To those of you who are curious about bread machines or already have a machine but rarely use it, this post is for you.

Everybody knows that I love to bake homemade bread from scratch. Using a bread machine couldn’t be easier, and it makes some fantastic bread! A bread machine combines convenience with flexibility. If you enjoy a fresh loaf of bread, but don’t have the time or space to bake from scratch, a bread machine is for you.

If you’ve tried to use a bread machine without success, consider that bread-making is a skill that usually improves with practice. Expect some failures in the beginning. However, I predict fewer fails with a bread machine than mixing by hand. Just don’t give up. Keep trying if you are just starting your home bread making adventures.

Or if you have never baked homemade bread before and find the instructions a bit intimidating, I encourage you to try it. It may seem intimidating at first, and the various steps take a bit of time to learn, but overall, it is straightforward. 

The simplest way to learn how to bake bread is to follow a basic recipe. Try Fast2eat Bread Recipes; they are kind of foolproof 😉 really easy, and the loaves of bread are delicious. If you already have a bread machine collecting dust, get it out and try Fast2eat Bread Recipes.

If you’ve been using your bread machine for baking bread, you’ve no doubt discovered the range and breadth of great loaves of bread you can make. The aroma that this bread creates as it bakes is absolutely heavenly.

Bread machines enable people to enjoy the pleasure of freshly baked bread with less effort. The aroma and taste of fresh-baked bread are hard to match. Traditional homemade bread requires hours of preparation and hands-on attention from start to finish. A bread machine mixes, kneads, and bakes the dough. It is like a miniature oven that makes a single loaf of bread.

This guide will help you make great bread.

Using a Bread Maker Tips and Hints

While bread machines offer freshly baked bread at the push of a button, there are special hints to ensuring quality bread almost every time.

Read more

Basic Ingredients

Like the instruments in an orchestra, the ingredients in basic bread are very simple: flour, sugar, salt, a liquid (such as water or milk), possibly a fat (such as butter or oil) and yeast. Each ingredient performs a specific job like each musical instrument, and each lends a special flavour to the final masterpiece. That’s why it’s important to use the right ingredients in exactly the right proportions to ensure you get the most delicious results!

Read more

Basic steps of Bread maker Functions

It is easy to create special recipes without a lot of time and effort. Just refer to the relative recipe and follow this basic process.

Read more

Bread Maker Cycles Settings

Your bread maker can bake almost any kind of bread. Bread machines are really helpful and great appliances. However, sometimes all the cycles can be confusing, and it’s difficult to know which one to use for a particular recipe.

Fast2eat Bread Recipes clearly show you which setting you should use.

This post will help you select the correct cycle if you are not following a Fast2eat Bread Recipes, and your recipe doesn’t specify which one to use. It will also help understand the most common bread machine cycles and settings, which are explained here for quick reference.

Read more

Troubleshooting Bread Making Difficulty

This isn’t about making baking scary! It’s all part of the learning process. Although Fast2eat Bread Recipes are kind of foolproof 😉 difficulties may happen; therefore, let’s talk about common Bread Machine difficulties with possible solutions.

Read more

Finishing the Crust – glazes, washes, and toppings

Finish the crust, the special touch for Homemade Bread, and leave it so yummy with a beautiful appearance!

Although glazes and toppings are often optional ingredients that I usually omit, from sheer lack of time, they add a boost of flavour and enhance the bread’s appearance. They add flavour, affect the look, taste, and crunch of the crust, provide an attractive finish on the bread, and add moisture.

Read more

Taking Care of Your Bread Maker

Are you making sure your bread machine is functioning at its best?

Routine maintenance is fairly simple and should be done frequently. Maybe that’s why we’re sometimes tempted to neglect it. In fact, routine cleaning of the machine should occur after each new loaf is baked.

Here are some basic steps to routinely do to keep your bread machine baking at its best.

Read more

Bread Maker Important Safeguards

It’s maybe boring, but it’s also important to take some safety precautions.

Read more

Dough Instructions

Bread machines are ultra-convenient, but those towering loaves that are the bread machine’s hallmark can sometimes be unwelcome. Some people don’t like it because of the shape when baked in a bread machine, or the holes in the bottom where the blades were, or they want dinner rolls or some specialty shape, so baking in a bread machine is not a choice.

Read more

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Just so you know, I don’t work for any bread machine companies or receive any perks for talking about them.

