When I think of sunshine and warmth, I can’t help but picture the beautiful zest of citrus fruits brightening up a cozy kitchen. A couple of months ago, I was having a conversation with an old friend who lamented about the long, dreary winter and how she missed those cheerful flavors. Inspired by her yearning for a taste of summer, I scoured my recipe collection and stumbled upon a gem: Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with Citrus Glaze. Instantly transported to sun-soaked afternoons, I whipped this bread up, and it brought an undeniable sense of joy. Not only is this loaf incredibly soft and creamy, but the addition of a bright citrus glaze takes it to another level. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s transform your kitchen into a sunny escape with this delightful treat!
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 15 minutes
- Active Cooking: 1 hour
- Total Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Portion Size: 10 slices
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: Approximately 210 calories
- Protein: 2g per serving
- Carbs: 30g per serving
- Fats: 10g per serving
- Fiber: 0g per serving
- Sugars: 14g per serving
- Sodium: 130mg per serving
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with Citrus Glaze
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread isn’t just another sweet loaf; it’s a celebration of flavor and moisture. The cream cheese adds a velvety richness, making each slice feel indulgent, while the lemon and orange zest provide a zesty brightness that sings spring! And let’s not forget about that citrus glaze – it’s sweet, tangy, and takes this bread from ordinary to extraordinary, making it perfect for a bright breakfast, a delightful dessert, or even an afternoon tea treat. Each piece of this loaf is a hug in disguise!
The Complete Cooking Journey
As you start your journey, you’ll feel the exciting blend of butter and cream cheese that sets the stage for a luscious bread. The mingling of the citrus zests is positively intoxicating, and while it bakes, your kitchen will smell like a sunny orchard. The glaze puts the finishing touch on this delightful bread, giving you the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon orange juice (for glaze)
Method:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure the bread won’t stick.
Step 2: Creaming the Batter
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth. Then, add in the sugar and mix until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
Step 3: Mixing in the Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each one to blend in fully before adding the next. Then, incorporate the lemon zest, orange zest, and vanilla extract into the mixture.
Step 4: Combining Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the lemon juice, mixing until just combined.
Step 5: Pouring the Batter
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even bake.
Step 6: Baking
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If it starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it with foil.
Step 7: Cooling
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial in ensuring your loaf retains its moisture.
Step 8: Making the Glaze
For the glaze, mix the powdered sugar with the lemon and orange juices until smooth. If it’s too thick for your liking, add a tiny bit more juice.
Step 9: Drizzling and Serving
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread, allowing it to drip down the sides. Then, slice and serve! Enjoy each fluffy, tangy, sweet bite.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or a refreshing glass of lemonade. For a unique twist, serve it with some whipped cream and fresh berries for dessert, or enjoy it as a decadent breakfast alongside Greek yogurt and granola.
Storage & Leftovers Guide
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and sealed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw them overnight before enjoying!
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
- Don’t overmix your batter; stir until just combined to keep your bread light and fluffy.
- Adjust the citrus levels based on your taste preference; feel free to add more zest for a bolder flavor.
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
- Swap out half of the lemon juice for lime juice for an interesting twist.
- Add in poppy seeds or chopped nuts for added texture.
- Use other citrus fruits like grapefruit or tangerine to create unique flavor profiles.
Reader Questions & Solutions
- Why is my bread dense? Make sure you measure your flour properly; spoon it into the measuring cup rather than scooping it directly.
- Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese? Yes, though the texture may vary slightly, it should still work.
- What if I don’t have lemon juice? You can replace it with apple cider vinegar or use an equal amount of another citrus juice.
- Why does my glaze look too runny? Simply add more powdered sugar to thicken it up!
- Can this recipe be doubled? Absolutely! Just make sure your mixer can handle the amount, and use a larger pan!
Wrapping Up
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with Citrus Glaze is an easy, vibrant recipe that feels like a celebration in every bite. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, sharing it with friends, or savouring it during your afternoon tea, it’s bound to bring smiles and brighten your day. So, roll up those sleeves, stir up some sunshine, and let this fabulous loaf bring a taste of summer into your home! Happy baking!
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Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with Citrus Glaze
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and moist lemon cream cheese bread topped with a sweet and tangy citrus glaze.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon orange juice (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth; add sugar and mix until creamy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then incorporate lemon zest, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, alternating with lemon juice.
- Pour the batter into the loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean; cover with foil if browning too quickly.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, mix powdered sugar with lemon and orange juices until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread, slice, and serve!
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
