The 4-Ingredient Breakfast I Make All Summer Long

When summer hits and the farmers markets are overflowing with sun-warmed fruit, I feel almost duty-bound to make the most of it, especially at breakfast. Juicy peaches get sliced over oatmeal, ripe figs get plopped onto yogurt with a drizzle of honey, and watermelon makes its way into my smoothies. Cherries? I eat them straight from the bowl, one by one.

But my typical breakfast is much simpler: A thick slice of bread slathered in natural peanut butter. It’s what I reach for on autopilot, morning after morning. But it didn’t take long to realize that summer fruit—specifically, berries—could only make it better.

With a little tweaking, this recipe became my ideal warm weather toast. It’s as simple as it is satisfying: Start with good bread, smear on some peanut butter, mash in a pile of fresh strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries, and finish with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey.

The result? A juicy, salty-sweet, just-fancy-enough breakfast that tastes like summer on toast.

Tips for Making My 4-Ingredient Berry Toast

• Choose the right bread: Go for a hearty, grainy loaf for these toasts, as the mashed berries can soak through lighter sandwich breads. I like to buy an unsliced loaf and cut it extra-thick to help absorb the juices without getting soggy. If you’re opting for a regular sandwich bread, just give it a little more time in the toaster so it holds up to the toppings.
• Toast it well: Since this toast is piled high with toppings, giving the bread a slightly darker toast helps it to maintain its structure. You want it crispy enough that it doesn’t collapse under the weight of the peanut butter and juicy berries.
• Experiment with nut butters: My go-to brand of natural peanut butter is Teddie All Natural Super Chunky Peanut Butter. It’s made from dry-roasted peanuts and a good seasoning of salt. You can also use almond, cashew, or even sunflower seed butter if you’re looking for a nut-free option.
• Mix your berries: I love combining strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries together for a burst of tart and sweet flavors.
• ​​Finish with a light drizzle: A little goes a long way when it comes to honey or maple syrup—about a teaspoon max per slice is usually enough to add a touch of sweetness without overpowering the berries. You might even skip the drizzle altogether if you’ve got a particularly sweet batch of fruit (like peak-season strawberries).
• Add a crunchy topping: For a bit more texture, sprinkle some granola, chopped nuts, or seeds over the top. The crunch pairs nicely with the creamy peanut butter and juicy berries.

How to Make My 4-Ingredient Berry Toasts 

For two toasts, you’ll need:

• 2 slices thick-cut whole-grain bread
• 2 to 4 tablespoons natural peanut butter (or your favorite nut butter)
• 1/3 cup fresh berries (hulled strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, or a combination)
• 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup, or to taste
• Flaky salt, to taste

Toast the bread in a toaster until crispy and golden brown. Go a bit darker than usual for extra sturdiness. Smear each slice with a generous topping of peanut butter (about 2 tablespoons per slice). Add the berries on top of the peanut butter and mash gently with a fork to release their juices. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey and sprinkle with flaky salt. Enjoy!

More Easy Breakfasts

• Easy Oven Eggs
• Cantaloupe Smoothie
• Grab-and-Go Oatmeal Chia Cups
• Oatmeal Almond Butter Breakfast Cookies