There’s something undeniably comforting about a slice of homemade quick bread, and this Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Bread takes it to a whole new level. With its tangy lemon flavor, creamy swirl of cream cheese, and soft, tender crumb, this bread is the perfect balance of sweetness and zest.

The first time I made this, I wanted something bright and refreshing to bring to a brunch. Lemon is always a favorite, but adding cream cheese to the mix gave it that extra touch of indulgence. The result was a loaf that disappeared within minutes, with guests asking for the recipe before I could sit down.

What I love most about this bread is its versatility. It’s equally at home as a sweet breakfast treat, a mid-afternoon snack, or even a simple dessert. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, with just a handful of ingredients and no fancy equipment required.

Let’s bake up this Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Bread and bring a little sunshine to your kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe that’s destined to become a family favorite.

The Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Bread combines a tangy lemon-flavored quick bread with a luscious cream cheese swirl for a perfectly balanced, easy-to-make treat.

This recipe requires no special equipment and comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for brunches, gatherings, or as a simple homemade gift. The result is a moist, tender loaf that’s both indulgent and refreshing.

If you’re looking for a lemon bread that stands out from the rest, this is the one to try.

An Exciting Story:

The first time I served this Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Bread was at a springtime tea party with my friends. The cheerful yellow hue and creamy swirls were so inviting, and the flavor lived up to the appearance. My husband, who isn’t a big fan of overly sweet desserts, loved how the tangy lemon balanced the richness of the cream cheese. Now, this bread has a permanent spot in my baking rotation.

Why This Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Bread?

• Bright and Tangy: The fresh lemon flavor adds a refreshing twist.
• Creamy and Indulgent: The cream cheese swirl takes it to the next level.
• Quick and Simple: Ready in under an hour with no special equipment.
• Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit at gatherings and parties.

What You Need for Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

• For the Lemon Bread:
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

How to Make Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Make the Lemon Bread Batter:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
   • In a large bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, melted butter, sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
   • In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Bread:
   • Pour half of the lemon bread batter into the prepared pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter. Top with the remaining lemon bread batter, spreading gently to cover the cream cheese layer.
5. Bake:
   • Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (avoid the cream cheese layer when testing). If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil after 30 minutes.
6. Cool and Serve:
   • Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Tips for Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for a smoother batter.
2. Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined to keep the bread tender.

Substitutions and Variations:

• Add Berries: Fold in ½ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries to the batter.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Citrus Twist: Swap the lemon with orange or lime for a different flavor profile.

Make a Healthier Version:

• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Reduce sugar by substituting a natural sweetener like honey or stevia.
• Opt for light cream cheese for a lower-fat option.

Closing for Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Bread:

And there you have it—Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Bread that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying a quiet slice with tea, this recipe is guaranteed to brighten your day. Let us know how yours turns out, and be sure to explore more of our easy, delicious recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, it stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or a week in the fridge.

How do I store leftovers?
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.

Can I freeze this bread?
Absolutely! Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

What’s the best way to reheat it?
Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is best, but bottled works in a pinch.

Can I make muffins with this recipe?
Yes, bake in a muffin tin for 18-22 minutes.

What if my cream cheese layer sinks?
Ensure the batter underneath is thick enough to support the cream cheese.

Can I glaze the bread?
Yes! Drizzle with a simple lemon glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice.

What pairs well with this bread?
Enjoy with tea, coffee, or a dollop of whipped cream.

Can I use a different pan size?
Adjust baking time if using smaller or larger pans.

How do I prevent overbrowning?
Cover the bread loosely with foil during the last 20 minutes of baking.

What’s the secret to the perfect swirl?
Spread the cream cheese layer evenly and gently dollop the remaining batter on top.

Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: Cake, Dessert, Occasions, Weight watchers

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Lemon Bread:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Zest of 2 lemons

• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp lemon juice

Directions

• Preheat and Prepare Pan:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
• Make the Lemon Bread Batter:
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In a large bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, melted butter, sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
• Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
• In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
• Assemble the Bread:
• Pour half of the lemon bread batter into the prepared pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter. Top with the remaining lemon bread batter, spreading gently to cover the cream cheese layer.
• Bake:
• Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (avoid the cream cheese layer when testing). If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil after 30 minutes.
• Cool and Serve:
• Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!