A loaf can look done and still be sticky inside. The baking time in a recipe is only a guide, because all ovens are different. Here are three tests that show when the bread is ready.
Black Month pack Temperature in the middle of the loaf
| Bread | Temperature in the middle |
|---|---|
| Sweet yeast bakes, such as Christmas loaf | 85 to 90 °C |
| White bread and sandwich loaves | 92 to 95 °C |
| Wholemeal bread | 95 to 97 °C |
| Sourdough and rye bread | 96 to 98 °C |
The figures are a guide. Push the thermometer in from the base, right to the middle of the loaf.
Three tests
- The thermometer: The safest test. A simple kitchen thermometer will do.
- The tap test: Take the loaf out of the tin, turn it over with oven gloves and tap the base. A hollow sound means done. A dull sound means a few more minutes.
- The colour: The crust should be golden to dark, on the sides too. Pale sides mean the loaf needs more time.
Is the bread not done?
Put it back directly on the oven rack, without the tin, for 5 to 10 minutes. If the crust gets too dark, lay baking paper over it. If you have already cut it, lay the slices on a baking tray and finish them in the oven.
Let the bread cool completely
The loaf keeps baking a little on the rack, and the crumb sets as it cools. Cut too early and the crumb turns sticky. Wait at least an hour, and longer with large loaves and rye bread.
When the bread is cold
Put it in the bread bag and keep the bag in the fridge. There it stays soft and fresh, because the dry fridge air cannot get in. Freeze what you cannot finish in the same bag.
«Excellent product and so far it works perfectly.»
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
Do I need a thermometer?
No. The tap test and the colour are enough for most loaves. A thermometer gives more certainty with large, wet loaves.
Why is the bread sticky even though the crust is dark?
The oven may have been too hot, so the crust finished before the middle. Lower the heat next time and bake for longer. Bread cut while warm also turns sticky.
Can bread be overbaked?
Yes. The crumb then turns dry. Take the loaf out when the tests say it is done.
Does a skewer work?
It suits cakes best. In bread, the thermometer and the tap test give a clearer answer.
Want to know how long the bread keeps? See home-baked bread.
Fresh bread long after baking
The Bivoks™ bread bag is made for the bread you bake yourself, and it can go in both the fridge and the freezer.
See the bread bag →- 365-day guarantee
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- Closes with a clip
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- Reusable for 12+ months