Moist & Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Loaf
This Moist & Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Loaf is soft, rich, and full of bright lemon flavor. The cream cheese keeps the loaf incredibly moist and tender, while the lemon glaze adds a sweet citrus finish. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or tea time. 🍋✨
🥣 Ingredients
For the Loaf
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8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tablespoon lemon zest
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup milk
For the Lemon Glaze
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Oven and Pan
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
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In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3️⃣ Add Eggs and Flavor
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Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
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Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
4️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients
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In another bowl whisk together:
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flour
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baking powder
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salt
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5️⃣ Combine the Batter
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the batter.
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Pour in the milk and mix until smooth.
6️⃣ Bake
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Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
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Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7️⃣ Cool
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Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
🍋 Make the Lemon Glaze
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In a bowl mix powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
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Add lemon zest if desired.
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Drizzle over the cooled loaf.
🍰 Serving Ideas
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Serve with tea or coffee ☕
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Add fresh berries on the side 🍓
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Top with whipped cream for dessert
⭐ Tips for the Best Lemon Loaf
✔ Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
✔ Do not overmix the batter to keep the loaf soft.
✔ Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for 5 days.
If you want, I can also give you:
🍋 Starbucks-Style Lemon Loaf (very popular)
🍋 Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake
🍋 Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf (amazing flavor).