Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Loaf

Indulge in the irresistible combination of zesty lemon and creamy goodness with this delectable Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Loaf recipe. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this moist and flavorful loaf is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.

With a moist crumb and a tangy lemon flavor, this loaf strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart. The addition of cream cheese swirls throughout adds a creamy richness that takes this dessert to the next level of decadence.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have a homemade treat that rivals any bakery creation in no time.

Enjoy a slice of sunshine with each bite of this delightful lemon loaf. Perfect on its own or paired with a cup of tea or coffee, it’s a versatile treat that’s sure to brighten your day. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of lemony goodness that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Irresistible Flavor Combination: The zesty tang of lemon combined with the creamy richness of cream cheese creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

Moist and Tender Texture: With the addition of sour cream and canola oil, this loaf turns out incredibly moist and tender. Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving you craving for more.

Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced one, you’ll find this recipe simple to follow and rewarding to make.

Versatile: This lemon cream cheese loaf is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a sweet afternoon snack. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy treat.

Creamy Cream Cheese Swirls: The addition of a cream cheese swirl throughout the loaf adds a luxurious creaminess and richness to every bite. It’s like a decadent surprise waiting in each slice.

Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, potluck, or holiday celebration, this lemon cream cheese loaf is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. Its bright flavor and creamy texture appeal to a wide range of palates.

Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: You can easily make this loaf ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to three days at room temperature or freeze it for longer storage. It’s a convenient option for busy days or unexpected guests.

Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just want to treat yourself, this luscious lemon cream cheese loaf is the perfect indulgence. Its elegant appearance and delightful flavor make it a standout dessert for any special occasion.

Key Ingredients:

Lemon: Both the zest and juice of fresh lemons provide the bright, tangy flavor that sets this loaf apart. It adds a refreshing zing that balances the sweetness of the cake.

Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese contributes to the luxurious texture of the loaf and creates a creamy, indulgent filling when combined with powdered sugar.

Sour Cream: Sour cream adds moisture and richness to the batter, resulting in a tender crumb and a moist, flavorful loaf.

Canola Oil: Canola oil ensures the loaf stays moist and tender while providing a neutral flavor that allows the lemon and cream cheese to shine.

Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the loaf, adding warmth and depth to the sweet and tangy lemon notes.

Flour, Baking Powder, and Salt: These basic dry ingredients form the foundation of the loaf, providing structure and leavening for a light and airy texture.

Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the loaf, balancing the tartness of the lemon and complementing the creamy richness of the cream cheese.

Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, helping to hold the loaf together and contributing to its structure and texture.

Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar is used to sweeten the cream cheese mixture, creating a smooth and creamy filling with just the right amount of sweetness.

Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Loaf

Ingredients:

1 c sugar

3 eggs

8 ounces sour cream

½ c canola oil

Zest of 2 lemons

Juice of 1 lemon

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 ½ c flour

2 ½ tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1 (8 ounces) package cream cheese, softened

⅓ c powdered sugar

Instructions

Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a big bowl, mix sugar, eggs, sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla, and oil until smooth.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift flour, baking powder, and salt together.

Combine: Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Set this batter aside.

Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.

Layer in Pan: Pour half the batter into the pan. Add half the cream cheese mixture in dollops. Swirl with a knife. Repeat with the remaining batter and cream cheese mixture.

Bake: Bake for 65-70 minutes. If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil for the last 20-30 minutes.

Cool: Let the loaf cool in the pan, then remove and slice once completely cool.

Enjoy your zesty and creamy lemon loaf!

Notes:

Avoid Overmixing: To ensure a tender loaf, mix the batter until just combined.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure eggs, sour cream, and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smoother batter.

Baking Time: Ovens can vary; start checking for doneness at 60 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Covering with Foil: If the top is browning too quickly, tenting with foil prevents over-browning while the inside continues to bake.

Cooling: Allow the loaf to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.

Notes:

Avoid Overmixing: Mixing the batter until just combined helps prevent overdevelopment of gluten, resulting in a tender loaf. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Allowing eggs, sour cream, and cream cheese to come to room temperature ensures a smoother batter and promotes even mixing, contributing to a better texture in the final loaf.

Baking Time: Keep an eye on the loaf as baking times can vary depending on individual ovens. Checking for doneness with a toothpick or skewer ensures the loaf is baked through without being overdone.

Covering with Foil: Tenting the loaf with foil towards the end of baking prevents the top from over-browning while allowing the inside to continue baking evenly. This ensures a beautifully golden crust without sacrificing moisture.

Cooling: Allowing the loaf to cool completely in the pan before slicing helps it set properly and prevents it from falling apart. Patience during this step ensures a clean slice and a visually appealing presentation.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 12 slices | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of oil instead of canola oil?

Yes, you can substitute canola oil with vegetable oil, sunflower oil, or even melted coconut oil.

Each type of oil may slightly affect the flavor and texture of the loaf.

Can I use low-fat or fat-free sour cream?

Yes, you can use low-fat or fat-free sour cream.

However, using full-fat sour cream will provide a richer flavor and more moist texture.

What can I use as a substitute for the cream cheese in the filling?

You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a different texture and flavor.

Greek yogurt (strained) can also work as a lighter alternative.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use bottled lemon juice if necessary.

The flavor may be slightly different.

What if I don’t have a loaf pan?

You can use a cake pan or muffin tins as an alternative.

Adjust the baking time accordingly, as these will bake faster than a loaf pan.

How do I know when the loaf is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf.

If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the loaf is done.

If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking and check again in a few minutes.

Can I add other ingredients like berries or nuts to the batter?

Yes, you can add ingredients like blueberries, raspberries, or chopped nuts to the batter.

Fold them in gently before pouring the batter into the loaf pan.

Can I make this loaf gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this loaf gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Ensure that the baking powder is also gluten-free.

How should I store the leftover loaf?

Store the cooled loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I make this loaf without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) or use a commercial egg replacer.

The texture may be slightly different, but it should still be delicious.