Understanding when your bread machine loaf is done baking
Making bread using a bread machine is a very convenient and straightforward process. You only need to add your ingredients to the machine and then leave the machine to do the rest of the work. One issue that causes confusion for many, especially novice bakers, is how to know when the bread is done baking. In this article, we will discuss how to tell when your bread machine loaf is done baking.
Use a thermometer
The most accurate way of determining whether your bread is ready is by using a digital thermometer. When the bread is ready, its internal temperature should be around 190°-200°F or 88°-93°C. Remove the loaf from the bread machine, and insert the thermometer at the center of the loaf. If the temperature is within this range, the bread is ready. However, if the temperature is lower, return the bread to the machine, and continue baking in intervals of 10 minutes while measuring the temperature each time until the desired temperature is reached.
Check its color and texture
Another way to tell if your bread is ready is by visually examining it. The color of the loaf should be golden brown, and the texture should be slightly firm, but lightweight. Gently tap the top of the loaf. If it sounds hollow, your bread is ready. If not, return it to the machine and tighten the lid. Wait for a few minutes and check again. Keep doing this until you get the hollow sound you are looking for.
Trust the bread machine settings
If you don’t have a thermometer or don’t want to check visually, another way to determine whether your bread is ready is by using the settings on your bread machine. bread machines have different settings for different types of bread, such as wheat or white bread. Each setting has a set time for the bread to bake. After the set time elapses, the machine will beep to indicate that the bread is ready.
Wait for the machine’s final beep
When you start the bread machine, it will take some time to get started. During this time, your machine is kneading the dough. After kneading the dough, the machine will go into a rising cycle. Once this cycle is complete, the machine will initiate another kneading cycle, then baking. When the baking process is complete, the machine will beep to indicate that the bread is ready. Wait for this beep to know that your bread is done.
