It is required for bread to rise. Without proofing, bread would be flat and flavorless. But the age-old dilemma, particularly for inexperienced bakers, is what the proper bread-proofing temperature is.

While it is ideal to follow your recipe’s guidelines, the universal bread-proofing temperature is 80F. However, the temperature might vary based on the kind of bread and the intended outcomes. Some bakers, for example, prefer cold proofing at 50°F.

Hello, everyone! My name is Shea, and I’ve been making bread for quite some time. I like baking bread. While I spend the most of my time eating sandwiches and sweet bread, I sometimes indulge on gourmet loaves like sourdough bread.

I’m here to provide the ideal bread proofing temperature.

The Best Bread Proofing Temperature

It has been proved that the ideal proofing temperature for bread is 80F. So, if you’re not sure what temperature to use for your next loaf of bread, go with 80F.

That is not to say that 80F should be utilized all of the time. Some breads perform well at various temperatures. You may also use different temperatures to enhance tastes and make a lighter, open-crumb bread.

As a general guideline, never prove the dough at temperatures higher than 120°F or lower than 40°F. Temperatures exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit will kill the yeast, while temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit will cause the yeast to become dormant, resulting in un-proofed loaves.

With that in mind, let’s look at some of the finest bread temperatures based on the sort of bread you’re preparing.

Sourdough

By adjusting the proving temperature, you may dramatically alter the result of your sourdough bread.

• 85-90F The higher the temperature, the more acidic the dough will be, resulting in a sour taste.
• 70-75F Use slightly cooler temps to moderate the usual sourdough tastes.

Sweet Bread

Sweet bread prefers a warmer climate for proofing, therefore temperatures between 80 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit would work well.

But be cautious. You want to avoid the butter melting point (90F to 95F) since sweet bread often incorporates butter. Melted materials, of course, will disturb the proofing process.

Artisan Bread

Artisan bread is often proofed at colder temperatures. This enables the bread to develop more flavor while also making it simpler to knead and shape. However, most Artisan bread loaves will rise between 70F and 90F.

Pastries/Croissants

Pastries and croissants are fragile and do not need much heat. In fact, these sorts of foods demand the coldest temperatures, with 68 F to 75 F being best.

How to Choose the Right Proofing Temperature

A warm, 80°F climate is ideal for almost every variety of bread. However, some bakers use temperatures as high as 100°F, while others use temps as low as 50°F. What’s going on? When should you modify the temperature of your dough? Here are a few things to think about.

1. The Warmer the Environment, the Faster the Rise

First things first lets discuss timing.

Warmer temperatures, such as those between 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit, can shorten the proofing time. In fact, at these temperatures, your bread will rise twice as quickly.

Colder temperatures, such as those below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, may take longer. If you lower the temperature to 50°F, your loaf may take twice as long to prove.

2. Cooler Temperatures Add More Flavor

Choosing a warmer temperature and shortening the proving period is ideal for some instances, particularly if time is of the essence. However, this is not always the best option. This is because lower temperatures provide greater taste with deeper depth, whilst higher temperatures produce lighter flavors.

As a result, breads with unique characteristics, such as sourdough, are sometimes proofed at lower temperatures.

3. The Lower the Temperature, the Better the Texture

A slower, colder proof will help improve the bread’s texture. Bread that is proofed too soon at a warm temperature will have too many holes and a lack of structure, but those that are proofed slowly will have a lovely crumb throughout.

4. Cooler Temperatures Can Lead to a Longer Shelf Life

Cooler temperatures cause the proving process to slow down, enabling the loaf of bread to become more acidic. As a result, the increased acidity inhibits mold development and maintains moisture, letting bread to keep longer than rapidly proved bread.

5. Bread Dough Proved in Lower Temperatures is Easier to Manipulate

Following the proofreading phase comes kneading, which may be both time-consuming and difficult. Allowing your dough to prove slowly at a lower temperature (and maybe using your bread machine to conduct the kneading) is a terrific method to make it simpler to shape and manipulate.

FAQs

That’s all there is to it! Everything you need to know about the ideal temperature for bread proofing. If you’re still curious, I’ve included some commonly asked questions that you may want to know the answer to.

What temperature is a proofing oven set at?

Are you considering buying a bread proofer? Fantastic concept! This removes a lot of the uncertainty and hassle from proving your loaf.

Every proofing oven is unique, however most will have temperature settings ranging from 70F to 100F. Some may have greater and lower temperatures, so double-check the information.

What is the best temperature and humidity for proofing bread?

recall the magic number 80 while attempting to recall the optimal temperature and humidity for proofing bread. Most bread kinds benefit from proofing at 80 degrees, and 80% humidity is also advised.

Can I proof my bread in the oven?

Bread may be proofed in the oven. It’s a fantastic concept, particularly if you have a cool kitchen. Place the bread on the center rack of the oven to prove it. Close the oven and place a cup of hot water beneath it. This will provide the required heat and humidity for an excellent proofing process.

What temperature does dough rise in the oven?

You may also use the oven instead of the cup of boiling water. Basically, you want to preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit for around two minutes. Turn it off and place the bread dough, covered, on the middle rack for an hour to prove.

Bread Proofing Temperatures Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

The ideal temperature for bread proofing is 80°F, however this is not a requirement. Consider a lower temperature below 70F to create more tastes and a better texture. Consider the sort of bread you’re baking to help you determine the proper temperature.

What temperature do you proof your bread at? Do you have anything further to say? Let us know in the comments!