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* (“Long-term dietary intake of gluten was not associated with risk of coronary heart disease. However, the avoidance of gluten may result in reduced consumption of beneficial whole grains, which may affect cardiovascular risk. The promotion of gluten-free diets among people without celiac disease should not be encouraged.” Source: http://www.bmj.com/content/357/bmj.j1892)

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* Content and images based on Sunbeam and Oster CKSBBR9050-033 Bread Maker User Manual Retrieved from http://pdfstream.manualsonline.com/4/4d6633cb-086c-4456-b7d7-5abde3447520.pdf

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Also check:

Fast2eat Bread Recipes

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Read bread-making further information in my book:

---

Hungry for more? A new post and recipe every Friday!

---

Once you make my recipes, I would love to see your creations, so please let me know! Leave a comment below, take a photo and tag it on your preferred Social Media with hashtag #Fast2eat.

All text and photographs on Fast2eat are copyright protected. You are welcome to share my recipes and photos through social media as long as you prominently link back to the original post. You do not need to ask my permission to link to content published here, but you DO need my permission to publish my recipes and photos. Please do not use any material from this site without obtaining prior permission. If you’d like to post this recipe on your site, please link back to this post. And remember, when you adapt my recipe, please acknowledge the source with “adapted from…” designating the source with the link of my recipe.

Thanks for reading and sharing.

---

Got a question or feedback? Please comment below! That way, other readers will be able to see the answers to your question and will benefit from your feedback. Scroll down, and you will find the comment form.

Get in Touch! 

I look forward to hearing from you in the comments.

This article is part of “Everything You Need to Know to Start Baking Awesome Bread Using a Bread Maker.”

Everybody knows that I love to bake homemade bread from scratch. Using a bread machine couldn’t be easier, and it makes some fantastic bread! A bread machine combines convenience with flexibility. If you enjoy a fresh loaf of bread, but don’t have the time or space to bake from scratch, a bread machine is for you.

If you have never baked homemade bread before and find the instructions a wee bit intimidating, I encourage you to try it. It may seem intimidating at first, and the various steps take a bit of time to learn, but overall, it is straightforward.

The simplest way to learn how to bake bread is to follow a basic recipe. Try Fast2eat Bread Recipes (much more to be published – keep checking); they are foolproof 😉 really easy and the bread delicious.

---

Bread maker cycles settings

The bread machine cycles offer you the flexibility to optimize your bread characteristics. Each cycle has a specific time and temperature to maximize dough performance.

Your bread maker can bake almost any kind of bread. Bread machines are really helpful and great appliances. However, sometimes all the cycles can be confusing, and it’s challenging to know which one to use for a particular recipe.

Fast2eat Bread Recipes clearly show you which setting you should use.

This post will help you select the correct cycle if you are not following a Fast2eat Bread Recipe, and your recipe doesn’t specify which one to use. It will also help understand the most common bread machine cycles and settings, which are explained here for quick reference.

It’s fun to watch your bread being made through the viewing window.

Note: For your specific machine cycles, refer to your owner’s manual.

Basic | Sweet | Whole Wheat | French | Gluten-free | Quick/Rapid | ExpressBake/58 minutes | Jam | Dough | Bagel dough | Pasta Dough | Cake | Bake

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Basic

Use for white, rye, potato, egg, garlic and similar bread.

The “Basic” setting can be used for almost any bread recipe containing mostly bread flour. This setting is probably used more than any other because it gives you the best results with just about any recipe. It is ideal for basic bread without much fuss.

This setting is excellent for most savoury yeast bread. Do NOT use this cycle for sweet yeast bread, as you can accidentally overproof your loaf.

Basic bread machine stages

You can expect the following things to happen for the basic cycle as the timer counts down to zero.

For Basic 2 lb. loaves

Time: 3:25 hours

To begin: The ingredients are kneaded for the first time (5 minutes)
At 3:20, the dough rests for 5 minutes.
At 3:15, the dough is kneaded for the second time (20 minutes)
At 2:55, the dough begins to rise (39 minutes)
At 2:16, the dough is “punched down” (10 seconds)
At 2:16, the dough continues to rise (25 minutes and 50 seconds)
At 1:50, the dough is shaped (15 seconds)
At 1:50, the dough comes to the last period of rising (48 minutes and 45 seconds)
At 0:60, the dough begins to bake (60 minutes)
At 0:00, the bread is finished.

For Basic 1 ½ lb. loaves.

