Solved! 10 Common Bread Baking Problems (And How to Fix Them)

Baking bread can be a deeply rewarding experience, transforming simple ingredients into delicious and nourishing loaves. However, even the most seasoned bakers encounter challenges along the way. From room temperature fluctuations to ingredient ratios, many factors can lead to unexpected results during bread-baking. Here’s my guide to troubleshooting some common bread-baking problems.

Problem 1: My Bread Didn’t Rise!

Cause: There are two potential reasons. The water might have been too hot, killing the yeast. Alternatively, the dough could be lacking in yeast or kneaded for too short a time, hindering gluten development.
Solution: Always check the water temperature (around 105 to 110 F is ideal). Ensure you’re using the correct amount of yeast and activate it properly according to the recipe. If your dough seems underdeveloped, knead for a few additional minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Problem 2: My Bread is Dense and Heavy

Cause: This could be due to under-kneading, leading to weak gluten development. Additionally, using too much flour or not allowing the dough to rise sufficiently can contribute to a dense texture.
Solution: Knead the dough well and perform a windowpane test when possible. Aim for a smooth and elastic dough. Double-check flour measurements and avoid adding too much. Let the dough rise until almost double in size in a warm and dry location.

Problem 3: My Bread Burned on the Outside But Is Raw Inside.

Cause: This is often caused by a too-hot oven. Additionally, shaping the dough too loosely can lead to uneven baking.
Solution: An oven thermometer can be very handy for calibrating the oven temperature for accuracy. Reduce the baking temperature by 25 F and bake for a few more minutes if needed. Shaping the dough into a tight boule or batard can help ensure even baking.

Problem 4: My Bread Came Out Flat and Spreads Out While Baking

Cause: This likely indicates weak gluten development due to under-kneading or not enough gluten in the flour. Over-proofing can also contribute to a flat loaf.
Solution: Follow the recipe for proper kneading. Pay attention to proofing times and avoid letting the dough rise for too long. Proper kneading is essential for developing the gluten structure in your dough, which is key to achieving the perfect texture in your bread.

Problem 5: My Bread Has a Gummy or Undercooked Interior

Cause: Gummy or undercooked interior occurs when there is insufficient baking time or when the oven temperature is too low, preventing the bread from fully cooking through.
Solution: Always ensure the oven is preheated before you begin baking the bread. Increase the baking time by a couple of minutes to ensure even cooking.

Problem 6: My Bread Has a Pale Crust

Cause: Oversteaming during the initial stages of baking can create excessive moisture on the surface of the dough, inhibiting proper crust formation and browning.
Solution: Reduce the amount of steam in the oven by adjusting the steaming method or reducing the steaming duration. Alternatively, remove the lid from the baking vessel earlier in the baking process to allow excess moisture to escape and promote crust browning. Adjusting the oven temperature may also help achieve a more desirable crust color.

Problem 7: My Bread Has a Thick, Gummy Crust

Cause: This often happens when too much sugar is used in baking or if the baking temperature is too low.
Solution: Measure and use the correct amount of sugar mentioned in the recipe. Alternatively, bake the bread at a slightly higher temperature for a shorter time to achieve a crispier crust. You can also cure the bread to get a softer crust. To do this, once the bread is baked, turn off the oven and let it sit in the oven with the door ajar for 15 minutes.

Problem 8: My Bread Has Large Holes in the Crumb

Cause: This can be caused by over-proofing, trapping too much gas, creating large pockets during baking. Uneven kneading can also lead to uneven crumb structure.
Solution: Pay close attention to proofing times and avoid letting the dough rise too long. Ensure thorough and even kneading to develop a consistent gluten network.

Problem 9: My Bread Has a Sour Taste (When Not Making Sourdough)

Cause: This might be due to using old or expired yeast. Alternatively, the dough could have been over-proofed, leading to the development of off-flavors.
Solution: Always use fresh, active yeast. Check the expiration date before using. Be mindful of proofing times to avoid over-fermentation, which can change the flavor profile.

Problem 10: Flat or Deflated Bread after Shaping

Cause: Poor shaping technique or insufficient gluten development can cause the dough not to hold its shape.
Solution: Practice proper shaping techniques, ensuring the dough is tightly shaped with adequate tension. Additionally, ensure the dough has been adequately kneaded to develop gluten strength, which provides structure and support for the loaf during shaping and proofing.