Testing for doneness is a crucial part of baking homemade bread. No matter if it’s an indulgent loaf of cinnamon roll bread or a fresh homemade crusty bread, you want to make sure that it comes out ready to serve. From checking the crust color to tapping the bottom of the loaf, these methods will help you make delicious homemade bread for your next picnic or family gathering.
1. CHECK THE BREAD’S INTERNAL TEMPERATURE- Insert a kitchen thermometer an inch or two into the middle of your bread and read the internal temperature. 190°F is typically the recommended temperature, but this will vary based on your type of bread. If you use an instant-read thermometer, do this step carefully with the bread still in the oven. If you insert the thermometer from the side or at an angle, you may be able to reduce the appearance of the hole left behind.
2. CHECK THE BREAD’S COLOR- Another way to determine if your homemade bread is done baking is by checking the bread’s color. Bread that is fully baked will be golden brown. Remember that different types of bread may have different appearances when fully baked. If the outside of your bread is very pale, it should go back into the oven.
3. CHECK THE BREAD’S TEXTURE- If your bread is done baking, it will have a firm texture. The bread will appear dry and will have pulled away from the pan around the edges.
4. TAP THE BOTTOM OF THE BREAD- You can check your bread for doneness by removing it from the pan and tapping the bottom. When you tap the bottom of a loaf of bread that is done baking, the sound will be hollow. If you haven’t used this technique before, try taking the bread out of the oven every few minutes toward the end of baking to hear how the sound evolves.
5. TESTING WITH A TOOTHPICK- This is likely a technique you are familiar with if you have enjoyed baking other things like cakes and cupcakes. Inserting a toothpick into the center of a baked good is a tried and true method to test for doneness. If the toothpick comes out clean, your bread is likely fully baked. It needs a bit more time if it comes out wet with dough or crumbs.