Time: 3:18 hours

To begin: The ingredients are kneaded for the first time (5 minutes)
At 3:13, the dough rests for 5 minutes.
At 3:08, the dough is kneaded for the second time (20 minutes)
At 2:48, the dough begins to rise (39 minutes)
At 2:09, the dough is “punched down” (10 seconds)
At 2:09, the dough continues to rise (25 minutes and 50 seconds)
At 1:43, the dough is shaped (15 seconds)
At 1:43, the dough comes to the last period of rising (48 minutes and 45 seconds)
At 0:53, the dough begins to bake (53 minutes)
At 0:00, the bread is finished.

Note: Rapid Setting will reduce total time by about an hour.

Basic Cycle Bread Recipes

(much more to be published – keep checking)

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Sweet

The “sweet” setting is for baking bread with high amounts of sugar, fats, proteins, or recipes that call for eggs or cheese, as well as for preparing bread with raisins, cinnamon, apricots, and similar ingredients; all of which tend to increase browning.The baking temperature is lower to prevent a burned or dark crust, which can be caused by these ingredients.

Please don’t get it confused with the cake cycle, however. The cake cycle cooks at a different pace and requires no rise time.

Sweet bread machine stages

For the sweet bread cycle, you can expect the following things to happen as the timer counts down to zero:

For sweet 2 lbs.

Time: 3:27 hours

To begin: The ingredients are kneaded for the first time (5 minutes)
At 3:22, the dough rests for 5 minutes
At 3:17, the dough is kneaded for the second time (20 minutes)
At 2:57, the dough begins to rise (39 minutes)
At 2:18, the dough is “punched down” (10 seconds)
At 2:18, the dough continues to rise (25 minutes and 50 seconds)
At 1:52, the dough is shaped (5 seconds)
At 1:52, the dough comes to the last period of rising (51 minutes and 55 seconds)
At 0:60, the dough begins to bake (60 minutes)
At 0:00, the bread is finished.

For sweet 1.5 lb. loaves

Time: 3:22 hours

To begin: The ingredients are kneaded for the first time (5 minutes)
At 3:17, the dough rests for 5 minutes.
At 3:12, the dough is kneaded for the second time (20 minutes)
At 2:52, the dough begins to rise (39 minutes)
At 2:13, the dough is “punched down” (10 seconds)
At 2:13, the dough continues to rise (25 minutes and 50 seconds)
At 1:47, the dough is shaped (5 seconds)
At 1:47, the dough comes to the last period of rising (51 minutes and 55 seconds)
At 0:55, the dough begins to bake (55 minutes)
At 0:00, the bread is finished.

Note: With the Sweet Bread Program, crust colour can’t be changed.

Sweet Cycle Bread Recipes

(much more to be published – keep checking)

To be published on May 29, 2020 (Contact me if you need it before)

To be published on August 21, 2020 (Contact me if you need it before)

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Whole wheat

It’s for bread that contains more than 50% whole wheat flour, cracked wheat, buttermilk wheat and like bread. Typically, the “Whole wheat” setting offers a bit longer rise time.

The rise time is generally longer in this cycle to make a quality bread so that the gluten can get to work.

I also add wheat gluten to whole wheat loaves, which may allow you to use the basic setting, but for best results, I stick with the whole wheat setting.

Whole wheat bread machine stages

For the Whole Wheat bread cycle, you can expect the following things to happen as the timer counts down to zero.

For Whole Wheat 2 lbs.

Time: 3:48 hours

To begin: The ingredients rest for a while (25 minutes)
At 3:23, the ingredients are kneaded for the first time (5 minutes)
At 3:18, the dough rests for 5 minutes
At 3:13, the dough is kneaded for the second time (15 minutes)
At 2:58, the dough begins to rise (49 minutes)
At 2:09, the dough is “punched down” (10 seconds)
At 2:09, the dough continues to rise (25 minutes and 50 seconds)
At 1:43, the dough is shaped (10 seconds)
At 1:43, the dough comes to the last period of rising (49 minutes and 50 seconds)
At 0:53, the dough begins to bake (53 minutes)
At 0:00, the bread is finished.

For Whole Wheat 1.5 lb. loaves

Time: 3:45 hours

To begin: The ingredients rest for a while (25 minutes)
At 3:20, the ingredients are kneaded for the first time (5 minutes)
At 3:15, the dough rests for 5 minutes
At 3:10, the dough is kneaded for the second time (15 minutes)
At 2:55, the dough begins to rise (49 minutes)
At 2:05, the dough is “punched down” (10 seconds)
At 2:05, the dough continues to rise (25 minutes and 50 seconds)
At 1:40, the dough is shaped (10 seconds)
At 1:40, the dough comes to the last period of rising (49 minutes and 50 seconds)
At 0:50, the dough begins to bake (50 minutes)
At 0:00, the bread is finished.

