Flower-Shaped Bread Recipe (Kids’ Baking Activity + Sensory Flour Play)
- Declan Hill
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
This morning my 5 year-old and I baked a flower-shaped loaf and had so much fun measuring, shaping and — hilariously — “mining” through the flour like archaeologists (or real "Minecraft"). This easy recipe is perfect for preschool and early-primary children: short hands-on steps, calm sensory play with no need to rush the dough, and an outcome everyone in the family can enjoy (this one was taken on a home educator's group picnic). Below you’ll find the full recipe, step-by-step photos, learning notes (maths), and a printable recipe card.
Some Fun Learning benefits.
Practice measuring, we used a scale, my son pointed out he thought the number was supposed to end in "00" when the scale said 716, this opened a conversation about it being a little bit more flour and how that's ok.
Basic fractions cutting the dough(half, quarter).
Sensory science experience *flour/water play**.
What is Yeast? Yeast consumes glucose in the mixture, producing ethanol and carbon dioxide, which you may be able to smell. The carbon dioxide gas makes the bubbles in the dough.
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Quick recipe facts
Prep time: 20 minutes active (+ 1–1.5 hours proving)
Play time: 1 minute to 1 hour
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy — ideal for ages 2+ with adult supervision
Makes: 1 flower loaf (serves 12)
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Ingredients
600g strong white bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
100g spelt flour (optional: can swap for more bread flour)
7g instant yeast
2 tsp salt
450ml warm water (about 38°C / warm to the touch)
2 tbsp olive oil
Optional: 1 tbsp paprika
Optional: 4 cherry tomatoes for toppings
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Equipment
Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups/spoons or a kitchen scale
A baking tray or dish
A scrape, a knife or kitchen scissors (for cutting petals, dough)
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Step-by-step method (child-friendly version + adult notes)
1. Mix dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 600g bread flour, 100g spelt flour, 7g yeast and salt. Let your child help scoop, talk about the measurements (this is the time my kids love to play the most with the dry flour).
2. Add liquid & form dough
Pour in warm water (kids like to pour rivers and play hidden water pockets). When play has finished, stir until a shaggy dough forms. Children can use a wooden spoon; older kids might want to knead the dough.
3. First prove
Keep dough in the bowl, cover, and leave to rise until doubled (about 45–60 minutes).
4. Shape the flower
Punch down the dough, divide it in half, one for a central ball. The other half (optional add paprika, we added 1tbsp to experiment with colouring the petals) roll into a large sausage shape, cut into 8 smaller balls for petals(potential to explain 1/2, 1/4, 1/8). Arrange in a dish with oil: ball in the center, petals around it. Add toppings, we used cherry tomatoes as the "seeds" of the flower and covered it with extra virgin olive oil.
6. Final prove (20–30 minutes)
Pre-heat the oven to around 210°C, let the arranged flower shape rest until slightly puffy.
7. Bake (210°C / 190°C fan / 400°F)
Bake 20–30 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding. Cool slightly before slicing or tearing.
Serving ideas
enjoy warm with butter or cheese spread.
Make mini sandwiches for a flower picnic.
Use leftover petals as dipping pieces for soup.
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Tips & Safety
Always supervise young children with hot surfaces and sharp utensils.
If under-3s are involved, keep tasks to mixing, decorating, or sensory play away from the oven.
Experiment with different toppings, whatever is a favourite in your family, I think rosemary would go very well.
Recipe
More flower-themed blogs and printables:
Interesting bread facts:
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FAQ
Can toddlers help? Yes — they can stir, roll small balls, and scoop flour with supervision.
Can I make this dairy-free? The recipe is already dairy-free.
How do I store it? Keep in a bread bag at room temperature for 2 days, or freeze slices for up to 1 month.
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