Add the Eggs and Lemon: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the bread towards the end to ensure it doesn’t brown too much.
Cool the Bread: Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Glaze the Bread (Optional): For a sweet finishing touch, mix together the powdered sugar and lemon juice to create a glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread, letting it set before slicing.
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Serving Suggestions: This lemon cream cheese bread is perfect as a stand-alone snack or dessert. You can also serve it with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy, comforting experience. If you like, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Storing Leftovers: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep it fresh longer, you can freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a resealable freezer bag.
Glaze Tip: If you prefer a lighter glaze, feel free to reduce the amount of powdered sugar, or skip the glaze altogether for a more subtle finish. The bread is delicious on its own, too!
Variants:
Lemon Poppy Seed Bread: Add 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter for a delightful crunch and a slightly different twist on the classic recipe.
Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Bread: Stir in a cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for added sweetness and a burst of fruit flavor. This combination of lemon and blueberry is a classic!
Vegan Lemon Cream Cheese Bread: Substitute the eggs and dairy with plant-based alternatives. Use dairy-free butter, cream cheese, and a flax egg substitute for the eggs. Ensure that the milk is plant-based as well (like almond or soy milk).
Gluten-Free Lemon Bread: If you’re looking to make a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You may need to adjust the moisture levels slightly, depending on the brand of gluten-free flour you use.
FAQ:
Q: Can I make this recipe without a loaf pan?
A: Yes, you can! You can also bake this bread in muffin tins. Just adjust the baking time to 20-25 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
Q: What can I do if I don’t have fresh lemons?
A: If fresh lemons aren’t available, you can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh zest and juice will provide the best flavor. You can substitute about 1 tablespoon of bottled lemon juice for the zest.
Q: How do I know when the bread is done baking?
A: The bread is done when it has a golden brown crust and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
Q: Can I make this bread ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the bread a day or two ahead of time. It will stay fresh for a few days, and the flavors will have time to meld. If you plan to store it longer, wrap it tightly and freeze it.
Q: Can I add more lemon flavor to the bread?
A: Yes, for a stronger lemon flavor, you can increase the amount of lemon juice or zest in the recipe. Just be cautious not to add too much liquid, as it might affect the texture of the bread.
Conclusion:
Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is an irresistible treat that combines the tangy zest of lemon with the creamy richness of cream cheese, making it a perfect loaf for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special event, brunch, or just to enjoy at home, this bread is sure to satisfy your taste buds. With its soft texture, sweet and tangy flavor, and a touch of lemon glaze, it’s a simple yet impressive recipe everyone will love. Enjoy!
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