Step 1: Prepare the cream cheese filling
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the cake batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the grated zucchini.
Step 3: Assemble the cake
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- Gently spoon the cream cheese filling over the batter, spreading it carefully to form an even layer.
- Top with the remaining cake batter, spreading it to cover the cream cheese filling completely.
Step 4: Bake the cake
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake (not the cream cheese layer) comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Prepare the glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice if needed.
Step 6: Glaze and serve
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.