Note: Rapid Setting will reduce total time by about an hour.

Whole Wheat Cycle Bread Recipes

(much more to be published – keep checking)

To be published on February 28, 2020 (Contact me if you need it before)

To be published on July 7, 2020 (Contact me if you need it before)

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French

Use this setting for making French bread. French bread takes longer to knead, rise and bake, providing a heartier crust.

The French setting on your bread maker isn’t just for French bread! Many types of bread that are baked in the European style, specifically those from Western Europe, will do better using this setting. The timing is a bit longer on most machines than a basic loaf, and temperature settings may vary slightly. These modifications help your bread to obtain the texture and crust that are characteristic of French and Italian bread, among others.

French bread machine stages

For the French cycle, you can expect the following things to happen as the timer counts down to zero.

For 1.5 lb. loaves

Time: 3:35 hours

To begin: The ingredients are kneaded for the first time (5 minutes)
At 3:30, the dough rests for 5 minutes
At 3:25, the dough is kneaded for the second time (20 minutes)
At 3:05, the dough begins to rise (39 minutes)
At 2:26, the dough is “punched down” (10 seconds)
At 2:26, the dough continues to rise (30 minutes and 50 seconds)
At 1:55, the dough is shaped (10 seconds)
At 1:55, the dough comes to the last period of rising (59 minutes and 50 seconds)
At 0:55, the dough begins to bake (55 minutes)
At 0:00, the bread is finished.

Note: Rapid Setting will reduce total time by about an hour.

French Cycle Bread Recipes

(much more to be published – keep checking)

To be published on February 7, 2020 (Contact me if you need it before)

To be published on May 15, 2020 (Contact me if you need it before)

To be published on June 26, 2020 (Contact me if you need it before)

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Gluten-Free

Use this setting for baking gluten-free bread. It is necessary to make sure that all ingredients being used are marked as gluten-free. Note that wheat-free does not always mean Gluten-free, you must read all labels carefully.

Individuals with special diets may require gluten-free baked goods. Bread makers often include a special cycle for gluten-free bread to help these individuals enjoy the experience of baking fresh bread. Gluten-free bread ingredients can vary greatly based on the recipe, but using room temperature ingredients is advisable, as is using flours like almond, millet, or sorghum. Starch flours like potato and rice don’t produce spectacular gluten-free bread, although they can make a good addition to either gluten-free or wheat flour bread recipes. This bread still requires rise time, as you will be able to see while your machine is working.

Gluten-Free bread machine stages

For the Gluten-Free cycle, you can expect the following things to happen as the timer counts down to zero.

Time: 2:10 hours

To begin: The ingredients are kneaded for the first time (5 minutes)
At 2:05, the dough is kneaded for the second time (10 minutes)
At 1:55, the dough rises (60 minutes)
At 0:55, the dough begins to bake (60 minutes)
At 0:00, the bread is finished.

Gluten-Free Cycle Bread Recipes

(much more to be published – keep checking)

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Quick/Rapid

Use this setting for baking 2 lbs. bread quickly – the time is slightly longer than Express Bake but the texture will be finer.

The loaves baked with this setting are a little taller and airier than the 58-minute bread.

Sometimes labelled “Quick” cycle, and other times “Rapid”, this cycle is for bread in a hurry. This cycle varies from machine to machine, but in general, implies the shortening of rising times. I.e. this is a rapid rise yeast cycle.

In some machines, there is no rise time (non-yeast bread) for the Quick/Rapid cycle (Cake cycle for mine). You might need to find a copy of the manual for your machine in order to use this cycle correctly.

Quick/Rapid bread machine stages

Time: 1:20 hour

For the 80 minutes Quick/Rapid cycle you can expect the following things to happen as the timer counts down to zero:

At 1:20: The dough is kneaded. (20 minutes)
At 1:00: The dough begins to rise. (18 minutes)
At 0:42: The bread begins to bake. (42 minutes)
At 0:00: The bread is finished.

Quick/Rapid Cycle Bread Recipes

(much more to be published – keep checking)

to be published on April 24, 2020 (Contact me if you need it before)

to be published on July 10, 2020 (Contact me if you need it before)

to be published on August 7, 2020 (Contact me if you need it before)

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ExpressBake

Use this setting for baking loaves of bread in under one hour. These settings can bake bread in 58 minutes.

