Moist Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

If you’re a fan of soft, citrusy, and melt-in-your-mouth baked treats, this Moist Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is going to be your new favorite! Loaded with bright lemon flavor and enriched with a creamy cheese swirl, this loaf is the ultimate breakfast, brunch, or afternoon pick-me-up. It’s easy to make, bursting with fresh flavor, and stays tender for days.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lemon Lovers’ Dream – Bold lemon flavor in every bite.
Super Moist Texture – Thanks to cream cheese and oil in the batter.
Perfect for Any Time – Serve for breakfast, tea, or dessert.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and no fancy equipment needed.
Freezer-Friendly – Bake ahead and freeze for future cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Lemon Bread:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar (for extra moisture)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (about 1 large lemon)
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp lemon juice (adjust to your desired glaze thickness)

Tools You’ll Need

• Loaf pan (9×5 inch)
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Zester or microplane
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract.
Mix until creamy and well blended. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Bread Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, Greek yogurt, oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla.
Mix until smooth and well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 4: Layer the Batter and Filling
Pour half of the lemon batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Spoon the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter. Gently spread it using a spatula.
Top with the remaining lemon batter, smoothing out the surface.

Step 5: Bake the Bread
Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil after 35–40 minutes.
Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 6: Drizzle with Lemon Glaze
While the bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice to form a smooth glaze.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread. Let it set before slicing.

Tips for Success
Don’t Overmix – Stir the batter gently to keep the bread tender.
Room Temp Ingredients – Helps everything blend smoothly for even texture.
Fresh Lemon Juice – Always use fresh juice for best flavor.
Check for Doneness – Use a toothpick in the center to avoid underbaking.
Cool Before Glazing – Let the bread cool to avoid melting the glaze.

Serving Suggestions
Serve slices with hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Top with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a more decadent dessert.
Enjoy warm or chilled – both are delicious!

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:
Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing:
Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slightly before serving if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
   Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.
2. Can I skip the cream cheese filling?
   Absolutely! The bread is delicious on its own, though the filling adds extra richness.
3. Can I use whole wheat flour?
   You can replace up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a denser texture.
4. Why did my bread sink in the middle?
   Overmixing or underbaking can cause this. Make sure to mix gently and bake until fully set.
5. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes! You can double it and bake in two loaf pans or use a 9×13 pan and adjust baking time.

Final Thoughts
This Moist Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is the perfect mix of tangy, sweet, and creamy. It’s the kind of treat that brings sunshine to your table, whether it’s for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Easy to make and loved by all ages, this is one recipe you’ll want to bake on repeat.

Try it out and let me know how it turns out! Leave a comment below and share your version on social media to inspire others to bake something bright and delicious today.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 210mg

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