Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

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Few baked goods strike the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and comforting quite like Lemon Cream Cheese Bread. This soft, moist loaf combines the bright freshness of real lemon juice and zest with the rich creaminess of cream cheese, creating a bakery-quality quick bread that feels both indulgent and refreshing.

Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, an afternoon coffee break, or a homemade gift, this lemon cream cheese loaf delivers consistent results with simple pantry ingredients. The tender crumb, subtle citrus aroma, and lightly sweet flavor make it a timeless favorite that works year-round.

This recipe is ideal for home bakers who want an easy, reliable lemon bread that stays moist for days and tastes even better the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and tender texture thanks to cream cheese and buttermilk
• Bright lemon flavor made with real lemon juice and zest
• Simple ingredients you likely already have on hand
• Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack
• Stays fresh and flavorful for several days
• Easy to customize with glazes or add-ins

Ingredients Breakdown

• Butter – Unsalted butter adds richness and helps create a soft, tender crumb. Creaming it properly with sugar is essential for structure.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the bread while contributing to moisture and golden browning during baking.
• Cream Cheese – The key ingredient that sets this loaf apart, adding richness, moisture, and a subtle tang that pairs perfectly with lemon.
• Eggs – Bind the ingredients together and provide structure and lift to the loaf.
• Lemon Juice – Fresh lemon juice adds natural acidity and a clean citrus flavor that brightens the entire bread.
• Lemon Zest – Contains fragrant lemon oils that intensify flavor without adding extra liquid.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure while keeping the bread soft and tender.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda – Work together to ensure even rise and proper baking.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the lemon flavor.
• Buttermilk – Adds moisture and tenderness while reacting with baking soda for improved texture.

Tips and Tricks

• Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and even baking
• Do not overmix the batter; mix until just combined to avoid a dense loaf
• Line the loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal
• Tent loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly
• Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling

Variations and Customizations

1. Lemon Glaze
   Drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cooled loaf for extra sweetness.
2. Blueberry Lemon Bread
   Fold in one cup of fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity twist.
3. Almond Lemon Bread
   Add a half teaspoon of almond extract for a subtle nutty flavor.
4. Healthier Option
   Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.

Pairing Suggestions

• Serve with hot coffee, tea, or iced espresso
• Pair with fresh berries for a light breakfast
• Enjoy alongside vanilla yogurt or whipped cream
• Serve as part of a brunch spread with eggs and fruit

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Store tightly wrapped for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator

Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days for maximum freshness.

Freezer

Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Popular Questions

Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.

Why is my bread dense?
Overmixing or using cold ingredients can cause a dense texture.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but bake in separate loaf pans for even cooking.

How do I know it’s done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

A soft, moist quick bread with bright lemon flavor and a rich cream cheese base. This loaf is lightly tangy, perfectly tender, and ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 310

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

Equipment

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• mixing bowls
• electric mixer
• whisk
• spatula
• Cooling rack

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Beat butter, sugar, and cream cheese together until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk, mixing just until combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• For extra lemon flavor, add additional zest to the batter
• Allow bread to cool fully before slicing for clean cuts
• Bread tastes even better the next day as flavors develop

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