Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk or sour cream
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the cream cheese filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar. Add oil, lemon juice, zest, milk, and vanilla. Stir wet mixture into dry ingredients just until combined.
- For the filling: beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour half the batter into the pan. Spread cream cheese mixture on top, then pour remaining batter over it.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, covering with foil in last 15 minutes if browning too quickly. Test with a toothpick for doneness.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Add poppy seeds for texture and flair.
- Substitute orange zest and juice for variation.
- Top with a lemon glaze for extra sweetness.
- Swirl the cream cheese layer for a marbled effect.
- Make muffins by baking in tins at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
