Citrus Cheese Loaf (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Bread Batter

01 - 1 ½ cups flour
02 - 1 teaspoon salt
03 - ½ cup canola oil
04 - Zest of 2 lemons
05 - 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
06 - 1 cup sugar
07 - 3 eggs
08 - 8 oz sour cream
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 - Juice of 1 lemon

→ Cream Cheese Swirl

11 - ⅓ cup powdered sugar
12 - 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

# Instructions:

01 - Set your oven to 350°F. Grab a standard loaf pan and grease it up.
02 - In another bowl, sift your flour, baking powder, and salt together.
03 - Toss sugar, eggs, sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla, and oil into your biggest bowl. Stir until smooth and everything’s mixed in.
04 - Slowly mix your dry ingredients into the wet mixture until no lumps are left. Set the batter aside for now.
05 - Take a smaller bowl and stir together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s creamy.
06 - Pour half the batter into the loaf pan. Add half the cream cheese mixture on top and swirl it around with a knife.
07 - Pour the rest of the batter and top it with the rest of the cream cheese mix. Swirl everything gently with a knife for a marbled pattern.
08 - Bake for about 65-70 minutes. Cover the top with foil for the last 20-30 minutes to stop it from getting too dark.
09 - Let your bread cool all the way before slicing so the cream cheese sets correctly.

# Notes:

01 - The swirls give it a moist texture and a pretty marbled finish.
02 - Use foil to cover the top near the end to prevent burning.
03 - Get the best lemon taste by using fresh lemons for zest and juice.
04 - Ensure your cream cheese is soft so it blends smoothly.

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