Description

A moist and tender quick bread bursting with fresh lemon flavor and swirled with a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling — perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

2 teaspoons lemon zest

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cream cheese swirl:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon lemon zest

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the egg, flour, and lemon zest, mixing until creamy and fully combined.
Pour half of the lemon batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter. Top with the remaining lemon batter and gently swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest rather than lemon extract.

To keep the cream cheese swirl from sinking, layer gently and swirl carefully.

Optional: Add blueberries, poppy seeds, or nuts like pecans or walnuts for variation.

Can substitute orange zest for a sweeter citrus flavor.

Store wrapped at room temperature up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

For dairy-free, try plant-based cream cheese and yogurt (texture may vary).

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Quick Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 280
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 70mg