Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 8 oz sour cream
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• Zest of 2 lemons
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and grease a standard loaf pan.
2. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine sugar, eggs, sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and canola oil. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined. Set aside.
5. Prepare Cream Cheese Swirl: In a small bowl, blend softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
6. Assemble Bread: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture on top, then swirl together gently with a knife. Add the remaining batter on top, followed by the remaining cream cheese mixture. Swirl again to create a marbled pattern.
7. Bake: Bake the bread for 65-70 minutes, covering loosely with foil for the last 20-30 minutes to prevent over-browning.
8. Cool: Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before slicing, ensuring the cream cheese sets properly.

Enjoy this delightful Lemon Cream Cheese Bread with its tangy lemon zest, creamy swirls of cream cheese, and moist texture—a perfect treat for any occasion!