Description

This Lemon Cream Cheese Swirl Bread is a delightful treat that combines the bright, zesty flavor of lemon with the rich, creamy goodness of a cream cheese swirl. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this moist and tender loaf is bursting with citrusy freshness and a hint of vanilla. The marbled cream cheese layer adds a decadent twist, making every slice a flavorful experience. Easy to make and visually stunning, this bread is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

Ingredients

• For the 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
• 1 ½ cups flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar

Preparation Method

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, ensuring all sides are well-coated to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and canola oil. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. The lemon zest and juice will infuse the batter with a refreshing citrus flavor.

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed.

Combine the Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a denser loaf. Set the prepared batter aside.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be used to create the luscious swirl throughout the bread.

Layer and Swirl: Pour half of the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan. Then, spoon half of the cream cheese mixture on top of the batter. Using a knife, gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter to create a marbled effect. Pour the remaining batter over the swirled layer and top with the rest of the cream cheese mixture. Again, swirl gently with a knife to achieve a beautiful marbled design.

Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 65-70 minutes. To prevent the top from over-browning, cover the loaf with aluminum foil during the last 20-30 minutes of baking. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Cool and Slice: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial as it lets the cream cheese set, making the bread easier to slice without smudging the swirl. After cooling, carefully remove the loaf from the pan and slice it into thick, beautiful pieces.

Tips and Conclusion

Tip
For an added burst of lemon flavor, you can drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled bread. To make the glaze, combine 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and whisk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the bread before slicing for an extra touch of sweetness and citrusy zing.

Conclusion
This Lemon Cream Cheese Swirl Bread is a perfect balance of tangy lemon and rich cream cheese, creating a moist and flavorful loaf that’s hard to resist. The vibrant lemon flavor paired with the creamy swirl makes each slice a delightful treat. Whether you're serving it as a dessert, a breakfast treat, or a snack, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the zesty, creamy goodness of this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread!