Heart Bread

Why You’ll Love Heart Bread Recipe

• It’s made with simple ingredients you likely already have at home.

• The heart shape adds a charming touch for special moments.

• Great for beginners — the dough is easy to work with.

• Versatile enough to enjoy plain or with added flavorings.

• Ideal for gifting or serving at brunches and celebrations.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Active dry yeast

• Warm water

• Sugar

• Salt

• Olive oil

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle in the yeast and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Stir in olive oil, salt, and flour gradually to form a sticky dough.

3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

5. Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal pieces. Roll each into a rope, then curve the tops together and twist the bottoms to form a heart shape.

6. Place the shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.

7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.

8. Cool on a wire rack before slicing or serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 1 heart-shaped loaf (serves 6–8)

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Rising time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Bake time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

• Add chopped herbs like rosemary or basil for extra flavor.

• Mix in shredded cheese or minced garlic to the dough.

• Brush with butter or egg wash before baking for a glossy finish.

• Top with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or flaky salt.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

• Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature.

• Reheating: Warm slices in a toaster or oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can. Skip the proofing step and mix instant yeast directly with the flour.

What type of flour works best for this bread?

All-purpose flour works well, but you can use bread flour for a chewier texture.

How do I shape the dough into a heart?

Divide the dough into two ropes, curve the tops to form the heart’s curves, and twist the ends together at the point.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.

Is it okay to add sweet ingredients like cinnamon or raisins?

Absolutely. You can turn it into a sweet heart bread by adding cinnamon, raisins, or even chocolate chips.

Why didn’t my bread rise properly?

Check that your yeast is fresh and that the water wasn’t too hot or too cold during activation.

Can I make this dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough after the first rise and shape/bake it the next day.

What can I serve with heart bread?

It pairs well with soups, stews, salads, or simply with butter or jam.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake two loaves or make one larger heart.

How do I get a shiny crust on top?

Brush the dough with egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water) before baking.

Conclusion

Heart bread is a beautiful and heartfelt recipe that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re preparing it for Valentine’s Day, a brunch table centerpiece, or just because, this soft and tender bread is sure to impress. With its simple ingredients and creative shape, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Heart Bread

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Heart Bread is a delightful sweet bread shaped like a heart, perfect for special occasions or simply to show love through baking. Soft, fluffy, and lightly sweetened, it’s a charming treat that’s both beautiful and delicious.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 48 minutes
• Yield: 2–4 heart-shaped breads
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 300g bread flour
• 40g sugar
• 3g salt
• 3g instant yeast
• 1 egg
• 160ml warm milk
• 30g unsalted butter (softened)
• Egg wash (1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk)
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add instant yeast, egg, and warm milk. Mix to form a dough.
3. Knead the dough until smooth, then add softened butter.
4. Continue kneading until dough is elastic and passes the windowpane test.
5. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
6. Deflate dough, divide into equal portions (2 or 4, depending on desired heart shape), and shape into balls.
7. Roll each ball into a rope and shape into a heart by folding and twisting the ends together.
8. Place shaped dough on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
9. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
10. Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F).
11. Brush with egg wash and bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown.
12. Cool on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

Notes

• Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
• You can add a filling like chocolate or jam before shaping for extra flavor.
• Store in an airtight container to keep the bread soft for longer.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 heart bread
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 35mg