Lemon Cream Cheese Loaf

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Lemon Cream Cheese Loaf

This Lemon Cream Cheese Loaf is soft, moist, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. Cream cheese adds a rich, tender texture, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. Finish with a simple lemon glaze for extra sweetness and citrus zing.

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Glaze: ½ cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tbsp lemon juice.

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together.
  3. Beat butter, cream cheese, and sugar until fluffy.
  4. Mix in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla, lemon juice, and zest.
  5. Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
  6. Pour into the loaf pan and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Drizzle with lemon glaze if desired.

Notes

  • Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
  • Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor.
  • Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.

Tips

  • Let the loaf cool completely before glazing.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or 1 week refrigerated.
  • Freeze slices for up to 2 months.

Servings

10 slices

Nutritional Info (Per Slice)

  • Calories: 280
  • Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 140mg

Benefits

  • Provides energy from carbohydrates.
  • Cream cheese adds richness and a small amount of calcium.
  • Lemon offers vitamin C and fresh citrus flavor.
  • Homemade with no artificial preservatives.

Q&A

Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A: Yes, but fresh lemon juice and zest give the best flavor.

Q: Why is my loaf dense?
A: Overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients can make it dense.

Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Yes. The flavor improves after resting overnight in an airtight container.

Q: Can I add berries?
A: Yes, fold in ½ cup blueberries or raspberries before baking.

Q: Do I have to use the glaze?
A: No, the loaf is delicious plain or dusted with powdered sugar.

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