The recipe says fresh yeast, but you only have dried yeast in the cupboard. Or the other way round. Here is how to swap without the dough losing strength.
Black Month pack Table: fresh yeast and dried yeast
| Fresh yeast | Dried yeast |
|---|---|
| 4 g | 1 g |
| 12 g | 3 g, about 1 tsp |
| 25 g | 6 g |
| 50 g | 12 g |
| 100 g | 25 g |
The sum is simple: divide the fresh yeast by 4 to get the dried yeast. Going the other way, multiply the dried yeast by 4.
Count in grams, not packets
Packets are not all the same size. They vary between brands and countries, so check how many grams are in yours. Some brands also count 1 part dried yeast to 3 parts fresh yeast. In that case, go by the packet.
What you do differently
| Fresh yeast | Dried yeast | |
|---|---|---|
| How to use it | Stir into the liquid | Mix into the flour |
| Temperature of the liquid | about 37 °C | about 40 °C |
| Rising | As in the recipe | May need a little longer |
The rest stays the same. The amount of flour, liquid and salt does not change, and you let the dough rise until it has doubled. Watch the dough, not just the clock.
Is the yeast alive?
If you are unsure about old yeast, you can test it. Stir a little yeast into half a glass of lukewarm water with 1 tsp of sugar. If it starts to foam within 10 minutes, the yeast is alive.
Fresh yeast keeps for less time than dried yeast. How to look after it: fresh yeast, shelf life and freezing.
Bivoks™ bread bag299 NOKCotton and linen with beeswax on the inside. Measures 30.5 × 43 cm, closes with a clip and can go in the freezer.
Frequently asked questions
How much dried yeast equals 25 g of fresh yeast?
About 6 g, which is roughly 2 tsp.
Does bread taste just as good with dried yeast?
Yes, in an ordinary loaf. In very sweet, rich doughs, fresh yeast often gives a little more strength.
Does dried yeast need stirring into water first?
Usually not. Some types do need stirring into liquid first, so check the packet.
Can I swap yeast in every recipe?
Yes. Use the table, and follow the rest of the recipe as written.
Want to bake with dried yeast now? See everyday bread with dried yeast.
From dough to finished loaf
Bake & Keep gives you the proofing basket for the dough and the bread bag for the finished loaf.
See Bake & Keep →- 365-day guarantee
- ·
- Closes with a clip
- ·
- Reusable for 12+ months