Loaves baked on the ExpressBake™ setting are a little different than loaves not baked on ExpressBake™ settings. Try all the different settings to see which one you prefer.

ExpressBake™ setting tips and hints

There are a few things you should know about the ExpressBake™ settings that are different than the other settings.

• Loaves baked on ExpressBake™ settings tend to have a darker, thicker crust than other kinds of bread. Sometimes there will be a crack in the top of the crust. This is because baking is done at higher temperatures. If you do not increase the amount of yeast they tend to be shorter, denser loaves.
• You CANNOT use the Delay Timer for the ExpressBake™ settings. This would cool the liquid ingredients and affect the way that the bread rises.
• You CANNOT use the “Crust Colour” buttons when baking bread on the ExpressBake™ settings.
• DO NOT open the cover while making bread on the ExpressBake™ settings.

• If the loaf is hard to remove from the pan, let it sit for about 5 minutes to cool. Shake the bread out of the pan and wait for 15 minutes before slicing.

• YOU CAN use standard bread mixes for ExpressBake™ setting bread, but the results may not be that good.

• Yeast – Always use a fast-rising/Quick Rise yeast. DO NOT use active dry yeast for ExpressBake™ settings because the loaves will be much shorter when baked.

• Liquids – Always use hot water in the range of 46-52°C/115–125°F. You must use a cooking thermometer to gauge the temperature; hotter water can kill the yeast while cooler water may not activate it.

• Salt – As a rule, you should use LESS salt for ExpressBake™ setting bread. Less salt provides you with a higher loaf.

• Other Ingredients – Make sure all other ingredients (like flour, sugar, dry milk, butter, etc.) are at room temperature.

Things you may need to buy

• You should only use “Bread Machine” flour for the ExpressBake™ setting recipes.

• You may need a cooking thermometer to measure the temperature of the water you use in these recipes. You should only use hot water – between 46-52°C/115–125°F – for ExpressBake™ setting recipes.

Although baking ExpressBake™ setting bread is a little different, the results and convenience are well worth it.

ExpressBake™ bread machine stages (58 minutes)

For the 58-minute ExpressBake™ cycle you can expect the following things to happen as the timer counts down to zero:

To begin: The ingredients are kneaded (15 minutes)
At 0:43, the dough begins to rise (8 minutes)
At 0:35, the dough begins to bake (35 minutes)
At 0:00, the bread is finished.

ExpressBake (58 minutes) Cycle Bread Recipes

(much more to be published – keep checking)

To be published on April 3, 2020 (Contact me if you need it before)

To be published on June 6, 2020 (Contact me if you need it before)

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Jam

This setting is for making jams, marmalades, homemade fruit spreads.

You need to be aware that the bread pan, handle, paddle, and the machine itself can be very, very hot when this cycle completes. Make sure to use potholders.

For best results when making jam in your bread machine, cut your fruit into cubes. DO NOT PUREE IN ADVANCE. Trust me on this one.

Jam cycle bread machine stages

Time: 1:05 hour

For the Jam cycle, you can expect the following things to happen as the timer counts down to zero.

To begin: The ingredients are kneaded for the first time (15 minutes)
At 0:50, the dough begins to bake (50 minutes)
At 0:00, the Jam is finished.

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Dough

Use for the preparation of dough with no baking. This setting lets you prepare dough for rolls, specialty bread, pizza, etc., which you shape by hand, allow to rise, then bake in a conventional oven.

The dough cycle is a great option for making bread dough when you want to shape the loaves yourself. It saves you quite a lot of work and mess since it does all the mixing and kneading for you.

It works very well with the timer, so you can set the dough to be ready when you have time to shape it into a loaf or rolls and bake it.

The dough cycle, depending on your machine, can also be used for creating cookie dough, pie crust, and numerous other type dough that you intend on baking in your oven, and not in the bread machine. In some machines, this may also work for pasta dough, although other machines include a separate cycle for pasta.

Dough bread machine stages

Time: 1:30 hour

For the Dough cycle, you can expect the following things to happen as the timer counts down to zero.

To begin: The ingredients are kneaded for the first time (5 minutes)
At 1:25, the dough rests for 5 minutes
At 1:20, the dough is kneaded for the second time (20 minutes)
At 1:00, the dough begins to rise (60 minutes)
At 0:00, the dough is finished.

Dough Cycle Recipes

(much more to be published – keep checking)

Bagel Dough:

To begin: The ingredients are kneaded for the first time (20 minutes)
At 1:40, the dough is kneaded for the second time (10 minutes)
At 1:30, the dough begins to rise (90 minutes)
At 0:00, the dough is finished.

