Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

Ingredients:

For the Bread:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
• 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)

For the Lemon Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

1. Prepare the Pan:

• Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. Combine Dry Ingredients:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Batter

1. Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar:

• In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
• Add the sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

1. Add Eggs, Lemon Juice, and Zest:

• Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated.
• Add the lemon juice and lemon zest, mixing well.

1. Add Dry Ingredients and Milk:

• Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Bake

1. Transfer to Pan:

• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

1. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

1. Cool:

• Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Lemon Glaze (Optional)

1. Mix the Glaze:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.

1. Drizzle the Glaze:

• Once the bread has cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top.

Step 6: Serve

• Slice and serve the Lemon Cream Cheese Bread as is, or with an extra dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.

This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is tangy, sweet, and incredibly moist, making it a refreshing treat for any time of day!