Learn from us: Tips, Tricks & Trends Why Won’t Your Bread Rise? Find out the Causes and Solutions!

Why Is a Strong Bread Structure Important?

For bread enthusiasts, perfect texture and a sturdy structure are not just about appearance—they also enhance flavour and durability. Bread with a stable structure lasts longer and delivers a satisfying eating experience. This is especially crucial for bakery businesses looking to win loyal customers.

Achieving a strong bread structure with a soft or fluffy texture requires a deep understanding of the factors influencing the final product, from ingredient selection to proper baking techniques.

Here are some common issues that can affect bread-making:

• Inactive Yeast: Using inactive yeast can hinder fermentation, resulting in poor dough expansion.

• Flour Quality: High-protein flour is the best choice for creating elastic dough with strong gluten structures. Lower-quality flour leads to weak, non-elastic dough.

• Incorrect Salt Measurements: Salt plays a vital role in controlling yeast activity and strengthening gluten. Too much or too little salt can negatively affect the bread’s quality.

• Incomplete Mixing: Under-kneaded dough lacks elasticity, leading to dense bread that collapses during baking.

• Improper Proofing: Proofing is critical for proper dough expansion. Under-proofing results in dense bread, while over-proofing weakens the gluten structure, making the bread collapse easily, with coarse, dry textures.

• Baking Temperature Errors: Incorrect oven temperatures—too low or too high—can yield unsatisfactory results.

Tips for Making Bread Rise and Achieve a Strong Structure

Chef Junaidi, a professional chef from Sinarmas Agribusiness and Food, shares essential steps to avoid these issues:

1. Use Proven Recipes

Using proven recipes can simplify the bread-making process. Try FILMA® bread recipes like Spicy Tuna Steam Bun, Egg and Cheese Potato Bread, or Purple Sweet Potato Raisin Bread, all of which have been tested for quality.

You can follow Instagram @smartplusprof and @filmaprof to get the latest recipe creations from professional chefs. Also, get an exclusive FILMA® recipe e-book by signing up as a member at smartpluspro.com!

2. Choose Quality Ingredients

Use active yeast and high-protein flour for optimal dough structure. High-protein flour contains more gluten, resulting in elastic, sturdy dough compared to low-protein flour.

3. Accurate Salt Measurements

Salt enhances flavour and strengthens gluten, ensuring a firmer bread structure. It also regulates yeast activity for optimal dough development.

4. Maximise Kneading Process

Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Proper kneading is essential for ensuring optimal rise and structure. Mastering the right baking methods is equally important for achieving high-quality bread.

5. Control Proofing Time and Temperature

Proper proofing is crucial for soft and fluffy bread. Under-proofing results in dense bread, while over-proofing weakens the dough, causing it to collapse and dry out.

6. Use the Right Baking Temperature

Set the oven temperature according to the type of bread being made. Too low a temperature leaves bread undercooked, while too high of a temperature causes the crust to burn prematurely. Use the right temperature for evenly baked bread.

For the best results, Chef Junaidi recommends using FILMA® products, such as FILMA® Margarine and FILMA® Prestige (Butter Blend Margarine), ideal for sweet bread. These products add softness, a delightful aroma, and delicious flavour. The Natural Dutch Butter in FILMA® Prestige enhances bread with a premium taste.

Additionally, FILMA® Baker’s Cream Fat and FILMA® Pusaka White Baker’s Fat are highly recommended for plain bread, steamed buns, and mantou. These products provide a sturdy yet soft texture and visually appealing bread.

Perfecting bread structure and achieving optimal rise requires a thorough understanding of every baking step, from ingredient selection to proofing and baking techniques. With the right methods and high-quality products like FILMA®, you can create bread with a firm structure, soft texture, and premium taste that customers love.

Are you curious to try FILMA® products? Explore the e-catalog!