Indulge in the delightful combination of zesty lemon and rich cream cheese with this moist and flavorful Lemon Cream Cheese Bread. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat, this loaf offers a refreshing citrus taste complemented by a creamy swirl.
Ingredients:
For the Batter:
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
8 oz sour cream
½ cup canola oil
Zest of 2 lemons
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
2½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
⅓ cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Grease a standard 9x5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, eggs, sour cream, canola oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender loaf.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl:
In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Bread:
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture over the batter in small dollops.
Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
Repeat with the remaining batter and cream cheese mixture, swirling gently on top.
Bake:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 65-70 minutes.
To prevent over-browning, cover the loaf with aluminum foil during the last 20-30 minutes of baking.
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
This cooling period helps the cream cheese layer set properly.
Enjoy this delightful Lemon Cream Cheese Bread as a standalone treat or paired with a cup of tea or coffee. Its moist texture and harmonious blend of flavors make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
