There’s something magical about bread with character—soft, fluffy interiors that melt in your mouth and a crust that cracks in a way that feels almost like an artisan creation. That’s exactly what Tiger Bread offers. Also known as Giraffe Bread due to its patterned crust, it’s a classic Dutch bread that captivates both kids and adults.

This Easy Tiger Bread Recipe combines a soft white bread base with a crunchy, sweet, rice flour paste that forms the iconic tiger-like cracked pattern. Not only is it visually stunning, but the contrast of textures makes every bite a delight.

The best part? Despite its professional appearance, this bread is surprisingly simple to make at home, even for beginners. By following a few key tips, you can achieve a loaf that looks like it came straight from a bakery and tastes irresistibly fresh.

Ingredients

Bread Dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Tiger Paste (Crust Topping)

• 3 tablespoons rice flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons water
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and softened butter. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: On a lightly floured surface, knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
4. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
5. Prepare the tiger paste: In a small bowl, combine rice flour, sugar, salt, water, and oil. Mix into a smooth, spreadable paste.
6. Shape the loaf: Punch down the risen dough and shape into a loaf or oval. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or loaf pan.
7. Apply tiger paste: Spread the paste evenly over the top of the loaf. It should cover the dough completely.
8. Second rise: Let the loaf rise for another 20–30 minutes. The paste may crack naturally during this time.
9. Bake the bread: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
10. Cool: Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

• Slice and serve with butter or jam for breakfast
• Perfect for sandwiches, especially soft cheeses or smoked meats
• Great with soups and stews for dipping

Chef’s Notes

• Rice flour paste is key to the signature cracked pattern. Adjust thickness if needed.
• Use warm milk for yeast activation; too hot can kill yeast.
• Loaf keeps well for 2–3 days in an airtight container; can also freeze

Easy Tiger Bread – Crispy, Soft, and Fun to Make

A visually stunning Dutch bread with a soft, fluffy interior and signature cracked crust. Perfect for sandwiches, breakfast, or as a show-stopping loaf for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 minutes mins

Servings: 1 loaf

Course: Bread, Snack

Cuisine: Dutch, European

Calories: 220

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Bread Dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk 110°F / 43°C
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened

Tiger Paste (Crust Topping)

• 3 tbsp rice flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 tbsp water
• ¼ tsp salt

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Baking sheet or loaf pan
• Wire rack

Method

 

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and softened butter. Mix until sticky dough forms.
3. Knead dough 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
5. Prepare tiger paste by mixing rice flour, sugar, salt, water, and oil into a smooth paste.
6. Punch down dough, shape into a loaf or oval, and place on baking sheet or loaf pan.
7. Spread tiger paste evenly over the top of the loaf.
8. Let loaf rise another 20–30 minutes.
9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake loaf 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
10. Cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Notes

The rice flour paste is essential for the signature cracked pattern. Loaf keeps for 2–3 days in an airtight container or can be frozen.