Braided lemon bread is a beautiful, golden, and citrus-infused pastry that is as delightful to look at as it is to eat. With its soft, pillowy dough and a luscious lemon filling, this bread strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. The braided design gives it an elegant, bakery-style appearance, making it a great centerpiece for brunches, tea parties, or special occasions.
What sets this bread apart is its light, airy texture combined with the refreshing burst of lemon in every bite. The dough is enriched with butter and eggs, creating a rich and tender crumb, while the lemon filling adds a touch of brightness that makes each slice irresistible. Topped with a simple lemon glaze, this bread is a perfect blend of comfort and indulgence. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at bread-making for the first time, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers stunning results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Braided Lemon Bread
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Soft & Fluffy Texture – The enriched dough bakes into a light, pillowy bread with a buttery crumb.
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Vibrant Lemon Flavor – The tangy lemon filling brings a refreshing citrus twist to every bite.
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Elegant Presentation – The braided design makes this bread look stunning and professional.
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Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for brunch, breakfast, holidays, or as a homemade gift.
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Make-Ahead Friendly – You can prepare the dough in advance and bake fresh when needed.
Preparation Time and Yield
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Resting Time: 1.5 hours
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Cook Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
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Yield: 1 large braided loaf (about 10-12 slices)
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
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Calories: 210
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Carbohydrates: 32g
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Protein: 5g
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Fat: 7g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 9g
Ingredients for Braided Lemon Bread
For the Dough:
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2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
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¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Filling:
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⅓ cup cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon lemon zest
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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1 teaspoon cornstarch
For the Lemon Glaze:
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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½ teaspoon lemon zest
Step-by-Step Instructions for Braided Lemon Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the lemon filling. In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
Step 3: Roll and Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a 10×15-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the lemon filling evenly down the center of the dough, leaving about 1.5 inches of space on each side.
Step 4: Create the Braided Design
Using a sharp knife, make diagonal cuts 1-inch apart along both sides of the dough, stopping just before the filling. Fold the strips over the filling in a crisscross pattern to form a braid-like design.
Step 5: Let It Rise Again
Transfer the braided loaf onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden Brown
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the loaf with a little milk or an egg wash for a glossy finish. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until golden brown and baked through.
Step 7: Drizzle with Lemon Glaze
Let the bread cool slightly before drizzling it with the lemon glaze. To make the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest together until smooth. Drizzle over the bread and serve warm.
Ingredient Background
Lemon is the star ingredient in this braided lemon bread, bringing a fresh, tangy flavor that enhances both the filling and glaze. Lemons are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, making them a wonderful addition to any dessert. The zest contains essential oils that intensify the lemon aroma, while the juice provides a bright, citrusy tang. When combined with sugar and cream cheese, the result is a smooth, luscious filling with the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
Flour is the foundation of the dough, providing the structure and texture needed to create a light and airy bread. All-purpose flour works well in this recipe because it has the right amount of gluten to give the bread a chewy yet soft consistency. Kneading the dough properly helps develop the gluten strands, ensuring that the bread has the perfect texture once baked.
Cream cheese adds richness and smoothness to the lemon filling, creating a contrast to the soft, fluffy bread. It also helps bind the filling together, preventing it from leaking out during baking. The mild tang of the cream cheese complements the citrus flavor beautifully, making it a key ingredient in achieving the perfect balance of flavors in this recipe.
Technique Tips for Braided Lemon Bread
To achieve a light and fluffy texture, it’s important to let the dough rise properly. The first rise allows the yeast to develop, giving the dough its signature airy texture. Placing the dough in a warm, draft-free environment will help it rise faster. If your kitchen is cold, you can place the dough inside an oven with just the light turned on to create a gentle warmth for proofing.
When rolling out the dough, it’s important to create a rectangle with even thickness. This ensures that the bread bakes evenly and that the filling is distributed properly. Using a rolling pin, gently roll the dough from the center outward to avoid tearing or stretching it too much. Keeping the dough uniform will also help with the braiding process.
For a perfectly golden crust, brushing the bread with an egg wash or milk before baking creates a glossy finish. This step enhances the overall appearance of the bread, making it look more professional. If you prefer a softer crust, lightly covering the baked bread with a clean kitchen towel while it cools will help retain moisture and keep it soft and tender.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
Instead of a traditional braid, you can shape this bread into individual rolls for a more bite-sized approach. Simply divide the dough into smaller portions, roll them out, and spread the filling before rolling them into spirals. This method works great for brunch platters or party trays, allowing guests to grab individual servings.
