Looking for the perfect pick-me-up to get your day off to the right start? Our Cream Cheese Swirl Lemon Bread recipe is the answer. Not only is it deliciously moist and tangy, but the cream cheese swirls add a luxurious twist to the classic lemon bread!
Table of contents
Welcome to the best Cream Cheese Swirl Lemon Bread recipe you’ve never tried.
This decadent twist on a classic favorite will take your baking game to a whole new level.
Imagine the tangy zest of fresh lemons combined with a rich cream cheese swirl, creating a mouthwatering treat that will leave you craving more.
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🔑 Key to Success #1 – Use Real Lemon Juice and Zest
For the ultimate Cream Cheese Swirl Lemon Bread, the key to success lies in using real lemon juice and zest.
By incorporating the zest of two lemons and the juice of one lemon, you’ll infuse your bread with a bright and citrusy flavor that is simply unbeatable.
The freshness of real lemon will elevate the taste of your bread to a whole new level, making it a standout breakfast or snack.
You’ll get to experience a burst of lemony goodness in every bite!
🔑 Key to Success #2 – Sour Cream and Oil For Extra Moisture
Another key element to achieving the perfect Cream Cheese Swirl Lemon Bread is the addition of sour cream and vegetable oil.
When you incorporate these two ingredients into your batter, you’re ensuring that your bread will come out incredibly moist and rich.
The combination of tangy sour cream and vegetable oil adds a luxurious texture to the bread, making each bite a decadent experience.
🔑 Key to Success #3 – Softened the Cream Cheese for the Swirl
The cream cheese swirl is definitely a key to success for this Cream Cheese Swirl Lemon Bread.
Cream cheese is mixed with powdered sugar to make the sweetened cream cheese swirl.
Make sure your cream cheese is softened so that it can be easily combined with the powdered sugar.
The easiest way to soften the cream cheese is by leaving it out on the counter at room temperature for at least an hour.
But if you’re in a hurry, you can place the unwrapped cream cheese in the microwave and heat it for about 20 seconds.
By taking the time to soften the cream cheese and mix it with powdered sugar, you’re ensuring that each mouthful of your Cream Cheese Swirl Lemon Bread will be a delightfully indulgent experience.
🔑 Key to Success #4 – Swirl It All Together
Once you have prepared the sweetened cream cheese mixture, the next step is to swirl it into the lemon bread batter.
We’re doing this in two layers so that the cream cheese flavors will be all throughout the lemon bread.
First, spread half the lemon bread batter into your greased loaf pan.
Then add half the cream cheese mixture in dollops.
To achieve the perfect swirl, use a butter knife to gently drag and mix the cream cheese mixture into the lemon batter.
Repeat the process with the other half of the bread batter and the other half of the cream cheese mixture.
Be careful not to overmix because you want to create a beautiful marbled effect throughout the bread.
🔑 Key to Success #5 – Cover With Foil to Prevent Overbrowning
When the swirling is complete, it’s time to bake the bread to golden perfection.
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, then cover with foil and continue baking for 15 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once the bread comes out of the oven, allow it to cool in the loaf pan for at least an hour before removing.
Make sure the bread is cool before slicing. (And use a serrated knife so that you’ll have beautiful slices!)
If you make this Lemon Bread, please leave a comment and let us know how you like it.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Cream Cheese Swirl Lemon Bread
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
- 8 oz sour cream
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- zest of 2 lemons
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
- In a large bowl, add sugar, eggs, sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla, and oil. Mix until smooth.
- Slowly add the baking powder, salt, and flour to the wet ingredients until fully combined.
- For the cream cheese swirl: mix together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add half of the lemon batter to the loaf pan then spoon about half the cream cheese mixture on top. Swirl together using a butter knife.
- Top with the rest of the lemon batter and spoon the remaining cream cheese mixture, then swirl together to create a marbled look.
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, then cover with foil and bake for another 15-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.minutes,
- Cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition Facts
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