• Registered: 21-04-2012
  • Posts: 2

Topic: Heavy Dense Bread

I have now attempted to make the simple white loaf twice.  The first I made, I used strong white flour, it was OK but crumbled.  The second I made I followed the recipe exactly and used Allisons Premium White flour. 

When I added the 300 ml warm water (as per recipe) the mixed seemed extremely dry so I added a little more, about a tablespoon.  The dough was not very soft and hard work to knead.  It rose well and after baking, turned out heavy and very dense.

I have not made bread for a very long time and remember making bread at school, with fresh yeast and the dough being very soft but not sticky.  Help!!!

Last edited by Popsical (24-04-2012 21:28:39)

  • Registered: 07-01-2012
  • Posts: 102

Re: Heavy Dense Bread

The amount of water that you need to use can vary depending on the brand of flour you're using. It can also vary when using flour from the same brand as sometimes the flour seems to require a little more water. Whichever brand of flour you buy next time always make sure it is strong flour suitable for bread making.

You say you used 300ml water so I'm assuming that would be for 500g of flour. Those quantities sound about right but next time if the dough feels dry just keep adding water a little at a time until the dough is easy to work with, i.e. not dry but also not too sticky. Make sure you knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. Hope this helps.

  • Registered: 28-07-2011
  • Posts: 228

Re: Heavy Dense Bread

I agree with Pixie about adding more water. As you get more experience of bread baking, you'll get good at judging the quantity of water for yourself. This is better than relying on the amounts stated in the recipe, for the reasons Pixie stated.

In addition, make sure you are leaving enough time for the bread to rise. Again, don't follow the recipe too exactly. The point is that the dough should reach twice its original volume - or even a little more than that. Insufficient proving is a common cause of dense, stodgy bread.

Mike

  • Registered: 21-04-2012
  • Posts: 2

Re: Heavy Dense Bread

A big thank you to Pixie86 and Edi Mike, I made a lovely loaf yesterday because of your advice.  Thank you for your time and trouble.

  • Registered: 28-07-2011
  • Posts: 228

Re: Heavy Dense Bread

Popsical,

Delighted to hear your loaf was a success.

Mike