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Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread that perfectly balances the richness of cream cheese with the bright tang of fresh lemon. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, this loaf is tender, slightly dense, and can be topped with a sweet lemon glaze for an added burst of citrus. Simple to make yet elegant enough for guests, it’s a citrus lover’s dream in every bite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Bread:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt

Optional Glaze:

½ cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Directions

1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Cream Butter, Sugar & Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, beat softened butter, sugar, and cream cheese until light and fluffy.

3. Add Eggs and Lemon
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.

6. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Glaze (Optional)
Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bread.

8. Cool and Serve
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Nutrients (Per slice, approx.)

Calories: 260
Fat: 13g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 4g

A Citrus-Inspired Classic with a Twist

Lemon bread has long been a favorite among home bakers, prized for its sunny flavor and moist texture. What makes this version stand out is the addition of cream cheese, which transforms the traditional lemon loaf into something even more luxurious. The cream cheese adds a subtle tang and a dense, almost pound cake-like consistency that elevates the bread into a rich and satisfying treat. At the same time, the lemon juice and zest cut through the richness with their lively brightness, creating a balanced and irresistible flavor.

This bread takes the beloved qualities of lemon cake and cheesecake and marries them in a format that’s easier and faster to prepare. It’s a versatile recipe that suits casual family breakfasts just as well as more formal occasions.

Why Lemon and Cream Cheese Work So Well Together

Lemon and cream cheese are a match made in baking heaven. Lemon brings acidity and a lively freshness, while cream cheese contributes a velvety texture and mild tang that enhances the citrus rather than competing with it. When blended into a quick bread, these ingredients create a dynamic yet comforting flavor experience.

The lemon zest provides aromatic oils that give the bread a fragrant citrus note from the very first bite. The juice, meanwhile, helps tenderize the crumb and contributes to that unmistakable lemony zing. Cream cheese lends structure and softness, helping to retain moisture without making the loaf overly dense or heavy.

Together, these ingredients result in a moist, flavorful bread that’s slightly sweet, gently tart, and deeply satisfying.

The Texture You’ll Love

One of the standout features of Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is its texture. The interior is tender and moist with a fine crumb, while the outer edges bake into a golden, lightly crisp crust that adds the perfect contrast. Thanks to the balance of butter and cream cheese in the batter, this bread doesn’t dry out quickly like some citrus-based loaves can. Instead, it stays soft for days—if it lasts that long.

The texture also makes it an ideal candidate for slicing and toasting, spreading with butter, or serving plain with tea or coffee. It’s firm enough to hold its shape when sliced, yet soft enough to melt in your mouth.

Simple Enough for Everyday Baking

Another reason this recipe is so beloved is its simplicity. It doesn’t require any special equipment or advanced baking techniques. With a handful of everyday ingredients and one mixing bowl, the batter comes together quickly. Because it’s a quick bread, there’s no yeast involved—no waiting for dough to rise. It’s a true mix-and-bake recipe, ideal for busy home cooks or spontaneous bakers looking to whip up something special with minimal fuss.

The optional glaze is equally simple, made from just powdered sugar and lemon juice, yet it adds that bakery-style polish and a sweet finish that complements the tangy notes of the bread perfectly.

Perfect for All Occasions

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is one of those rare recipes that fits into virtually any part of the day. It makes a delightful breakfast when served alongside a cup of coffee or herbal tea. For brunch, it pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a mimosa. It can also be served as an afternoon pick-me-up, a hostess gift, or even a holiday dessert when dressed up with candied lemon slices or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Its ability to walk the line between casual and elegant makes it one of the most versatile quick breads you can bake. Bring it to a spring picnic or wrap it in parchment as a thoughtful gift for neighbors or friends—it’s always well received.

Easy Ways to Customize

While the lemon and cream cheese combination is undeniably delicious on its own, this recipe also offers a great canvas for creativity. Add poppy seeds for a lemon-poppy twist, or stir in a handful of blueberries for a burst of fruit flavor. Chopped nuts like almonds or pecans can provide a pleasant crunch, while a bit of almond extract can enhance the overall aroma and depth of flavor.

For a lighter version, consider substituting part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour or using reduced-fat cream cheese. You can also skip the glaze entirely or swap it for a drizzle of white chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar for a different look and taste.

Tips for the Best Results

To get the most out of your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread, be sure to use room temperature ingredients—especially the butter, cream cheese, and eggs. This helps them incorporate more easily and evenly into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture and better rise. Avoid overmixing the batter once the flour is added; mix just until everything is combined to keep the loaf tender.

Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor—bottled juice lacks the same punch. When zesting the lemon, be careful to avoid the bitter white pith underneath the peel. A fine microplane grater works best for this.

Finally, be patient when cooling the bread. Letting it rest in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack helps it firm up and release cleanly from the pan. Let it cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and becoming too thin.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread stores beautifully and stays moist for several days when wrapped in plastic wrap or kept in an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the bread—either whole or sliced—for up to 2 months. Just wrap it well in plastic and foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag.

When ready to serve, enjoy it plain or toasted with a pat of butter. For a more decadent option, pair it with whipped cream or fresh berries. If serving for a gathering, slice the loaf neatly and arrange it on a platter with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Conclusion

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is the kind of recipe that brings joy with every slice. It combines the irresistible zing of fresh lemon with the creamy smoothness of cream cheese, all wrapped in a tender, moist crumb that’s easy to love and even easier to bake. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe offers foolproof flavor and reliable results. With its sweet aroma, bright taste, and elegant simplicity, it’s the perfect addition to your breakfast table, tea tray, or dessert menu. One slice is never enough, and once you make it, it’s bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

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