Lemon-Cream Tea Loaf
A moist lemon-cream tea loaf with tangy lemon glaze, perfect for afternoon tea or brunch, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and citrus flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cream cheese and butter, creaming well.
- Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating mixture well after each addition.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
- Pour batter into two greased and floured 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 3-inch loaf pans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Combine lemon rind, lemon juice, and powdered sugar, mixing until smooth; pour over hot loaves.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes; remove to wire racks and cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your cream cheese and butter are softened properly before creaming. Consider using Greek yogurt as a substitute for part of the cream cheese for a tangy twist. If you want a richer lemon flavor, add more lemon juice or zest. Keep an eye on the baking time as ovens may vary.
Serving Suggestions
This lemon-cream tea loaf is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a cup of herbal tea or coffee. For a complete brunch, serve alongside light dishes like Miracle Salad or a fresh fruit platter. Dust with additional powdered sugar before serving for a touch of sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover lemon-cream tea loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, slice the loaf and warm it in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon-Cream Tea Loaf contains roughly 445 calories, with 3g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is a good source of calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 798mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cream cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly, making it creamier or denser.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the loaf?
If you prefer a less sweet loaf, reduce the sugar by up to 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the texture. You can also add more lemon juice to enhance the flavor, balancing the sweetness.
Can I freeze the lemon-cream tea loaf?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).