Title: Cream Cheese Lemon Bread
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50-55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yields: 1 loaf (about 8-10 slices)
Ingredients:
For the Bread:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz (1/2 cup) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk (or buttermilk)
For the Lemon Glaze (optional but recommended):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Add the Wet Ingredients:
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture, alternating with the milk (starting and ending with the flour mixture). Mix just until everything is combined; avoid overmixing.
6. Bake the Bread:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Make the Lemon Glaze (optional):
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread for a tangy, sweet finish.
8. Serve:
- Slice and enjoy this deliciously moist bread with bursts of lemon flavor. Perfect with a cup of tea or as a light dessert!
Nutritional Information (per slice, without glaze):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 14g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
This Cream Cheese Lemon Bread is wonderfully moist with a rich cream cheese base and a bright lemony flavor. The optional lemon glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness and zing!