Are you craving a deliciously moist and flavorful bread that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread recipe is the perfect answer for a quick bread fix. Imagine the tangy zest of lemon perfectly complementing the creamy richness of cream cheese, all baked into a golden-brown loaf that's irresistible. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon treat. It’s also a great option for homemade cooking enthusiasts who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- Zest of 2 lemons
- ¼ cup lemon juice
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This ensures your bread releases easily after baking.
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Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. A hand mixer or stand mixer will make this step much easier.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and buttermilk. Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix!
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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Swirl in Cream Cheese & Lemon: Gently fold in the softened cream cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Don't overmix; you want swirls of cream cheese throughout the bread.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
Tips for the Best Lemon Cream Cheese Bread:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using softened butter, cream cheese, and eggs ensures even mixing and a lighter texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Bread: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter along with the cream cheese.
- Glaze it Up: Add a simple lemon glaze by whisking together powdered sugar with lemon juice until it reaches your desired consistency. Drizzle over the cooled bread.
- Add Nuts: Incorporate ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Around 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Protein: 4-5g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This delicious Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a truly satisfying and memorable dish. It's a quick dinner idea, a healthy addition to your meal plan, and a delicious treat that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the burst of sunshine in every slice!