Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and sour cream to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- For the cream cheese swirl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.
- Pour half the batter into the loaf pan. Spoon cream cheese mixture over it, then top with remaining batter. Swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the bread (avoiding cream cheese areas) comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then lift out and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Swap lemon zest with orange zest for a new citrus flavor.
- Fold in blueberries or raspberries for added fruitiness.
- Top with a lemon glaze for extra sweetness and shine.
- Add poppy seeds for texture and visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
