Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Loaf – Dive into the zesty world of our Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Loaf. A recipe that promises. To bring a burst of lemony freshness. Straight to your table. With a perfect blend of tangy lemon zest. Rich cream cheese. And a soft, moist crumb. This loaf is the epitome of homemade comfort. Key ingredients like fresh lemons, sour cream, and a generous swirl of cream cheese. Make this recipe a must-try. For any citrus lover.
I still remember the first time. I baked this delightful loaf. It was a sunny Sunday morning. And I wanted to surprise my family. With something special for brunch. As the aroma of lemon. And baking bread. Filled the kitchen. It didn’t take long. For my husband and child. To find their way to the kitchen. Eager with anticipation. Their first bite was met with smiles. And a request for this. To become a regular in our home. It’s not just a loaf. It’s a slice of our family memories. Shared and cherished over the years.
What makes this Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Loaf truly stands out?
The Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Loaf stands out. With its exquisite balance of flavors. And textures. Merging the bright acidity of lemon zest. And juice. With the rich, tangy sweetness of cream cheese. For a harmonious taste profile. Its signature feature. A visually striking and deliciously creamy cream cheese swirl. Adds a luxurious texture. And depth. That elevates it beyond traditional lemon bread. Versatile and universally appealing. This loaf is the perfect addition. To any meal. From a sunlit brunch. To a cozy evening dessert. Making it a true crowd-pleaser. For a variety of occasions.
What You Need To Make This Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe?
Sugar: Sweetens our loaf and gives it a beautiful golden color.
Eggs: Keep everything together, adding moisture for a soft texture.
Sour Cream: The secret ingredient for a moist loaf with a slight tang.
Canola Oil: Makes the loaf light and tender, without overpowering other flavors.
Lemon Zest & Juice: Add a fresh, zesty kick that’s like sunshine in every bite.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brings a cozy warmth and aroma.
Flour, Baking Powder, & Salt: The base trio that gives the loaf its structure and lift, with a little pinch of salt to enhance all the flavors.
Cream Cheese & Powdered Sugar: Create creamy swirls with a sweet tang, making every slice extra special and delicious.
Steps To Make Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Loaf:
Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a standard loaf pan. And lovingly grease it. Preparing it for the delicious batter it’s about to hold.
Step 2: In a cozy corner of your kitchen. Whisk together the sugar, eggs, sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla, and oil. In a large bowl. Imagine the zest of the lemons. Infusing the mix with bits of sunshine.
Step 3: In a separate bowl. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. It’s like a little snowfall of dry ingredients. Ready to join the wet mixture in harmony.
Step 4: Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet. Stirring until just combined. And let the anticipation build as the batter comes together.
Step 5: Now, for the magic swirl: mix the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar. Until it’s smooth. Dreaming of the creamy rivulets it will create in your loaf.
Step 6: Pour half the batter. Into your prepared pan. Dot with half the cream cheese mixture. And use a knife to swirl it around. Creating beautiful patterns. Cover with the remaining batter. Repeat the swirls with the rest of the cream cheese mixture.
Step 7: Bake for about 65-70 minutes. If the top starts to tell tales of too much sun. Cover it gently with foil. For the last 20-30 minutes.
Step 8: Patience is key. Let the loaf cool completely. Allowing the cream cheese to set into swirls of perfection before slicing.
Tip:
For an exceptionally moist. And flavorful Lemon Cream Cheese Loaf. Ensure your ingredients. Especially the eggs, sour cream, and cream cheese. Are at room temperature. Before mixing. This little step. Makes a big difference. Helping ingredients. Blend more smoothly and evenly. Resulting in a better texture. And more uniform distribution. Of those gorgeous cream cheese swirls throughout the loaf. It’s a simple trick. That elevates your baking from good to great. Ensuring each slice. Is as luscious. As it is delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lemon juice is recommended. For its vibrant flavor. Bottled juice can be used in a pinch. Just remember. The zest is non-negotiable. For that authentic citrus burst.
Can this loaf be frozen for later enjoyment?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly. After it cools completely. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature. And maybe give it a gentle warm-up in the oven before serving.
Can I make mini loaves with this recipe?
Yes, you can! Adjust the baking time accordingly. Start checking at around 25 minutes. Mini loaves make delightful gifts. Or perfect treats for a tea party.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Loaf
Ingredients
- 1 c sugar
- 3 eggs
- 8 ounces sour cream
- ½ c canola oil
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ c flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 8 ounces package cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ c powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a big bowl, mix sugar, eggs, sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla, and oil until smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift flour, baking powder, and salt together.
- Combine: Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Set this batter aside.
- Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Layer in Pan: Pour half the batter into the pan. Add half the cream cheese mixture in dollops. Swirl with a knife. Repeat with the remaining batter and cream cheese mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 65-70 minutes. If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil for the last 20-30 minutes.
- Cool: Let the loaf cool in the pan, then remove and slice once completely cool.
- Enjoy your zesty and creamy lemon loaf!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!