Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to bake something special, and what better way to show love than with a homemade heart-shaped sourdough loaf? Whether you’re gifting it to a loved one or treating yourself, this beautifully shaped bread is a fun and festive way to celebrate. Follow this guide to create a stunning heart-shaped sourdough loaf that’s as delicious as it is meaningful.
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Ingredients
- 500g (4 cups) bread flour
- 100g (1/2 cup) active sourdough starter
- 10g (2 tsp) salt
- 350g (1 1/2 cups) water
Instructions
1. Mix the Dough
Follow the beginning steps in my Simple Sourdough Loaf Recipe to get started, then come back to this page when its time for the fermentation process.
2. Cold Fermentation
Once bulk fermentation is complete, shape the dough into a round or oval shape and place it in a floured proofing basket. Cover and refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours) to enhance flavor and develop structure.
3. Shape the Heart
The next day, gently turn the cold dough out onto a floured surface. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut a small triangular section from both sides of the bottom to form a point. Then, make a slit at the top center of the loaf. Gently pull and shape the dough to exaggerate the heart shape.
4. Proof and Preheat
Allow the shaped dough to rest at room temperature while preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a Dutch oven inside.
5. Score and Bake
Lightly dust the loaf with flour and use a lame or sharp knife to enhance the heart shape with decorative scoring. Carefully place the dough in the preheated Dutch oven, cover, and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the lid and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
6. Cool and Enjoy
Let the loaf cool on a wire rack for at least an hour before slicing. Enjoy your heart-shaped sourdough with butter, jam, or your favorite toppings!