For a more rustic look, try making a twist bread instead of a braid. After rolling out the dough and adding the filling, slice the dough in half lengthwise and twist the two halves together before baking. This creates a visually stunning loaf with beautiful layers of lemon filling peeking through.
If you want to make this recipe even more special, consider turning it into a lemon cream cheese Danish-style pastry. Instead of braiding the bread, fold the dough over the filling and cut it into squares. Once baked, drizzle the glaze over each piece to create a flaky, pastry-like treat that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.
Freezing and Storing Braided Lemon Bread
To keep your braided lemon bread fresh and moist, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer a slightly chilled texture, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days, but be sure to warm it slightly before serving to bring back its soft texture.
For longer storage, freezing is the best option. Once the bread has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. This prevents freezer burn and keeps the bread fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the bread at room temperature or warm it in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
If you want to freeze unbaked dough, shape the dough into a braid and place it on a baking sheet. Cover it tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough thaw and rise at room temperature before baking as instructed. This method ensures that you always have freshly baked lemon bread ready to go whenever you want a homemade treat.
Healthier Twist Ideas
To make a healthier version of braided lemon bread, consider substituting whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour. This adds more fiber and nutrients while maintaining a soft texture. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a more natural sweetness.
For a lighter filling, swap out the cream cheese for Greek yogurt. This reduces the overall fat content while adding a boost of protein and probiotics. Greek yogurt still provides the creamy texture needed for the filling, while complementing the tangy lemon flavor beautifully.
If you want to cut back on calories and fat, you can reduce the butter in the dough by half and replace it with unsweetened applesauce. This keeps the bread moist while lowering the saturated fat content. The natural sweetness of applesauce also helps balance the tartness of the lemon filling.
Serving Suggestions for Events
Braided lemon bread makes a beautiful brunch centerpiece, especially when served alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and a pot of hot tea or coffee. The light citrus flavor makes it a great addition to a spring or summer gathering, offering a refreshing contrast to heavier baked goods.
For a holiday treat, consider serving this bread during Easter, Mother’s Day, or Christmas morning. The elegant braided design makes it look festive and special, and you can enhance the presentation by adding a dusting of powdered sugar or edible flowers for a decorative touch.
If you’re hosting a dessert party, slice the bread into small portions and serve it with whipped cream or lemon curd on the side. This allows guests to add an extra layer of flavor while enjoying the soft, citrus-infused bread. It pairs well with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of white chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use store-bought dough instead of making it from scratch?
Yes, you can use pre-made refrigerated dough to save time. However, homemade dough gives a softer texture and richer flavor.
2. What type of lemons work best for this recipe?
Fresh Meyer lemons are ideal because they are naturally sweeter and less acidic, but regular lemons work just as well.
3. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but the texture may be slightly different. Adding xanthan gum can help improve elasticity.
4. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Make sure to seal the edges tightly and avoid overfilling. Chilling the dough before baking can also help prevent leaks.
5. What can I use instead of cream cheese in the filling?
Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese are great substitutes that still provide a creamy, tangy flavor.
6. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the fridge overnight. Let it come to room temperature before baking.
7. What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Warm slices in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
8. Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this recipe?
Yes, adding chopped almonds, walnuts, or dried cranberries can enhance the texture and flavor.
9. How do I make the glaze thicker?
Use less lemon juice or add more powdered sugar to adjust the thickness to your preference.
10. Can I turn this into a savory bread?
Absolutely! Skip the lemon filling and instead use a cheese and herb mixture for a delicious savory version.
Conclusion
Braided lemon bread is a delicious, bakery-style treat that combines the softness of freshly baked bread with a zesty lemon filling. Whether served at brunch, as a dessert, or for special occasions, its beautiful braid and vibrant citrus flavor make it a standout dish. Try it today and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and buttery goodness in every bite!
Print
Braided Lemon Bread
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 large braided loaf (about 10-12 slices) 1x
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Filling:
- ⅓ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
For the Lemon Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
While the dough is rising, prepare the lemon filling. In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a 10×15-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the lemon filling evenly down the center of the dough, leaving about 1.5 inches of space on each side.
Using a sharp knife, make diagonal cuts 1-inch apart along both sides of the dough, stopping just before the filling. Fold the strips over the filling in a crisscross pattern to form a braid-like design.
Transfer the braided loaf onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the loaf with a little milk or an egg wash for a glossy finish. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until golden brown and baked through.
Let the bread cool slightly before drizzling it with the lemon glaze. To make the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest together until smooth. Drizzle over the bread and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Resting Time: 1.5 hours
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 9g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g