When you think of the perfect quick bread, what comes to mind? For many of us, it’s a loaf that’s tender, flavorful, and just the right amount of indulgent. This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread checks all the boxes—soft and moist with a sunny citrus flavor, plus a creamy, tangy swirl of sweetened cream cheese running through the center. It’s the kind of treat that can be served for breakfast, enjoyed as an afternoon snack, or even presented as a dessert after dinner.
Lemon lovers will be delighted by how the zest and juice infuse the batter with fresh, bright notes that balance beautifully against the richness of the cream cheese layer. Meanwhile, the sour cream in the batter ensures a moist crumb, and the marbled cream cheese swirl adds both texture and visual appeal. Every slice is a perfect balance of tart, sweet, and creamy.
This bread also scores major points for its versatility. You can make it ahead of time—its flavor deepens after a day or two—and it freezes beautifully, making it a smart choice for meal prep or gifting. Whether you’re baking for a spring brunch, a holiday breakfast, or just to have something special with your morning coffee, this lemon cream cheese bread is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright, fresh lemon flavor from both zest and juice
- Moist, tender crumb thanks to sour cream in the batter
- Creamy sweetened cream cheese swirl for a decadent touch
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, snack time, or dessert
- Freezes well for make-ahead convenience
- Simple ingredients with a bakery-quality result
Ingredients
For the Lemon Bread Batter
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 8 oz sour cream
- ½ cup canola oil
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a standard loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, eggs, sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and canola oil. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated. The zest will release aromatic oils, giving the batter a fragrant citrus aroma.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and prevents lumps in the batter.
Step 4: Bring It Together
Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a denser loaf.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This sweetened filling will create the signature swirl in the bread.
Step 6: Layer and Swirl
Pour half of the lemon batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon about half of the cream cheese mixture over the batter in small dollops, then use a butter knife to gently swirl it into the batter without fully mixing it in. Repeat with the remaining batter and cream cheese mixture, creating another swirl layer.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 65–70 minutes. To prevent over-browning, loosely cover the top with foil during the last 20–30 minutes of baking. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with only a few moist crumbs.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This is especially important for cream cheese-filled breads, as the filling needs time to set for clean slices.
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free swirl.
- Zest your lemons before juicing to make the process easier.
- Don’t overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added—gentle folding is best.
- Covering with foil partway through baking prevents the top from over-browning while the center finishes cooking.
- Allowing the bread to cool completely will make slicing cleaner and prevent the cream cheese from smearing.
Variations
- Berry Lemon Cream Cheese Bread – Add fresh blueberries or raspberries to the batter for fruity bursts.
- Glazed Lemon Bread – Drizzle with a simple lemon glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice) after cooling for extra sweetness.
- Coconut Twist – Add shredded coconut to the batter or sprinkle on top for tropical flavor.
- Nut Lover’s Version – Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Mini Loaves – Divide batter into smaller loaf pans for individual portions—perfect for gifting.
Storage and Reheating
- Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration – Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days; the cream cheese swirl makes refrigeration a good idea for longer storage.
- Freezing – Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Reheating – Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-baked feel.
Final Thoughts
Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a perfect example of how a simple quick bread can be elevated into something extraordinary with just a few thoughtful additions. The tangy lemon base, the creamy ribbon of sweetened cream cheese, and the tender crumb make this loaf irresistible from the first slice to the last.
It’s a wonderful recipe to have in your baking rotation because it works for so many occasions. Need a sunny, fresh breakfast bread? Done. Want something special to serve at brunch? Perfect. Need a homemade gift that’s both beautiful and delicious? This bread delivers.
Once you’ve made it, you’ll see why citrus and cream cheese are such a winning combination. Every bite is a little taste of brightness and comfort, making it just as perfect for a cozy winter afternoon as it is for a breezy spring morning.
Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
Ingredients
For the Lemon Bread Batter
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 8 oz sour cream
- ½ cup canola oil
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a standard loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, eggs, sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and canola oil. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated. The zest will release aromatic oils, giving the batter a fragrant citrus aroma.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and prevents lumps in the batter.
Step 4: Bring It Together
- Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a denser loaf.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
- In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This sweetened filling will create the signature swirl in the bread.
Step 6: Layer and Swirl
- Pour half of the lemon batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon about half of the cream cheese mixture over the batter in small dollops, then use a butter knife to gently swirl it into the batter without fully mixing it in. Repeat with the remaining batter and cream cheese mixture, creating another swirl layer.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 65–70 minutes. To prevent over-browning, loosely cover the top with foil during the last 20–30 minutes of baking. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with only a few moist crumbs.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This is especially important for cream cheese-filled breads, as the filling needs time to set for clean slices.
Leave a Comment