Lemon Cream Cheese Bread – Bright, Buttery & Swirled with Sweet Creaminess

 


Lemon Cream Cheese Bread – Bright, Buttery & Swirled with Sweet Creaminess

Introduction

There’s something so comforting about a loaf cake, isn’t there? It feels simple, unfussy, and somehow always appropriate — whether it’s sitting next to your morning coffee or served as dessert after dinner. I’m so grateful you’re here, sharing in these little baking moments with me.

This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is one of those recipes that feels special without being complicated. It’s dense yet tender, bright with fresh lemon zest, and swirled with a ribbon of sweet cream cheese right through the center. And yes — it’s every bit as good as it sounds.

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Overview of the Recipe

This loaf cake combines a rich lemon batter made with sour cream and oil (hello, ultra-moist texture!) with a sweet cream cheese swirl layered right through the middle and top.

The result? A beautifully marbled, bakery-style lemon bread with creamy pockets in every slice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bright, fresh lemon flavor

  • Rich and moist crumb

  • Gorgeous cream cheese swirl

  • Perfect for breakfast or dessert

  • Easy to make with pantry staples

What It Tastes Like

Imagine classic lemon loaf — sweet, citrusy, tender — but elevated. The lemon zest gives bold aroma, the juice adds brightness, and the cream cheese swirl brings a soft, slightly tangy sweetness that balances everything beautifully.

Each slice is buttery, lightly sweet, and perfectly dense.

Benefits of This Recipe

  • Stays moist for days

  • Beautiful presentation

  • Freezes well

  • Great for brunch tables or gifting

Ingredients

For the Lemon Bread:

  • 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

  • 1½ cups flour

  • 2½ teaspoons baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

  • ⅓ cup powdered sugar

Necessary Tools

  • Standard loaf pan

  • Mixing bowls (2–3)

  • Whisk or hand mixer

  • Spatula

  • Knife (for swirling)

  • Aluminum foil

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

Boost the Lemon Flavor

  • Add ½ teaspoon lemon extract

  • Drizzle a lemon glaze over the cooled loaf

Swap the Oil

  • Melted butter can replace canola oil for a slightly richer flavor

Add Texture

  • Stir in poppy seeds

  • Add white chocolate chips

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

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