Description
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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Ingredients
For the Lemon Bread:
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1½ cups all-purpose flour
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½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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¼ tsp salt
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup brown sugar (for extra moisture)
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2 large eggs
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½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
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¼ cup vegetable oil
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1 tbsp lemon zest (about 1 large lemon)
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¼ cup fresh lemon juice
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 egg yolk
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze:
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1–2 tbsp lemon juice (adjust to your desired glaze thickness)
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Cuisine: American