Introduction
Are you searching for a delightful and tangy treat? Look no further! This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a perfect blend of smooth cream cheese filling and bright lemon flavor. It’s an ideal choice for breakfast or as a light dessert. Moist, tender, and incredibly flavorful, this bread is a must-try for any lemon lover!
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
All-purpose flour: 250g
Granulated sugar: 200g
Baking powder: 10g
Salt: 3g
Lemon zest: 5g (from about 2 lemons)
Whole milk: 120ml
Vegetable oil: 60ml
Lemon juice: 60ml
Large eggs: 2 (about 100g)
Cream cheese: 150g, softened
Powdered sugar: 50g
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, lemon juice, and eggs until well combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
6. Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
7. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the batter layer, spreading it gently to cover.
8. Pour the remaining batter over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to ensure easy release once baked.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest. The zest adds a lovely fragrance that will enhance the overall lemon aroma of your bread.
Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, vegetable oil, lemon juice, and large eggs until they are well combined. The mixture should be smooth and uniform, ensuring that all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Take care not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, but we want our bread to be moist and tender.
Prepare Cream Cheese Filling
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This filling provides a delightful tang and richness to the bread that perfectly contrasts with the bright lemon flavor.
Layer the Batter and Filling
Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly to create the base layer. Next, gently spoon the cream cheese mixture over the batter layer, spreading it carefully to cover without mixing it into the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly to enclose the filling.
Bake the Bread
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. The bread should be golden brown on top and smell divinely citrusy.
Cool and Serve
Allow the baked bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!
Notes
Ingredient Freshness
Using fresh lemons for zest and juice will provide the most aromatic and vibrant flavor. If time allows, try letting your cream cheese come to room temperature for a smoother filling.
Baking Time Adjustment
Oven temperatures can vary, so check your bread a few minutes before the suggested time. If it starts browning too quickly, cover the top loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while it finishes baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is delightful on its own, but you can also serve it with a spread of butter or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent touch. Adding fresh berries on the side can add color and freshness!
Storage Instructions
Store the cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider slicing and freezing it; simply thaw at room temperature or pop slices in a toaster for a quick treat.
Potential Variations
Feel free to add poppy seeds or chopped nuts into the batter for additional texture. A glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice can also elevate the flavor and presentation.
Cook techniques
Mixing Techniques
Ensure that when you combine wet and dry ingredients, you mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser bread.
Cream Cheese Layering
Spread the cream cheese mixture gently over the batter to create a delicious filling without disturbing the underlying bread layer.
Baking
Place the loaf in the center of the oven to ensure even baking. Check for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.
Cooling
Let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents it from becoming soggy.
FAQ
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used, but it may slightly alter the creaminess of the filling.
Can I substitute lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, you can substitute it with bottled lemon juice if necessary.
How should I store the Lemon Cream Cheese Bread?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, you can freeze the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of all-purpose flour?
You can substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour or a blend of almond and coconut flour, but results may vary.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a delightful and tangy treat, this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is sure to satisfy. With its smooth cream cheese filling and bright lemon flavor, it’s perfect for breakfast or as a light dessert. Moist, tender, and incredibly flavorful, this bread is a must-try!
Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
Add fresh or frozen blueberries to your batter for a burst of flavor that complements the lemon beautifully.
Glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
Top your finished loaf with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for extra sweetness and tang.
Poppy Seed Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
Incorporate poppy seeds into the batter for added texture and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with lemon.
Chocolate Chip Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
Fold in some semi-sweet or white chocolate chips to add a rich, creamy sweetness that balances the tangy lemon.
Almond Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
Add almond extract to the batter and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for a delicious nutty flavor.
Coconut Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
Mix shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical twist that pairs wonderfully with the lemon zest.
Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins
Transform the recipe into muffins for a portable breakfast option that still delivers the same delightful flavors.
