Description

A moist, tangy, and indulgent lemon loaf with a rich cream cheese swirl. This bakery-style Lemon Cream Cheese Bread features bright citrus flavor and a tender crumb, perfect for brunch, dessert, or a cozy snack.

Ingredients

1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar

3 large eggs

8 oz (≈ 225 g) sour cream

½ cup (120 ml) canola or vegetable oil

Zest of 2 lemons

Juice of 1 lemon (≈ 2 Tbsp)

1 tsp vanilla extract

1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour

2½ tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

8 oz (≈ 225 g) cream cheese, softened

⅓ cup (40 g) powdered sugar

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease and flour a standard loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together the sugar, eggs, sour cream, oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Spoon half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Add half of the cream cheese mixture in dollops on top and swirl gently with a knife. Repeat the layers and swirl again.
Bake for 65–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 20–30 minutes of baking.
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Swap lemon with orange zest and juice for a citrus twist.

Fold in fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity variation.

Add a lemon glaze on top for extra indulgence once cooled.

Store at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Wrap and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.

Microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds to reheat.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 280mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 65mg