Lemon Cream Cheese Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 8 oz sour cream
- ½ cup canola oil
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan and set it aside.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine sugar, eggs, sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and oil. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Set the batter aside.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl:
In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
5. Layer & Swirl:
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture on top, and use a knife to gently swirl it into the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and cream cheese mixture, creating a marbled effect.
6. Bake:
Bake the bread for 65–70 minutes. To prevent excessive browning, cover the loaf with foil during the last 20–30 minutes of baking. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool & Serve:
Let the bread cool completely in the pan to allow the cream cheese layer to set. Slice and enjoy!
