When you’re in the mood for a dessert that combines the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is exactly what you need. This loaf cake is everything you want in a baked treat—moist, flavorful, and just the right amount of indulgence. It’s a great way to satisfy that citrus craving, and the cream cheese filling running through the center adds an irresistible creamy richness that makes each bite feel like a little slice of heaven.
Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of tea, serving it for breakfast, or bringing it to a gathering, this lemon loaf cake will be the star of the show. The freshness of the lemon pairs beautifully with the creamy filling, making it a delightful treat any time of the year. Let me show you how to make it!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
Lemon bread on its own is wonderful, but when you add a luscious cream cheese filling running through the middle, it becomes something truly special. The cake itself is soft, moist, and perfectly flavored with the tangy zest of lemon and a subtle sweetness. The cream cheese filling adds a rich, velvety texture that contrasts beautifully with the light, fluffy bread. Plus, the drizzle of lemon glaze on top gives it just the right finishing touch.
What’s great about this recipe is how easy it is to make. The ingredients are simple and straightforward, and you don’t need any fancy equipment. A hand mixer is all you need to get this cake into the oven in no time.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream cheese filling needs to be refrigerated, and the cake will stay fresh and moist.
Can I Freeze This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread?
Yes! This cake freezes beautifully. Allow the loaf to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in a resealable freezer bag, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few hours, and it will be as good as new.
Ingredients for Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
This recipe is made with everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cake:
- ½ cup butter (room temperature) – This helps create a rich, moist texture.
- 1 cup white sugar – The sweetness to balance out the tartness of the lemon.
- 3 large eggs – Provides structure and helps the cake rise.
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest – Fresh zest is key to getting that bright, fresh lemon flavor.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice – Adds that tangy lemon kick.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla – Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The base of your cake.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – A small amount of salt balances the sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cake rise.
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder – Assists in the cake’s fluffy texture.
- ⅓ cup sour cream – Adds moisture and richness to the batter.
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature) – This is the star of the filling. It adds the perfect creamy richness.
- 1 large egg – Helps bind the filling together.
- ¼ cup sugar – Adds sweetness to the cream cheese.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Thickens the filling just enough to keep it in place as it bakes.
For the Lemon Drizzle:
- ½ cup powdered sugar – The base of your drizzle.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice – To bring that citrusy kick to the glaze.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
Making this lemon cream cheese bread is simple, and you’ll love how easy it is to put together. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×4-inch loaf pan. This will ensure your cake comes out easily once it’s done baking. - Make the Cake Batter:
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using a hand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla. Beat for another minute until everything is well incorporated. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, beating after each addition until smooth. Stir in the sour cream, mixing until just combined. The batter should be thick and creamy. - Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, egg, sugar, and flour together until smooth and lump-free. The filling will be thick but spreadable. - Assemble the Loaf:
Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Next, carefully spoon the cream cheese filling over the batter, spreading it out gently to avoid mixing it into the cake batter. Once the cream cheese filling is in place, pour the remaining cake batter on top, covering the cream cheese completely. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth; the cake will rise and bake around the cream cheese, creating that beautiful ribbon effect. - Bake the Cake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with just a few moist crumbs. The top should feel firm and lightly browned. If you notice the top browning too quickly, cover the cake loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking. - Cool and Drizzle:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
While the cake cools, make the lemon drizzle. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top using a fork for a delicate finish.
- Serve and Enjoy:
Once the glaze has set, slice the cake and serve. This lemon cream cheese bread is perfect on its own or paired with a cup of coffee or tea.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
There’s something about the combination of tangy lemon and rich cream cheese that makes this cake irresistible. The lemon zest adds a burst of freshness, while the cream cheese filling provides a creamy contrast to the soft, fluffy cake. The lemon drizzle on top gives it a finishing touch of sweetness that really pulls everything together.
Whether you’re baking this for a special occasion, a potluck, or simply because you’re craving something sweet, this lemon cream cheese bread will definitely impress. It’s simple to make, but it tastes like a showstopper, and the flavors are just perfect for spring and summer. The addition of cream cheese turns a regular lemon loaf into something extra special. Enjoy every bite, and feel free to share it with friends and family—they’ll be asking for the recipe in no time!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make yet full of flavor, this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is the answer. With its light, moist texture, tangy lemon flavor, and decadent cream cheese filling, it’s the perfect sweet treat to enjoy anytime. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s such a favorite among dessert lovers!
