Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Glaze (Print)

Moist lemon bread swirled with cream cheese and topped with a vibrant citrus glaze for a tangy finish.

# Ingredients:

→ Bread

01 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
03 - 1 cup granulated sugar
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 2 teaspoons lemon zest
06 - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
07 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
08 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
10 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Citrus Glaze

13 - 1 cup powdered sugar
14 - 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
15 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
16 - 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
03 - Add granulated sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in lemon zest and fresh lemon juice.
05 - In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
06 - Alternately add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with sour cream (or yogurt) and vanilla extract. Begin and end with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
07 - Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
08 - Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If top browns too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil.
09 - Allow to cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.
10 - Whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth.
11 - Drizzle citrus glaze over the cooled loaf, letting it gently pool around the edges.

# Pro Tips:

01 -
  • Uses basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen
  • Ready for the oven in less than 30 minutes
  • Delicate lemon zing and creamy texture feel bakery-worthy
  • Stays tender and fresh for several days
  • The citrus glaze boosts both presentation and flavor
02 -
  • Keeps incredibly moist for days thanks to the cream cheese
  • Glaze can be prepped in advance and adds an extra citrus kick
  • This loaf works as both breakfast and dessert
  • Cream cheese truly sets this bread apart it gives a slight tang and luxurious crumb
03 -
  • Do not overmix the batter as this can make the loaf tough instead mix until just blended
  • If the bread browns too quickly cover loosely with foil to protect the top while the inside finishes baking
  • Let the glaze set undisturbed for at least ten minutes before slicing to avoid sticky fingers when serving
  • Sift powdered sugar before making the glaze for that perfectly silky texture every time
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