Oh my goodness, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite recipes that never fails to put a smile on my face: Lemon Cream Cheese Bread! I have such fond memories of baking this delightful treat on sunny mornings, the zesty aroma wafting through my kitchen and instantly brightening my mood. It’s one of those recipes that beautifully marries the tangy freshness of lemon with the rich creaminess of cream cheese, creating a bread that’s perfectly moist and deliciously flavorful—a real crowd-pleaser!
I remember the first time I made this bread for a brunch with friends. As soon as they took their first bite, there was a collective “Mmm!” around the table, and I knew I had struck culinary gold! It’s not just a loaf of bread; it’s a hug in a slice, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a dessert. So if you’re ready to brighten up your day with a little zing and creaminess, let’s get baking!
What’s in Lemon Cream Cheese Bread?
Lemon Juice: The star of the show! Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, zesty flavor that is absolutely essential. I prefer using freshly squeezed juice rather than bottled for the best flavor.
Lemon Zest: This ingredient packs an extra punch of lemony goodness. It’s amazing how much flavor you get from the zest, so don’t skip it!
Cream Cheese: This is the secret weapon that makes the bread incredibly moist and gives it a subtle tang. I recommend using regular cream cheese for the best texture, but low-fat works too if you’re watching your calories.
Sugar: Both granulated sugar and brown sugar are used to achieve the perfect sweetness. The brown sugar enhances moisture and adds a slight caramel flavor.
Eggs: These are essential for binding the ingredients together and ensuring a fluffy texture. I usually go for large eggs.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the backbone of the bread. You could experiment with cake flour if you want a lighter crumb, but all-purpose works just beautifully!
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents make sure that your bread rises perfectly and has that sought-after softness.
Salt: Just a pinch, but it’s super important to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
Is Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Good for You?
This lovely bread is a delightful treat that you can enjoy, but like everything, moderation is key!
Lemon Juice: Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, lemon juice can help boost your immune system. It’s also known to aid digestion!
Cream Cheese: While it’s creamy and delicious, remember cream cheese is high in fat, so keep an eye on serving sizes if you’re concerned about calories.
Sugar: We’re using a bit of sugar here to sweeten the deal, which might be a concern if you’re cutting down on sugar. Consider swapping some of the sugar with a sugar substitute if you’d like!
All in all, while this bread isn’t exactly a superfood, it can definitely be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet—as long as you don’t eat the whole loaf in one sitting (no promises, though)!
Ingredients List
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
*Serves: About 8 slices (or more if you’re feeling generous!)
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bread?
1. **Preheat the Oven:** First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. **Cream the Cheese and Sugars:** In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. **Add Eggs and Lemon:** Mix in the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest until everything is combined smoothly.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. **Mix Dry with Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Fold gently until just combined; it’s okay if a few lumps remain—overmixing can make the bread tough!
6. **Pour and Bake:** Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. **Cool Down:** Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Let’s Get Creative!
You can dress up this bread in a variety of ways! Consider adding some poppy seeds for an extra crunch or drizzling a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice on top for a sweet finish. Oh, and feel free to experiment with adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique twist—especially if you’re feeling adventurous!
I really encourage you to give this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread a try. It’s perfect for breakfast with a cup of tea, an afternoon snack, or just whenever you need a little sunshine in your life. If you do make it, please let me know how it turns out! Happy baking!
