Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese (1 package), softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- ½ cup butter (1 stick), softened to room temperature.
- 1 ½ cups sugar, to sweeten the loaf.
- ½ tablespoon lemon zest, finely grated to infuse a citrus note.
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature for uniform mixing.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, sifted to prevent clumps.
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt, to enhance the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder, to help the loaf rise.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional), for added warmth and spice.
- 1 cup milk, at room temperature to incorporate smoothly.
- 15 oz can sliced peaches, drained and diced to distribute evenly in the loaf.
Preparation
- Prepare Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) to ensure a consistent baking temperature.
- Grease a standard bread loaf pan (approximately 9×5 inches) with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the loaf from sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and well-combined.
- Gradually add the sugar while continuing to mix, followed by the eggs and lemon zest. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, ensuring it is homogeneously creamy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and optional cinnamon. This dry mix will help create the structure of the loaf.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. This method helps maintain a balanced texture by preventing the batter from becoming too liquid or too dry.
- Fold in the diced peaches gently with a spatula, ensuring they are distributed evenly throughout the batter without crushing them.
- Bake the Loaf:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes. The loaf is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it is properly baked through.
- Cooling:
- Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the loaf to settle and firm up, making it easier to remove from the pan.
- Transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This step ensures the loaf is not too soft or crumbly when cut.
Enjoy your homemade Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf as a delightful treat with your afternoon tea or as a dessert option for gatherings. Its creamy texture, complemented by the sweetness of peaches and the zest of lemon, makes it a favorite for many!
