There’s something truly special about baking sourdough—it’s a slow, mindful process that transforms simple ingredients into a beautiful, nourishing loaf. This heart-shaped sourdough bread is a perfect way to share love through food, whether for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or just because. With its golden, crispy crust and soft, airy crumb, this loaf is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes.
Sourdough bread has been cherished for centuries, known for its deep flavor, natural fermentation, and gut-friendly benefits. The long fermentation process enhances digestibility while creating a rich, slightly tangy taste that pairs wonderfully with both sweet and savory toppings. This heart-shaped version is a playful twist on a classic, bringing warmth and charm to any table. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your sourdough journey, shaping your loaf into a heart is a fun and creative way to spread a little extra love. ??
Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped Sourdough Loaf
Ingredients
- 500g (4 cups) bread flour
- 350g (1 ½ cups) water
- 100g (½ cup) active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
- 10g (2 tsp) salt
Instructions
1. Mix the Dough (Autolyse)
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and water until combined. Let it rest for 30-45 minutes.
- Add the sourdough starter and mix well. Let it rest for 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle salt over the dough and mix until incorporated.
2. Bulk Fermentation (4-6 hours at room temp)
- Perform stretch and folds every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours.
- Let the dough rest and ferment until it has risen about 50%.
3. Shaping the Heart
- Lightly flour your work surface and gently turn out the dough.
- Pre-shape into a round and let it rest for 20 minutes.
- To form a heart:
- Shape the dough into an oval.
- Use your fingers to pinch a small indent at the top center.
- Gently elongate and taper the bottom to create a point.
- Tuck the sides slightly to enhance the heart shape.
4. Cold Fermentation (Overnight in the Fridge)
- Place the shaped dough into a well-floured heart-shaped banneton or a bowl lined with a floured towel.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight (8-12 hours).
5. Baking the Loaf
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) with a Dutch oven inside.
- Place the dough on parchment paper and gently score the heart shape for definition.
- Transfer to the hot Dutch oven, cover, and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the lid and bake for 15-20 more minutes until golden brown.
6. Cool and Enjoy!
- Let the loaf cool completely before slicing.
