Forget Banana Bread—This Tangy, Lemony Loaf Will Be Your New Favorite! 😍
Move over banana bread, because this Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Swirl Bread is here to steal the spotlight. Bursting with fresh lemon zest and juice, made ultra-moist with sour cream, and swirled with a tangy cream cheese ribbon, this loaf is what citrus dreams are made of. Whether you’re baking for brunch, dessert, or just because, this loaf hits the perfect balance between bright, sweet, and rich.
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Lemon Cream Cheese Swirl Bread Recipe Overview
This lemon bread is soft and tender, with a golden crust and a smooth cream cheese center that adds just the right amount of tang. The lemon flavor comes through beautifully thanks to both zest and juice, and the sour cream keeps the crumb ultra-moist. It’s like sunshine in a slice!
- Flavor: Bright lemon with creamy, tangy swirls
- Texture: Moist, soft loaf with a cheesecake-like center
- Perfect For: Spring baking, brunch, Easter, or anytime lemon cravings hit
- Bonus: Can be made ahead and freezes beautifully
Ingredients List For Lemon Cream Cheese Swirl Bread
For the Bread:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- ½ cup sour cream
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Necessary Tools for Preparation
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Zester or microplane
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Parchment paper (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions For Lemon Cream Cheese Swirl Bread
- Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan. - Make the Cream Cheese Swirl
In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Set aside. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. - Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in lemon juice, zest, and sour cream. - Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix. - Assemble the Loaf
Pour half the batter into the pan. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over it and swirl gently with a knife. Top with the remaining batter and smooth the top. - Bake
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center (not through the cream cheese) comes out clean. - Cool & Serve
Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Perfecting the Lemon Cream Cheese Swirl Bread Recipe
- Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps it light and tender.
- Use room temp cream cheese for the smoothest swirl.
- A toothpick won’t come out clean through the swirl—check the bread part instead.
- Add a simple lemon glaze for even more zing!
What to Serve With It
- A cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea
- Vanilla Greek yogurt and fresh berries
- Lightly toasted with a pat of butter
- A mimosa or lemon spritzer for brunch
Storage Instructions
- Room Temp: Store wrapped for up to 2 days
- Fridge: Keeps for 4–5 days—bring to room temp before serving
- Freezer: Freeze in slices or whole for up to 2 months. Thaw and enjoy!
General Information Lemon Cream Cheese Swirl Bread
- Occasions: Easter, spring gatherings, lemon season, afternoon tea
- Why You’ll Love It: A cross between lemon cake and cheesecake
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Even better the next day!
FAQ Lemon Cream Cheese Swirl Bread
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh is best, but bottled works in a pinch.
Can I double the cream cheese swirl?
Yes, for a more cheesecake-heavy loaf—just add 5–10 mins baking time.
Is this loaf overly sweet?
Not at all—the lemon adds brightness and balances the sweetness perfectly.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute plain Greek yogurt.
Conclusion Lemon Cream Cheese Swirl Bread
This Lemon Cream Cheese Swirl Bread is the bright, tangy loaf you didn’t know you needed. Sweet, zesty, and swirled with creamy perfection—it’s the perfect treat to welcome spring or anytime you need a little sunshine on your plate.
Tried it? Snap a slice and tag @poulefrecipe—we LOVE seeing your bakes!
More Lemony Favorites to Try:
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Irresistible Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Swirl Bread 🍋💛
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Swirl Bread is soft, moist, and full of bright citrus flavor—swirled with a rich cream cheese layer for the perfect tangy bite.
Ingredients
Bread:
-
1½ cups all-purpose flour
-
1 tsp baking powder
-
½ tsp baking soda
-
¼ tsp salt
-
½ cup unsalted butter
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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2 eggs
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¼ cup fresh lemon juice
-
1 tbsp lemon zest
-
½ cup sour cream
Cream Cheese Swirl:
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4 oz cream cheese
-
2 tbsp sugar
-
1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease loaf pan.
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Beat cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth. Set aside.
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Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, lemon juice, zest, and sour cream.
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Stir in dry ingredients until just combined.
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Pour half batter into pan, add swirl, top with remaining batter.
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Bake 50–60 mins. Cool, then slice.
Notes
Use room temp ingredients. Don’t overmix. Add a glaze if desired. Store in fridge or freeze for later.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 60
- Category: Loaf Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