See more: Dough Instructions (Preparing Dough for Baking & Variations for Shaping Dough).

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Pasta dough

This setting lets you prepare dough for pasta to make noodles, ravioli or other fresh pasta.

Time: 14 minutes

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Cake

Use this setting for making cakes, non-yeast bread, quick bread mixes, or simple cake recipes, this cycle simply mixes and bakes. This option prepares the dough and bakes. Baking soda and/or baking powder should be used as the leavening agent, not yeast.

Cake cycle, sometimes called Quick bread by some bread makers brands do not use kneading, whereas yeast bread (with a few exceptions) require it. New bread machines often have a Rapid, Express, Quick bread cycle as well as a Cake cycle. Therefore, make sure you are using the correct cycle for your recipe!

Quite often, these recipes don’t call for “bread flour” but rather “cake flour” or a “cake mix“. Sometimes they will call for “All-Purpose flour“. Be careful that you read any recipe for cakes in a bread machine closely. If it says “cake flour” that’s exactly what you should use. If you substitute a cake mix for cake flour you may be doubling ingredients that are both in the recipe list and already incorporated into the cake mix. Stay true to the recipe and if you’d rather keep it simple and use a cake mix, just find a recipe that calls for that ingredient.

Many cake recipes indicate the addition of fruit, nuts or other ingredients like chocolate chips or coconut. Depending on the type of cake and the recipe, you may have to add these at a certain point in the cycle. If your machine has an automatic fruit and nut hopper this should take care of itself if you choose the cake or batter bread setting. If you don’t have a hopper there will often be an audible beep telling you to add these ingredients if you want to. The recipe should indicate the setting and any special handling related to fruits, nuts and other added ingredients.

Most cakes that come out of a bread machine will have the tall, vertical shape that’s common with most bread pans. You can always cut it in half; use a recipe for a 1 pound loaf which will be shorter, or slice it into layers and only build the cake as tall as you want it. This sliced layering will also give you the option of spreading a filling between layers.

Those of you who love banana nut bread and similar treats, this is the cycle you will probably get the most use out of. It can be baked immediately; they require no rise time.

Time: 1:30 hour (The baking time can vary considerably among models)

Cake Cycle Recipes

(much more to be published – keep checking)

To be published on March 20, 2020 (Contact me if you need it before)

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Bake

This setting, is for baking dough that you may have prepared without using the previous settings, it is essentially where you mix the ingredients by hand prior to putting them in the bread pan. You can then manually set the program for your desired length of time. 

Also, use this cycle to bake and/or brown bread or cakes, to bake the bread again if you think it has not been baked enough or in case of power outage.

Time: 1 hour

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How do I know which crust colour to select?

Bread machine cycles can be picked to control crust colour and crispiness. If you prefer a soft and light crust, choose a light crust. For the darker, crisper crust, choose a darker crust. If your bread recipe has a lot of grains or sweeteners that can cause it to brown quickly, choose a light crust.

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Conclusion

Bread machine settings and cycles are easy enough to use, once you are acquainted with your machine. The most common bread machines cycles and settings explained above should help you get started, even if you don’t have your manual on hand. Happy Baking!

Note: Times are approximate based on setting and loaf size for my Bread machine (Sunbeam 2LB (900g) Bread Maker with Gluten-Free Setting). Once you press the “Start/Stop” button the display will show the remaining time until your bread is baked. When the display reads “0:00” the bread is baked.

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Also check: Everything You Need to Know to Start Baking Awesome Bread Using a Bread Maker.

* “Long-term dietary intake of gluten was not associated with risk of coronary heart disease. However, the avoidance of gluten may result in reduced consumption of beneficial whole grains, which may affect cardiovascular risk. The promotion of gluten-free diets among people without celiac disease should not be encouraged.” (Source: http://www.bmj.com/content/357/bmj.j1892)

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* Content and images based on Sunbeam and Oster CKSBBR9050-033 Bread Maker User Manual Retrieved from http://pdfstream.manualsonline.com/4/4d6633cb-086c-4456-b7d7-5abde3447520.pdf

Read bread-making further information in my book:

---

Hungry for more? A new post and recipe every Friday!

---

Once you make my recipes, I would love to see your creations, so please let me know! Leave a comment below, take a photo and tag it on your preferred Social Media with hashtag #Fast2eat.

