Description
Zesty lemon cream cheese bread brings sunshine to your kitchen with its tangy, moist crumb. Creamy cheese and bright citrus notes create a delightful slice perfect for morning coffee or afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- 8 ounces (226 grams) sour cream
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) canola oil
- 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 lemons
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and coating a standard loaf pan with grease to prevent sticking.
- Create a harmonious wet mixture by whisking sugar, eggs, sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and canola oil until smooth and uniform in texture.
- Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a separate bowl, then gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to maintain a tender crumb.
- Craft the cream cheese swirl by blending softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
- Layer the bread by pouring half the batter into the prepared pan, then dolloping half the cream cheese mixture on top and using a knife to create elegant swirls.
- Complete the layering by adding remaining batter and cream cheese mixture, creating a marbled pattern with delicate knife strokes.
- Bake for 65-70 minutes, strategically covering with foil during the final 20-30 minutes to prevent over-browning and ensure even cooking.
- Allow the bread to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the cream cheese set and enhances the overall texture and flavor profile.
Notes
- Zest Matters: Use fresh lemons for the most vibrant citrus flavor, as bottled lemon juice lacks the bright, aromatic oils that make this bread sing.
- Cream Cheese Technique: Ensure cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature to create a smooth, lump-free swirl that blends seamlessly into the batter.
- Baking Precision: Check doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs to guarantee a perfectly moist bread.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities without compromising texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65-70 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 295 kcal
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg