If you’re searching for a treat that’s bright, tender, and absolutely loaded with creamy goodness, look no further than this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread. Every bite delivers a burst of citrusy sunshine wrapped around a silky cream cheese layer, finished with a simple lemon glaze that makes it utterly irresistible. This is not just a breakfast loaf or a dessert—it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with friends, gift to neighbors, and bake on repeat all year long.

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of kitchen staples and a couple of lemons, you’ll create Lemon Cream Cheese Bread that’s both impressive and approachable. Each ingredient plays a special part, from the soft crumb to the zingy topping, ensuring every detail sings with flavor and texture.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the loaf, keeping it sturdy yet tender for perfect slicing.
Baking powder & baking soda: These help the bread rise evenly, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
Salt: Just a pinch brings out the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Unsalted butter (softened): Provides a rich, melt-in-your-mouth crumb and is key to creaming with sugar.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the bread and the cream cheese layer for a balanced bite.
Large eggs: Essential for binding everything together and adding moisture.
Fresh lemon juice: Delivers that signature tang and brightness you crave.
Lemon zest: Packs a concentrated citrus aroma that infuses the loaf with lemony depth.
Sour cream: Adds moisture and a little extra tang, keeping the bread supremely soft.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and elevates both batter and filling.
Cream cheese (softened): The heart of the creamy center, making every slice special.
Powdered sugar: Forms the base of the glaze, dissolving smoothly for a sweet-tart finish.

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper. This guarantees your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread will lift out flawlessly, with crisp edges and a picture-perfect finish every time.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This simple step ensures leaveners are distributed evenly, so your loaf will bake up with a consistent crumb throughout.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is noticeably light and fluffy. This aerates the butter, making your bread extra soft and tender.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Lemony Goodness

Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the lemon juice, scatter in the lemon zest, and add the sour cream and vanilla. Stir gently until everything is incorporated—the aroma at this point is heavenly!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix; this is the secret to keeping your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread tender rather than tough.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This luscious layer is what gives the bread its signature swirl of indulgence.

Step 7: Layer and Assemble

Spread half of the lemon batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out. Dollop the cream cheese mixture over this, then gently spread it to the edges, taking care not to mix it into the batter. Top with the remaining lemon batter and lightly smooth out the surface.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

Step 9: Glaze and Finish

Once cool, whisk the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice together until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the top, allowing it to flow lovingly down the sides. The final touch makes this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread absolutely irresistible!

How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

Garnishes

Add a flourish to your loaf by sprinkling extra lemon zest over the glaze or decorating with thin lemon slices. For a pop of color, a handful of fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar elevates both the taste and the visual appeal—your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread will look ready for a bakery window!

Side Dishes

Pair your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with a cup of hot earl grey tea, a latte, or even a cool glass of iced tea. For brunch, accompany it with a bowl of fresh fruit salad, lightly sweetened yogurt, or crispy bacon for a feast that hits every note of sweet and savory.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the bread thick and toasting it lightly under a broiler for a few minutes—you’ll love the contrast of crisp edges with the creamy middle. Alternatively, cut the loaf into cubes and turn it into a decadent bread pudding, or layer slices with whipped cream and berries for a show-stopping trifle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread keeps beautifully! Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually develop and intensify overnight, making each slice even more delightful the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, place cooled, unsliced bread in a zipper freezer bag or wrap individual slices for grab-and-go treats. It will keep its lovely flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

You can reheat slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in a toaster oven. A quick zap brings out the bread’s citrus perfume and makes the cream cheese layer delightfully soft once more.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice really does make a difference in both flavor and brightness, but in a pinch, bottled will work—you may just need to add a bit of extra zest for that punchy citrus flavor!

Why did my cream cheese layer sink in the middle?

Sometimes the cream cheese layer can sink if it’s spread too close to the edges or if the batter isn’t thick enough. Don’t worry—sinking won’t affect the taste, and you’ll still have gorgeous ribbons of cream cheese in every slice.

Can I make this bread gluten free?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure it includes xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep the loaf tender and prevent crumbling.

What’s the best way to zest a lemon without bitterness?

Use a microplane and only grate off the yellow part of the peel—avoid the white pith beneath, as that can taste bitter. The zest is where you get those fragrant essential oils that make Lemon Cream Cheese Bread so aromatic.

Is it necessary to chill the bread before glazing or serving?

It’s not strictly necessary, but chilling firms up the cream cheese layer and helps the glaze set prettily. Plus, some say Lemon Cream Cheese Bread tastes even better cold, with all the flavors melding together!

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread a try! There’s something so satisfying about sharing a loaf that’s both refreshingly zesty and beautifully creamy. Whether you serve it for brunch, teatime, or dessert, one slice and you’ll see why it’s such a beloved recipe in my collection.