All text and photographs on Fast2eat are copyright protected. You are welcome to share my recipes and photos through social media as long as you prominently link back to the original post. You do not need to ask my permission to link to content published here, but you DO need my permission to publish my recipes and photos. Please do not use any material from this site without obtaining prior permission. If you’d like to post this recipe on your site, please link back to this post. And remember, when you adapt my recipe, please acknowledge the source with “adapted from…” designating the source with the link of my recipe.

Thanks for reading and sharing.

---

Got a question or feedback? Please comment below! That way, other readers will be able to see the answers to your question and will benefit from your feedback. Scroll down, and you will find the comment form.

Get in Touch! 

I look forward to hearing from you in the comments.

This article is part of “Everything You Need to Know to Start Baking Awesome Bread Using a Bread Maker.”

Everybody knows that I love to bake homemade bread from scratch. Using a bread machine couldn’t be easier, and it makes some fantastic bread! A bread machine combines convenience with flexibility. If you enjoy a fresh loaf of bread, but don’t have the time or space to bake from scratch, a bread machine is for you.

If you have never baked homemade bread before and find the instructions a wee bit intimidating, I encourage you to try it. It may seem intimidating at first, and the various steps do take a bit of time to learn, but overall, it is truly easy.

The simplest way to learn how to bake bread is to follow a basic recipe. Try Fast2eat Bread Recipes (much more to be published – keep checking); they are kind of foolproof 😉 really easy and the bread delicious.

Basic steps of bread maker functions

It is easy to create special recipes without a lot of time and effort. Just refer to the relative recipe and follow this basic process.

A bread machine combines convenience with flexibility. If you enjoy a fresh loaf of bread, but don’t have the time or space to bake from scratch, a bread machine is for you.

Bread function

1. Place the bread maker on a counter where the plug will reach an outlet. DO NOT yet plug the machine into the wall outlet. Wait until you have inserted bread pan into the bread maker with the ingredients. (step 7).

2. Make sure you can open the bread maker top without hitting the top of kitchen cabinets.

3. Open the lid and remove the baking pan. To do this, grasp the handle of the pan and pull straight up. Use a gentle, non-abrasive soap and wash, rinse, and dry the pan thoroughly. Some models, you may also need to turn anti-clockwise or clockwise.

4. Attach the kneading blade (a) to the baking pan (b), as shown, matching the hub shape with the shaft shape. You may need to twist the bar slightly for the kneading blade to drop in place. Make sure the kneading blade is pushed down on the shafts all the way.

Do not yet place the pan into the bread maker. Wait until you have added all ingredients (step 6).

5. Place ingredients into the bread pan in the following order (or following the order and method specified in the manual of your Bread Maker):

• FIRST: liquid ingredients (Remember, use water that is room temperature. DO NOT use very hot or very cold water. It’s a good idea to view the measuring cup at eye level to make sure you have measured the exact quantity of cups) and fat.
• SECOND: dry ingredients – Make sure not to “overpack” the flour into the cup. To avoid overpacking, a good trick is to fill the measuring cup to overflowing, then tap the side of the cup with a knife or spatula to remove air pockets. Level off the measuring cup and the tablespoons with the knife or spatula for an exact measurement. It is especially important to measure the salt precisely because too much salt, even a little, can affect the rising of the dough.
• LAST: yeast – For best results, level the dry ingredients before adding the yeast. With a finger or a knife, make a small indentation in the middle of the flour. Add yeast to indentation, making sure it does not come into contact with the liquid ingredients. Note: Yeast must NEVER come into contact with a liquid when you are adding ingredients.

6. Carefully insert the bread pan into the bread maker and gently close the lid.

7. Plug the power cord into a wall outlet.

8. Press the Menu button until the desired bread setting (BASIC, FRENCH, WHOLE WHEAT, SWEET, QUICK, EXPRESS BAKE (1.5lbs.), EXPRESS BAKE (2.0lbs.), GLUTEN FREE, DOUGH, PASTA DOUGH, JAM, BAKE, CAKE) is selected. Note: Display will indicate the Menu number corresponding to the bread type selected.

9. If available, press the Colour button for the desired crust colour. If you prefer a soft and light crust, choose a light cycle. For the darker, crisper crust, choose a darker cycle. If your bread recipe has lots of grains or sweeteners that can cause it to brown quickly, choose a light crust cycle.

10. If available, press the Loaf button to select the desired size loaf (1.0lb, 1.5lb or 2.0lb).

11. If desired, use the “TIME” button to set the elapsed time for when the program is to be completed. Note: The delay time is calculated as the working time plus the delayed time (example for basic bread 2.0 lbs: delay timer set to 15:00 hours = a delay time of 11 hrs. & 35 min. plus the working time of 3 hrs. 25 min.).

