Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe

Save this recipe on:

This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is the kind of loaf that makes you pause mid-bite and smile. Moist, buttery, and loaded with bright citrus flavor, it’s a sunshiney twist on your traditional quick bread. The tangy lemon curd swirls with pockets of creamy, sweetened cream cheese, making each slice an irresistible blend of rich and refreshing.

Whether you’re serving it with afternoon tea, enjoying a slice for breakfast, or wrapping it up as a thoughtful homemade gift, this loaf brings bakery-level results with simple ingredients. It’s easy to prepare, bakes beautifully golden, and keeps its moist, tender crumb for days. Trust us, one slice won’t be enough!

Can I Use Store-Bought Lemon Curd?

Absolutely! While homemade lemon curd gives a bold, fresh flavor, store-bought works just fine for convenience. Make sure it’s a quality brand with a real citrus kick. If you’re in a pinch, lemon pie filling can also be used—just know it will be a little sweeter and less tart.

Ingredients for the Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb for the loaf.
• Baking powder & baking soda: Both work together for a soft, fluffy rise.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the lemon flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the bread.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create a golden crust.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and give the bread structure.
• Greek yogurt or sour cream: Makes the bread extra moist and tender.
• Lemon zest and juice: Deliver fresh, zingy citrus flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, mellow backdrop to the brightness of the lemon.
• Cream cheese: Swirled into the batter for creamy texture and tang.
• Powdered sugar: Used in the cream cheese filling to sweeten it gently.
• Lemon curd: Gives that stunning lemon layer and deep citrus punch.

---

How To Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray. Line it with parchment for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the yogurt (or sour cream), lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Swirl

In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Bread

Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Dollop half of the cream cheese mixture and a few spoonfuls of lemon curd over the batter. Swirl gently with a knife. Repeat the layers with the remaining batter, cream cheese, and lemon curd, swirling again.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (avoid the cream cheese when testing). If the top browns too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 15 minutes.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let cool completely before slicing to get those beautiful, clean layers.

---

Serving and Storing Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

This bread is best served slightly warm or at room temperature when the cream cheese is soft and the lemon curd is silky. For clean slices, use a serrated knife and wipe between cuts. A dusting of powdered sugar or a light lemon glaze can also be added for a bakery-style finish.

To store, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 2 months—just thaw and enjoy.

What to Serve With Lemon Cream Cheese Bread?

Hot Tea or Earl Grey

Citrusy tea pairs beautifully with the lemon flavors in the bread.

Iced Coffee

A cold, creamy iced coffee balances the tangy sweetness with a refreshing finish.

Fresh Berries

Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a vibrant, juicy touch.

Whipped Cream or Greek Yogurt

A light topping gives each slice a creamy, dreamy upgrade.

Scrambled Eggs or Omelette

For a brunch spread, serve savory eggs alongside to round out the meal.

Lemonade or Sparkling Water

Keep things zesty with a lemon-based drink or bubbly refresher.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Turn your loaf into dessert by adding a scoop of creamy vanilla on the side.

---

Want More Sweet Lemon Treats?

If this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread left you craving more citrus bakes, check out these next-level favorites:

• Lusciously Soft Lemon Rolls with sweet-tart glaze and pillowy dough.
• Lemon Churro Cookies for a zesty bite with a cinnamon-sugar crunch.
• Lemon Curd Cake that’s tangy, moist, and completely irresistible.
• Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars that make lemony magic with hardly any effort.
• Lemon Cheesecake Cookies combining creamy richness with bright lemon zest.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest baking board so you can come back to it whenever lemon cravings strike!

Did you add extra zest? Try it with a lemon glaze? Maybe filled it with blueberry jam? Share your twist in the comments—I’d love to hear how you made it yours!

Discover a treasure trove of citrusy delights, cozy loaves, and dessert inspiration on ChefAlchemy Recipes on Pinterest for your next baking adventure.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: