YOU CAN DOUGH IT!: How Do I Know If My Bread Has Finished Proofing?

So you’ve finally gotten your dough to your preferred shape, what now? Proofing is an essential step that comes after shaping your dough before popping it in the oven for baking. 

The process of proofing allows the dough to rise and creates an airy texture giving your bread the perfect texture and flavor. Depending on the amount of dough and the kind of bread you’re making, proofing can take hours to days. The question most beginner bakers ask is: how do you know when your bread is done proofing and ready for baking?

The dough volume has increased.

The most obvious sign of proofing is a change in your dough’s volume. Keep a close watch on the general temperature as this can affect the rate of proofing and the overall texture of your dough.

Some bakers monitor their dough’s volume by taking a photo of the dough at the beginning of the proofing process to see how much it has increased in volume.

The dough appears less dense and becomes airy.

At the beginning of proofing, your dough will appear dense.  As it proofs, the dough will look lighter and fluffier. You can also give your bowl a little shake to see if the dough will jiggle. 

Another way to check your dough’s progress is to do the poke test. Poke your finger into the dough and check for the following:

• Dough bounces back quickly: under-proofed
• Dough doesn’t bounce back: over-proofed
• Dough bounces back slowly and leaves a slight indentation: your dough is ready for baking!

Bubbles appear on the top or at the sides of the dough.

While most of the proofing magic happens within the dough, keep a close watch on the following changes on your dough:

• Double in size
• Bubbles forming on top and at the sides
• Smooth, shiny surface
• Firm, domed shape

Learning this tips and more with your baking buddy in a box, Superbaking Bread Basket Kit comes food-safe, quality materials to help you get started on your baking project:

• A Banneton Basket 
• Basic baking tools(metal dough scraper, plastic scraper, scoring lame, dough whisk, blade and lame case, liner cloth, plastic brush)
• Guide book

Dough it and more with Superbaking Banneton Basket set. Have fun baking!

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