Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite lemon cream cheese bread! It’s the kind of treat that just makes your heart sing. Picture this: you take a bite, and you’re greeted with a moist, fluffy texture that’s bursting with zesty lemon flavor. I remember the first time I made it, the sun was shining through my kitchen window, and the heavenly aroma filled the air. I sliced into the warm loaf and shared it with my family, and we all just sat there, savoring every crumb, smiles on our faces. Trust me, this bread is perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a special breakfast treat. You’ll fall in love with it just like I did!
Ingredients for Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create the most delightful lemon cream cheese bread:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened – This is the star of the show, adding a rich creaminess!
- 1 cup sugar – For that perfect hint of sweetness that balances the tart lemon.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened – It brings moisture and a buttery flavor to the bread.
- 2 large eggs – These help bind everything together for a lovely texture.
- 1/4 cup lemon juice – Freshly squeezed is best for that vibrant lemony zing!
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest – A little zest goes a long way in enhancing the lemon flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base that gives structure to our delicious loaf.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – This helps the bread rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Another rising agent for that perfect fluffy consistency.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – A pinch to enhance all the flavors.
Make sure you have everything ready, because once you start, you won’t want to stop until you’ve got that warm loaf cooling on your counter!
How to Prepare Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making this scrumptious lemon cream cheese bread! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with a delightful loaf that fills your kitchen with a citrusy aroma. Grab your mixing bowls, and let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even baking, so don’t skip this step!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and butter until it’s smooth and fluffy. I love using an electric mixer for this; it makes life so much easier!
- Next, add in the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix everything well until combined, and trust me—the smell will have you dreaming of sunny days!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Make sure to spread it evenly, so it bakes uniformly.
- Now, pop it in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Just keep an eye on it toward the end!
- Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing. Oh, the anticipation will be worth it!
And there you go! You’re just a few simple steps away from enjoying a slice of lemony heaven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This lemon cream cheese bread is a delightful treat that you’ll want to make over and over again! Here’s why:
- Bright, zesty flavor that’s perfect for any time of day.
- Super easy to prepare, making it great for both beginner and seasoned bakers.
- Moist and tender texture that melts in your mouth.
- Versatile enough to enjoy as a snack, breakfast, or dessert.
- Can be customized with nuts or dried fruits for added texture.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Tips for Success
To ensure your lemon cream cheese bread turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips! First, make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature; this helps everything combine smoothly. When mixing, don’t overmix the batter—just stir until combined to keep that beautiful, tender texture. Also, let the bread cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack; this prevents it from breaking apart. Finally, be patient and let it cool completely before slicing—trust me, it’s worth the wait for that perfect slice!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious lemon cream cheese bread fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for later, this bread freezes beautifully! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, and then you can warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Wow, that fresh-baked aroma will fill your kitchen once more!
Nutritional Information
This lemon cream cheese bread is not only delicious but also packs a decent nutritional punch! Each slice contains approximately 220 calories, with 10g of fat, 3g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find about 15g of sugar and 180mg of sodium per slice. Keep in mind these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy every bite, knowing you’re indulging in something delightful!
FAQ About Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
Got questions about making this scrumptious lemon cream cheese bread? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese will work just fine, but keep in mind that the texture may be a bit different. It might be slightly less creamy.
What can I add for extra flavor?
If you want to amp up the flavor, consider adding poppy seeds or chopped nuts to the batter. They add a delightful texture and taste that complements the lemon beautifully!
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! This lemon cream cheese bread actually tastes even better the next day. You can bake it a day in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. Don’t worry if it’s a little golden on top—that’s just perfect!
Can I substitute the lemon juice?
If you don’t have fresh lemon juice, you can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh really does provide that vibrant flavor that makes this bread so special!
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions—I’m here to help you create the best lemon cream cheese bread ever!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear how your lemon cream cheese bread turns out! If you give this recipe a try, please leave a comment below and let me know how you enjoyed it. Feel free to rate the recipe too—I appreciate your feedback! And if you have any personal twists or variations, share those as well. Let’s spread the love for this delightful bread together!
Imprimer
Lemon Cream Cheese Bread: 7 Irresistible Happiness Bites
- Temps Total: 75 minutes
- Rendement: 1 loaf 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A delightful lemon cream cheese bread that is moist and flavorful.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together cream cheese, sugar, and butter.
- Add eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest; mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture; stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This bread can be frozen for later use.
- Add nuts for extra texture if desired.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 60 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 180mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 40mg
Mots-clés: lemon cream cheese bread
