Description
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is the ultimate fusion of bright citrus flavor and creamy decadence. A soft, buttery loaf infused with lemon zest and juice, swirled with sweetened cream cheese for a cheesecake-meets-pound-cake experience. Perfect for a quick breakfast, light afternoon snack, or crowd-pleasing brunch idea. Whether you’re looking for easy dessert recipes, food ideas for spring, or something to satisfy that citrus craving, this loaf delivers every time.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
¼ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese filling)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and ½ tsp vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
6. Stir in vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
7. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
8. Pour half the batter into the loaf pan. Spoon cream cheese filling in dollops and lightly swirl with a knife. Add remaining batter and repeat with remaining cream cheese.
9. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean (avoid cream cheese pockets when testing).
10. Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Always bring cream cheese and butter to room temperature before mixing for a smoother texture.
Don’t overmix once the flour is added — mix just until combined to keep the bread tender.
Tent with foil during the last 15 minutes if the top browns too quickly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: lemon bread, quick bread, cream cheese swirl, brunch recipes, easy lemon dessert