If you’re a fan of moist, citrus-infused baked goods, then this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is the perfect treat! The balance of zesty lemon and rich cream cheese creates a delightful loaf that’s moist, flavorful, and utterly irresistible.

Looking for more delicious homemade treats? You might also enjoy Oatmeal Banana Muffins, a healthy alternative packed with fiber and natural sweetness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and creamy flavors
✔️ Soft, moist texture that stays fresh for days
✔️ Easy to customize with blueberries, poppy seeds, or glaze
✔️ Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a mid-day treat

Ingredients & Their Role

Dry Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure
½ teaspoon baking soda + 1 teaspoon baking powder – Leavening agents for fluffiness
½ teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor

Wet Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness
¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens and balances the lemon’s acidity
2 large eggs – Binds ingredients and ensures structure
½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt – Keeps it moist
1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest – Intensifies the citrus flavor
¼ cup fresh lemon juice – Enhances tanginess
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth

Cream Cheese Filling

4 oz cream cheese, softened – Adds a creamy layer
¼ cup sugar – Balances tartness
1 egg yolk – Helps stabilize the filling
½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Complements the flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, followed by sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In another bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth.

3. Assemble the Bread

Pour half the batter into the loaf pan.
Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter.
Top with the remaining batter and gently swirl for a marbled effect.

4. Bake & Cool

Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.

Variations & Customization Ideas

If you love citrusy treats, you might also enjoy these Lemon Mini Cakes—a perfect way to indulge in more tangy goodness!

Here are some fun variations for your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread:
🍋 Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread – Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries.
🍋 Lemon Poppy Seed Bread – Mix in 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds for a slight crunch.
🍋 Gluten-Free Version – Substitute with gluten-free flour.
🍋 Crunchy Streusel Topping – Add a mix of butter, sugar, flour, and crushed almonds.

Pro Tips for the Best Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

Use fresh lemons – Fresh zest and juice deliver the best flavor.
Don’t overmix the batter – This prevents the loaf from becoming dense.
Room temperature ingredients blend better and create a smoother batter.
Cover with foil halfway if the top is browning too quickly.
Cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.

Storage & Freezing Tips

Want to keep your bread fresh longer? Store it properly to maintain the moist, soft texture.

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keep for up to a week but let it come to room temp before serving.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

If you love making sweet loaves, try this delicious Pumpkin Banana Loaf for a warm, spiced alternative!

FAQs

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?

Fresh lemons provide the best flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch.

2. Why did my bread sink in the middle?

This can happen if the batter was overmixed, the bread was underbaked, or the oven temperature was too high.

3. Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?

Yes! Simply divide the batter into muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes.

4. What’s the difference between this bread and pound cake?

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is lighter, while pound cake is denser with more butter and sugar.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is an absolute must-try for citrus lovers! Its moist, creamy texture and bright lemony flavor make it an instant favorite.

Looking for another creamy, fruit-filled treat? Try this Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish for a delightful breakfast option!

Enjoy baking! 🍋💕

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread: A Tangy & Creamy Delight

Author: kynall

Print Recipe

Description

Forget banana bread, this is my new fav! Would be absolutely perfect for Easter

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup sugar
3 eggs
8 oz sour cream
½ cup canola oil
Zest of 2 lemons
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
⅓ cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine sugar, eggs, sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and canola oil. Mix until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Mix Batter:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until fully combined. Set aside.
Prepare Cream Cheese Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
Assemble the Bread:
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture on top and gently swirl it with a knife.
- Pour the remaining batter over and repeat with the remaining cream cheese mixture, swirling again to create a marbled effect.
Bake:
- Bake for 65-70 minutes.
- Cover with foil for the last 20-30 minutes to prevent excessive browning.
Cool Completely:
Let the bread cool fully before slicing so the cream cheese sets properly.

Enjoy your homemade Lemon Cream Cheese Bread! 🍋🍞😋