and enticing aroma. Try this recipe today and savor the perfect balance of sweetness and tang in every bite!

Serving and Storage Tips for Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

Serving Tips:

1. Fresh and Warm: Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is delicious served warm, straight from the oven. For an extra treat, lightly toast individual slices or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
2. Toppings and Add-Ins: Enhance the flavor with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of lemon glaze (mix powdered sugar with lemon juice). For added texture, consider topping with a sprinkle of lemon zest or chopped nuts.
3. Accompaniments: Pair the bread with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. It also pairs well with fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt for a light and satisfying breakfast.
4. Presentation: Slice the bread into even pieces and arrange on a serving platter. Garnish with additional lemon zest or fresh mint leaves for a visually appealing presentation.

Storage Tips:

1. Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the bread within a few days, store it at room temperature. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.
2. Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the bread. Wrap it well in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it from absorbing odors and drying out. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
3. Freezing: To extend the shelf life even further, freeze Lemon Cream Cheese Bread. Slice the bread before freezing so you can easily take out individual pieces as needed. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The bread can be frozen for up to three months.
4. Thawing and Reheating: When ready to enjoy frozen bread, remove the slices from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. For a warm, fresh taste, you can toast the slices or heat them in the microwave for a few seconds.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread remains delicious and fresh, whether you’re enjoying it right away or saving some for later!

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe? Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese as a substitute for regular cream cheese. However, keep in mind that low-fat cream cheese may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the bread. It might be a bit less creamy and rich compared to using full-fat cream cheese.
2. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the bread? Absolutely! If you’d like to add some extra texture or flavor, consider folding in chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips into the batter. Add these ingredients right before pouring the batter into the loaf pan and gently mix to combine.
3. How can I make the lemon flavor more intense? To enhance the lemon flavor, you can increase the amount of lemon zest and lemon juice in the recipe. Start by adding an extra teaspoon of lemon zest and an additional tablespoon of lemon juice. Adjust to taste based on your preference for lemon intensity.
4. Can I make this bread gluten-free? Yes, you can make this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. Make sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum or guar gum to help mimic the texture of wheat flour. Additionally, check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.