If you dream in citrus and crave soft, tender bakes with a burst of brightness, you’re in for a treat with this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with Citrus Glaze. This bakery-worthy loaf is impossibly moist, rich from cream cheese and sour cream, and sparkles with fresh lemon and orange in every bite. Topped with a luscious glaze that drips down the sides, this recipe embodies everything we love about home baking—cozy, cheerful, and so unbelievably delicious you’ll find yourself cutting “just one more” slice!

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with Citrus Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with Citrus Glaze is in its simple, quality ingredients; each one plays a starring role from tangy citrus notes to a pillowy soft crumb. Here’s why each element matters and how it makes this loaf truly irresistible:

Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): This gives the bread its signature velvety texture and a subtle tang that balances the citrus.
Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Butter brings richness, keeping the loaf moist and enhancing its flavor.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create that irresistibly tender crumb.
Large Eggs (2): Provide structure and bind all the glorious ingredients together.
Lemon Zest (2 teaspoons): Packs intense lemony flavor right into the batter; don’t skip this step!
Fresh Lemon Juice (1/4 cup): Brightens up every bite and pairs perfectly with the cream cheese.
All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): The backbone of your bread, giving it just the right amount of structure.
Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Helps your loaf rise tall and light.
Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works with the lemon juice for an extra fluffy texture.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch wakes up all the flavors.
Sour Cream or Plain Yogurt (1/2 cup): Infuses moisture and tang that plays so well with the citrus.
Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a hint of warmth that rounds out all that glorious zest.
Powdered Sugar (1 cup, for the glaze): The beautiful base for an ultra-smooth, sweet glaze.
Fresh Orange Juice (2 tablespoons, for the glaze): Adds a sunny layer of flavor to balance the lemon.
Fresh Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon, for the glaze): The double-citrus combo makes the glaze sparkle.
Lemon Zest (1/2 teaspoon, for the glaze): Extra pop of flavor and a touch of texture for the finish.

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with Citrus Glaze

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy release. Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s at the perfect temperature when your batter is ready. A well-prepped pan keeps the loaf from sticking and helps ensure even baking.

Step 2: Cream the Cream Cheese and Butter

Place the softened cream cheese and butter in a large mixing bowl. Beat until completely smooth and creamy—this is where the bread’s magic starts! Creaming ensures a luscious crumb and the perfect base for all the lovely flavors you’ll be adding next.

Step 3: Add Sugar and Whip It Up

Add in the granulated sugar, then continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). This step doesn’t just sweeten the batter; it aerates it too, giving you that delightfully soft texture.

Step 4: Eggs and Lemon Power

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing until just incorporated. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice—right here, you’ll notice the batter burst to life with fresh, zesty fragrance. The eggs add richness, while the citrus highlights everything.

Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients before adding keeps your bread tender and prevents lumps, helping the loaf bake up consistently each time.

Step 6: Combine and Alternate

Time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet batter, alternating with the sour cream (or yogurt) and vanilla. Always begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mixing gently until just combined is your ticket to a moist, never-tough bread.

Step 7: Pour and Smooth

Spoon the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Leveling the surface helps your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with Citrus Glaze bake evenly and look as inviting as it tastes.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top gets too brown, loosely cover it with foil for the last stretch. The scent of lemony cake baking will fill your kitchen with anticipation!

Step 9: Cool it Down

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This patience pays off: slicing too soon can cause the loaf to crumble, so give it time to settle and firm up.

Step 10: Whip Up the Citrus Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, and lemon zest until completely smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable—if you’d like it thinner, just add a tiny splash more citrus juice.

Step 11: Glaze and Admire

Drizzle the citrus glaze over your cooled loaf, allowing it to gently drape down the sides. This final touch transforms your bake into a showstopper, locking in moisture and adding a brilliant citrus zing at first bite.

How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with Citrus Glaze

Garnishes

To make your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with Citrus Glaze pop, try scattering a few extra curls of lemon or orange zest over the glaze just before serving. Edible flowers, thin lemon slices, or a pinch of sparkling sugar add a whimsical, bakery-style flourish. The little details elevate each slice into something truly special.

Side Dishes

This loaf is delightful solo, but pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea, iced coffee, or a tall glass of milk. For brunch, serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad or creamy Greek yogurt with honey and berries. These accompaniments enhance the bright, sunny notes in every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the bread into thick pieces and arranging it on a wooden board with fresh berries and citrus wedges for a vibrant brunch centerpiece. For parties, cut the loaf into cubes and skewer with fruit for playful, bite-sized treats. Or, serve warm, gently toasted slices topped with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra-indulgent twist on dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with Citrus Glaze tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen runs warm, refrigerate to keep it fresher longer—just allow slices to come to room temperature before eating for the softest texture.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully, making it the perfect make-ahead treat! Once the glaze has set, wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic and then foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter before serving to retain maximum moisture and zing.

Reheating

To enjoy a just-baked experience, gently warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a toaster oven until just heated through. This revives the tenderness and enhances the fresh citrus aroma, making leftovers just as dreamy as day one.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While you can substitute bottled lemon juice in a pinch, the flavor of fresh lemon juice and zest truly makes the Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with Citrus Glaze sing—freshness is the secret to that bright, vibrant taste you’ll love.

Can I swap the sour cream with plain yogurt?

Absolutely! Plain yogurt works beautifully and adds the same creamy moisture and gentle tang. Choose full-fat for best texture, but low-fat versions are nearly as good.

Why did my bread sink in the middle?

This usually happens if the bread wasn’t baked quite long enough, or if the batter was over-mixed. Always check doneness with a toothpick and mix just until the ingredients are combined for a perfect domed loaf.

Do I need to refrigerate the bread because of the cream cheese?

It’s perfectly fine at room temperature for up to two days. After that, or if your kitchen is especially warm, store it in the fridge to keep it moist and ensure the cream cheese stays fresh.

Can I make Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with Citrus Glaze gluten free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten free flour blend for the all-purpose flour, and check that your other ingredients are gluten free. The result is still beautifully moist, zesty, and full of sunshine.

Final Thoughts

If you love bakes that capture the brightness of lemons and the creaminess of classic snack cakes, you absolutely must try Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with Citrus Glaze. Every slice is a little celebration of sunshine, and I can’t wait for you to share it with your favorite people—or to savor a cozy piece all for yourself!