Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

### Instructions:

#### 1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal once your bread is baked.

#### 2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set the dry ingredients aside as you move on to the wet ingredients.

#### 3. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and cream cheese. Beat them until smooth and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

#### 4. Add Sugar and Eggs
To the cream cheese and butter mixture, add the granulated sugar and continue mixing until fully incorporated. Then, add the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is well-blended before adding the next.

#### 5. Add Lemon and Vanilla
Stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. The citrus will infuse the batter with a fresh, zesty flavor, while the vanilla adds a touch of sweetness.

#### 6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients, and mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a denser loaf.

#### 7. Pour the Batter into the Pan
Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly, ensuring the top is smooth.

#### 8. Bake the Bread
Bake the bread for about 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the loaf loosely with foil to prevent over-baking.

#### 9. Cool the Bread
Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

#### 10. Optional: Make the Lemon Glaze
While your bread is cooling, you can prepare the optional lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread for a burst of extra sweetness and citrus flavor.

### Tips for the Best Lemon Cream Cheese Bread:

– **Use Room Temperature Ingredients**: For a smooth batter, make sure both your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing.
– **Don’t Overmix**: Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so mix just until combined.
– **Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest**: For the best flavor, always use fresh lemons instead of bottled lemon juice. The zest contains essential oils that really elevate the bread’s aroma and taste.
– **Check for Doneness**: Since ovens can vary, check your bread around the 55-minute mark. If the toothpick comes out clean, your bread is ready to be removed from the oven.

### How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bread

– **As a Snack**: Serve a slice of this moist bread with your afternoon tea or coffee. It pairs wonderfully with both hot and iced beverages.
– **For Breakfast**: Add a slice of Lemon Cream Cheese Bread to your breakfast spread. It’s perfect with a dollop of butter or jam on top.
– **For Dessert**: If you’re in the mood for something a little sweeter, drizzle the bread with the optional lemon glaze and serve it as a refreshing dessert after a meal.
– **Gift It**: Lemon Cream Cheese Bread makes a perfect homemade gift. Wrap it in parchment paper and tie it with a ribbon for a charming present that anyone would love.

### Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover bread (which is rare!), store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week if you prefer your bread chilled. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

### Conclusion: A Slice of Citrus Bliss

Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful treat that brings together the best of both worlds—tangy lemon and rich, creamy texture. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying a slice on your own, it’s sure to brighten your day and leave everyone asking for the recipe.

With its perfect balance of flavors and tender crumb, this bread is an absolute must-try. Easy to make, even easier to love, Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a versatile recipe that you’ll find yourself returning to time and time again. Happy baking!