Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Loaf Pan: Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray and lightly dust with flour, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 3: Bake the Bread

1. Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
2. Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil.
3. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Glaze

1. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice or powdered sugar as needed.
2. Glaze the Bread: Once the bread has cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. For an extra pop of flavor and color, garnish with additional lemon zest.

Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth batter and even texture.
• Lemon Zest Tip: Use a microplane grater to zest your lemon finely, ensuring you only get the outer yellow peel and none of the bitter white pith.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Pairing Suggestions

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread pairs wonderfully with:

• Tea or Coffee: A hot cup of tea or coffee complements the bright lemon flavor and richness of the bread.
• Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
• Fresh Berries: A side of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries makes for a colorful and delicious pairing.

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This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is the ultimate blend of zesty and creamy, making it the perfect treat to brighten your day. Whether served for breakfast, enjoyed as a dessert, or brought to a gathering, this moist and flavorful bread is sure to be a hit. So grab your lemons, cream cheese, and a loaf pan, and get ready to bake a citrusy masterpiece that everyone will love!