If you adore sweet breads that strike the perfect balance between moist richness and bright citrus flavor, this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is made just for you. Combining the tang of lemon with the creamy indulgence of cream cheese, this bread is a luscious treat that tastes even better the next day—if you can resist digging in immediately!
Whether you’re a fan of blender lemon loaf recipes, craving a twist on old fashioned English tea loaf, or love the comforting familiarity of buttermilk lemon loaf, this recipe delivers every time. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea, it’s a versatile addition to your sweet bread recipes collection.
Table of Contents
Why This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a Must-Try for Sweet Bread Lovers
This bread stands out for many reasons:
- It’s incredibly moist and tender thanks to the cream cheese.
- The fresh lemon zest and juice give a vibrant, natural tang.
- It combines ease and elegance—great for beginners and impressing guests alike.
- This loaf keeps well and tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for make-ahead baking.
- Versatile enough to adapt with blueberries, butterscotch, or simple lemon glaze.
If you love the bright, comforting flavors of lemon blueberry bread or nostalgic butterscotch bread, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients for the Best Blender Lemon Loaf and Butterscotch Bread
Here’s what you’ll need to create this sweet and tangy loaf:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1 cup fresh blueberries or butterscotch chips
These ingredients come together to create a moist, flavorful bread with the perfect crumb.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bread at Home
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a blender or large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, eggs, oil (or butter), buttermilk, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Blend or whisk until smooth.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. If using, gently fold in blueberries or butterscotch chips.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Baking Sweet Bread Recipes
- Blender or mixing bowls
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Whisk and spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
These tools help streamline the baking process for this delicious loaf.
Tips for Achieving Moist, Fluffy Texture and Bright Lemon Flavor
- Use softened cream cheese for a smooth batter.
- Fresh lemon zest and juice provide the best citrus flavor—avoid bottled juice.
- Don’t overmix after adding flour to keep the bread tender.
- Buttermilk adds moisture and slight tang; substitute with yogurt if needed.
- Add blueberries or butterscotch chips carefully to prevent sinking.
These tips ensure your bread comes out perfectly every time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Lemon and Buttermilk Loaves
- Using cold eggs or cream cheese—always bring to room temperature.
- Skipping the lemon zest—zest adds essential flavor beyond juice alone.
- Overbaking, which dries out the loaf; check early and cover if browning too fast.
- Overmixing the batter leading to dense bread.
- Not properly greasing the pan, which causes sticking.
Avoid these for the best results.
Delicious Variations: Add Blueberries, Butterscotch, or Create an Old Fashioned English Tea Loaf
- Fold in fresh blueberries for a burst of juicy sweetness.
- Swap some lemon zest for orange zest for a citrus twist.
- Mix in butterscotch chips or swirl with caramel sauce.
- Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
- Try this batter in muffin tins for portable treats.
These options make your lemon cream cheese bread unique and exciting.
How This Recipe Compares to Classic Lemon Blueberry Bread and Other Sweet Breads
Unlike some lemon breads that can be dry or overly sweet, this loaf is incredibly moist thanks to cream cheese and buttermilk. The lemon flavor is bright but balanced, not overpowering.
Compared to classic lemon blueberry bread, it has a richer texture and tangier profile.
It’s also simpler than many traditional old fashioned English tea loaf recipes but just as satisfying.
Serving Suggestions: Pairing Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with Tea and Coffee
Serve this bread warm or at room temperature with:
- A cup of hot Earl Grey or chamomile tea
- Freshly brewed coffee or cappuccino
- A smear of butter or cream cheese spread
- A drizzle of honey or lemon glaze
These pairings elevate your bread into a delightful snack or light breakfast.
How to Store and Freeze Lemon Cream Cheese and Buttermilk Bread
- Store wrapped tightly at room temperature for 2–3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to a week to keep fresh longer.
- Freeze sliced bread in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw slices at room temperature or toast directly.
Proper storage preserves moisture and flavor.
Perfect for Breakfast, Brunch, or Afternoon Tea — Sweet Bread Ideas for Every Occasion
This lemon bread is ideal for:
- Weekend breakfast or brunch with family
- Afternoon tea parties or book clubs
- Light dessert paired with fresh fruit
- Gifting to friends and neighbors
Its bright, comforting flavor makes it versatile and crowd-pleasing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Cream Cheese Bread and Sweet Bread Recipes
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I make this vegan?
Try dairy-free cream cheese and buttermilk substitutes like almond milk with vinegar.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake in two loaf pans, adjusting baking time accordingly.
How do I prevent blueberries from sinking?
Toss berries in a little flour before folding into the batter.
Is cream cheese necessary?
It adds moisture and tang but can be omitted for a lighter loaf.
Final Thoughts: A Sweet, Tangy Bread That Gets Better the Next Day
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a perfect blend of tangy citrus and rich creaminess. It’s moist, tender, and ideal for those who want a flavorful, satisfying sweet bread that improves after resting. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or the next day, this loaf is guaranteed to delight.
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PrintIrresistible Lemon Cream Cheese Bread : Sweet Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Description
If you adore sweet breads that strike the perfect balance between moist richness and bright citrus flavor, this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is made just for you.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1 cup fresh blueberries or butterscotch chips
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
In a blender or large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, eggs, oil (or butter), buttermilk, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Blend or whisk until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. If using, gently fold in blueberries or butterscotch chips.
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese for a smooth batter.
- Fresh lemon zest and juice provide the best citrus flavor—avoid bottled juice.
- Don’t overmix after adding flour to keep the bread tender.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 55
- Category: Bread
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
Keywords: Lemon Cream Cheese Bread