Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Loaf is a moist, tender, and flavorful cake that beautifully balances the tangy brightness of lemon with the rich creaminess of cream cheese. This loaf is perfect for afternoon tea, brunch, or a light dessert. With its soft crumb and zesty glaze, it’s a refreshing and indulgent treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients:

For the Loaf:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  
  

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
  
  

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
  
  

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  
  

• 1 cup granulated sugar
  
  

• 3 large eggs
  
  

• 1/4 cup sour cream
  
  

• Zest of 2 lemons
  
  

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  
  

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  
  

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
  
  

• 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  
  

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
   
   

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
   
   

3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
   
   

4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
   
   

5. Mix in sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until combined.
   
   

6. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
   
   

7. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
   
   

8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   
   

9. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
   
   

10. For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled loaf before serving.
    
    

Nutritional Information (per slice, approx., serves 12):

• Calories: 280 kcal
  
  

• Total Fat: 15 g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 9 g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 90 mg
  
  

• Sodium: 180 mg
  
  

• Total Carbohydrates: 30 g
  
  

• Dietary Fiber: 1 g
  
  

• Sugars: 20 g
  
  

• Protein: 5 g