If you’re in the mood for a recipe that’s bursting with sunshine and a touch of indulgence, you’re absolutely going to fall in love with this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with Citrus Glaze. Moist, rich, and full of zesty flavor, it’s the kind of treat that manages to taste both comforting and refreshingly bright. Whether you’re making it for brunch with friends or as an afternoon pick-me-up, this loaf’s soft crumb and sparkling citrus glaze will have everyone coming back for another slice. There’s just something magical about the marriage of tangy lemon, creamy richness, and sweet glaze that transforms a simple quick bread into pure happiness.

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with Citrus Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with Citrus Glaze have been thoughtfully chosen to strike the perfect balance between rich, tangy, and sweet. The magic is in the details: each component plays a vital role in achieving that tender crumb and citrusy zing we all crave.

Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds unbelievable richness and a slightly tangy note that makes the loaf unbelievably moist.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives the bread its melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicious buttery flavor.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the loaf just right and helps create a delicate crumb.
Eggs (2 large): These bind everything together and add richness, contributing to the structure of the bread.
Lemon zest (2 tsp): Packs a burst of aromatic citrus flavor that permeates the entire loaf.
Fresh lemon juice (1/4 cup): Delivers tangy brightness—don’t skip freshly squeezed for the best taste.
All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Forms the base of the bread, keeping it sturdy yet tender.
Baking powder (1 tsp): Ensures your bread rises beautifully for a soft texture.
Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Works with the lemon juice to make the bread extra fluffy.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the flavors and elevates all the sweet and tangy notes.
Sour cream or plain yogurt (1/2 cup): Adds moisture, tang, and tenderness to the crumb.
Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Adds an extra layer of warmth and roundness to the bread’s flavor.
Powdered sugar (1 cup, for the glaze): Sweet, smooth, and the perfect base for a dreamy glaze.
Fresh orange juice (2 tbsp, for the glaze): Brings another dimension of citrus flavor to the glaze.
Fresh lemon juice (1 tbsp, for the glaze): Echoes the bread’s lemony notes in the finishing touch.
Lemon zest (1/2 tsp, for the glaze): Adds flecks of flavor and a lovely aroma to the glaze.

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with Citrus Glaze

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures steady baking and helps your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with Citrus Glaze rise tall. Either grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This simple step makes for easier clean-up and ensures your loaf pops right out once it’s baked.

Step 2: Cream Together Cheese and Butter

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Don’t rush this part—the smoother your base, the silkier your bread will be in the end!

Step 3: Sweeten and Fluff

Add the granulated sugar next and continue to beat the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, keeping your bread tender and giving it that irresistible crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Citrus

Crack in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in all that fresh lemon zest and juice—you’ll definitely smell that zippy citrus come alive! The eggs give structure while the citrus brings that signature brightness.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a separate bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Doing this separately before adding to the wet mix ensures everything gets distributed evenly.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternately add your dry mixture to the wet, along with the sour cream (or yogurt) and vanilla extract. Start and finish with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. This technique keeps your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with Citrus Glaze moist and fluffy—so don’t over-mix!

Step 7: Load the Pan

Spoon the batter into your prepared loaf pan and even out the top with a spatula. Spread it gently to each corner so it bakes up nice and uniform.

Step 8: Bake the Bread

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The top will turn a gorgeous golden color and your kitchen will smell like a citrus grove. Check the bread by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean when it’s ready. If you notice the top getting too brown before the center is done, loosely cover it with foil for the remaining bake time.

Step 9: Let It Cool

Once done, let your bread cool in the loaf pan for about 10 minutes to set up, then gently transfer it to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. This stops the bread from becoming soggy and also helps it firm up for slicing.

Step 10: Make the Citrus Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and glossy. This citrus glaze ties together the whole experience, adding a burst of sweet-tart flavor with every bite.

Step 11: Glaze and Enjoy!

Drizzle that glaze all over the cooled bread—let it cascade down the sides and pool around the edges for extra deliciousness. Trust me, this final flourish takes your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with Citrus Glaze to bakery-level status.

How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with Citrus Glaze

Garnishes

A simple dusting of extra lemon zest or a scattering of thinly shaved candied citrus peels on top of the glaze adds color and a punch of flavor. For an extra pop of freshness, lay a few mint leaves on each slice just before serving your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with Citrus Glaze.

Side Dishes

Pair slices of this bread with a bowl of fresh seasonal berries or a dollop of lightly whipped cream for a brunch spread. A cup of earl grey tea or a frothy cappuccino also makes a dreamy accompaniment, enhancing the citrus notes and creamy texture.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow guests, try slicing your bread thick and turning it into an over-the-top French toast. Or cut it into cubes and serve with toothpicks as a sweet addition to a dessert charcuterie board. You can also layer slices with mascarpone and berries in a trifle for an eye-catching treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with Citrus Glaze tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The glaze keeps the loaf moist, and the flavor only deepens over time!

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Simply omit the glaze, wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add the citrus glaze just before serving for fresh flavor and perfect presentation.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked taste, slice and warm individual pieces gently in the microwave for a few seconds or in a toaster oven. If the glaze has set, it’ll turn glossy again without becoming too runny—perfect for a little breakfast treat on a busy morning.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice gives the brightest, purest flavor, but in a pinch, you can use bottled juice. Just keep in mind the taste might not be quite as vibrant, so fresh is always best for this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with Citrus Glaze!

Is it possible to make this gluten free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Keep an eye on the baking time, as gluten-free bread sometimes bakes a little faster or slower depending on the blend.

Can I make this recipe as muffins instead of a loaf?

Definitely! Divide the batter among lined muffin tins and bake at the same temperature. Muffins will need about 20-25 minutes; check with a toothpick for doneness and glaze once they’re completely cool.

What’s the best way to zest a lemon?

A microplane or fine grater works beautifully to remove just the yellow part of the lemon peel. Avoid the white pith below the surface—it’s bitter and doesn’t play nicely with the sweet, tangy vibe of your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with Citrus Glaze.

Can I add poppy seeds or berries to the batter?

That’s a delicious idea! Poppy seeds add a lovely crunch, while blueberries or raspberries can bring an extra burst of color and flavor. Just toss berries in a bit of flour before folding them in to keep them from sinking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably uplifting about baking—and eating—a loaf of Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with Citrus Glaze. The vibrant citrus, the plush crumb, that sparkling glaze: it’s comfort food at its brightest. I truly hope you share this cozy, zesty treat with someone you love or savor it all for yourself. You deserve every tangy, sweet bite!

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with Citrus Glaze Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with a tangy Citrus Glaze. Moist, rich, and bursting with citrusy goodness, this bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of the day.

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Cream Cheese Mixture: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice; beat until fluffy.
Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture, alternating with sour cream and vanilla.
Bake: Pour batter into the pan and bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and Glaze: Let the bread cool before drizzling with the Citrus Glaze.

Notes

This bread freezes well; wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag.
For a twist, add poppy seeds or blueberries to the batter.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Lemon Cream Cheese Bread, Citrus Glaze, Lemon Bread Recipe, Cream Cheese Cake, Lemon Dessert