Blueberry Bread with Crumb Topping Recipe

All-purpose flour: The base for the bread and the crumb topping, providing structure and texture.

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to both the bread and the crumb topping.

Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the bread rise.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the bread.

Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.

Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the bread.

Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.

Blueberries: The star ingredient, providing bursts of juicy flavor throughout the bread.

Cold, cubed butter: Essential for the crumb topping, creating a buttery, crunchy texture.

When folding in the blueberries, be gentle to avoid breaking them and turning the batter purple. Use a spatula and fold the batter from the bottom up, rotating the bowl as you go. This ensures even distribution without overmixing, which can result in a dense bread.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, but it may make the bread denser.

• granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.

• baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar for every 1 teaspoon of baking powder.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different mineral content and flavor.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in baking.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle coconut flavor and is a healthier fat option.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor profile.

• egg - Substitute with flax egg: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoon water to replace one egg, making it vegan-friendly.

• fresh or frozen blueberries - Substitute with raspberries: Raspberries offer a tart flavor and similar texture.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with oat flour: Oat flour is gluten-free and adds a slightly sweet, nutty flavor.

• granulated sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a rich, complex sweetness and moisture.

• cold, cubed butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a non-dairy alternative that works similarly in crumb toppings.

• Allow the blueberry bread to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
• Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help maintain its moisture and prevent it from drying out.
• For added protection, place the wrapped loaf in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer to refrigerate, the bread can last up to a week. Ensure it is well-wrapped to prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors.
• To freeze, wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place it in a resealable freezer bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• For individual servings, slice the blueberry bread before freezing. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place in a resealable freezer bag. This makes it easy to grab a single slice without defrosting the entire loaf.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the whole loaf or individual slices at room temperature. For a quicker option, microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds.
• To refresh the crumb topping, you can warm the blueberry bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help restore its crispiness.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wrap the blueberry bread in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  3. Place the wrapped bread on a baking sheet.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
  5. For a crispier crumb topping, unwrap the foil for the last 5 minutes of heating.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a slice of blueberry bread on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
  4. Check the temperature and heat in 10-second intervals if needed.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the blueberry bread on a piece of aluminum foil or directly on the toaster oven rack.
  3. Heat for about 5-10 minutes, checking frequently to avoid over-toasting.
  4. If you prefer a crispier crumb topping, you can toast it for an additional 2-3 minutes.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Place a slice of blueberry bread in the skillet.
  3. Cover with a lid to help retain moisture.
  4. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warmed through and slightly crispy.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
  2. Place the blueberry bread in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't overcook.
  4. For a crispier crumb topping, you can increase the temperature to 350°F (175°C) for the last 1-2 minutes.

• Oven: Used to bake the blueberry bread at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Loaf pan: The container in which the batter is poured and baked to give the bread its shape.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the dry ingredients and another for the wet ingredients.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour, sugar, milk, and oil.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities like baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract.

• Whisk: Helps to mix the wet ingredients together smoothly.

• Spatula: Useful for folding in the blueberries into the batter.

• Knife: Used to cube the cold butter for the crumb topping.

• Pastry cutter: Helps to cut the butter into the flour and sugar mixture for the crumb topping until it resembles coarse crumbs.

• Toothpick: Used to check if the bread is fully baked by inserting it into the center and seeing if it comes out clean.

• Cooling rack: Allows the bread to cool evenly after baking before slicing.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before starting to save time during the baking process.

Use a food processor: Quickly mix the crumb topping by pulsing the flour, sugar, and butter in a food processor.

Opt for frozen blueberries: If using frozen blueberries, there's no need to thaw them, which saves prep time.

Prepare the pan first: Grease the loaf pan before mixing the batter to streamline the process.

Combine wet ingredients in advance: Mix the milk, oil, vanilla, and egg together ahead of time for quicker assembly.