Caution: Do not use Delay Timer for recipes with ingredients that can spoil like eggs or milk. More information at: “Using the Delay Timer.”

12. Press the Start button to begin the program.

Note: If you need to stop the bread maker, press the “Start/Stop” button for about 2 – 3 seconds, the bread maker will stop; however, you will need to redo the process. The machine will turn off, and you will need to start over again from scratch.

After the bread maker has been turned on, the programmed setting cannot be changed without cancelling the program. To change the setting, hold the “Start/Stop” button down. Then program the control as desired and turn back on.

13. It’s always a good idea to open the bread machine’s lid during the second kneading cycle, usually after about 10 minutes (or 35 minutes for Whole Wheat Bread as it rests for about 25 minutes), and check the consistency of the dough ball.

The dough is “just right” when it is a smooth round ball in appearance, soft to the touch, leaves a slight residue on your finger, and the bottom of the bread pan is clean of dough residue.

• If it’s too dry, add lukewarm (that is, between 27-32°C/80-90°F) liquid a teaspoon at a time until it looks right.
• If it looks too wet, add flour a tablespoon at a time until it looks right.
• If there is flour in the pan’s sides, use a Silicone Spatula to wipe the flour from the pan.

Important: This can be done during the knead cycle only. Do NOT remove the pan, KEEP it locked in the machine. Do NOT turn off the bread maker to adjust dough.

Important: It is important that you should not raise the lid while the bread maker is baking bread for most of the recipes. Some recipes, you will need to raise the lid to glaze, add nuts, fruits, or other ingredients.

Caution: The bread maker is very hot. DO NOT handle the machine while it’s operating.

14. Optional: To glaze the loaf, brush the top with Egg Yolk, or any other glaze option, either at the beginning of cooking time or halfway through.

15. When the baking cycle is complete, an alert will sound.

16. Turn the bread maker off by pressing the stop button for 2 – 3 seconds. Unplug the bread maker from the electrical outlet.

Note: If the bread maker is not turned off after the cycle is complete, the bread maker will automatically go into a “Keep Warm” setting that will keep your bread warm for up to one hour; we recommend, however, to remove the bread from the bread maker right away to preserve its freshness. If the machine is not turned off after the end of the “Keep Warm” period, the machine will turn itself off.

Remember: Bread is best when removed from the bread pan no more than 1 hour after the “Keep-Warm” feature ends.

Important: You may remove the Baking Pan at any time during the “Keep-Warm” cycle. To turn off the “Keep-Warm” feature, press the “STOP” button and hold it for 2 – 3 seconds.

The “Keep-Warm” feature is not provided for the dough setting or the Jam Setting.

17. Open the lid and while using oven mitts or hot pads, firmly grasp the bread pan handle and gently pull the pan straight up and out of the machine.

Caution: The bread maker and pan may be very hot! Always handle with care.

Remember: Steam will escape when the cover is opened. Be sure to use potholders or oven mitts to avoid steam burns. Do not put your face near the lid when you open the bread maker; hot steam may escape that could burn you.

18. Use a non-stick rubber spatula (metal can damage the pan’s surface) to loosen the sides of the bread from the pan gently.

19. Turn bread pan upside down onto a wire cooling rack or clean cooking surface and gently shake until bread falls out onto the rack.

Note: The kneading blades will normally stay in the bread pan when the bread is removed, but may, on occasion, slide-out in the bread. If the kneading blades are inside the loaf, remove it before slicing.

Caution: The kneading blades are very hot, remove with care.

20. Turn bread right side up and cool for about 15 minutes before slicing.

Important: After a baking cycle, the bread maker will not operate until it has cooled down. If making another bread right away, be sure the machine is turned off and allowed to cool 10 to 20 minutes with the cover open and the pan removed.

Dough function:

The dough function program is similar to the bread function, except that there is no baking mode operation. When the program is finished, it will beep 5 times as a warning. When the machine beeps, indicating the program is finished, remove the dough from the bread pan.

Baking function:

This function can be used to bake and/or brown bread or cakes, to bake the bread again if you think it has not been baked enough or in case of power outage or other dough that you may have prepared without using the previous settings, it is essentially where you mix the ingredients by hand before putting them in the bread pan.

You can then manually set the program for your desired length of time. Please refer to the relative recipe.

Note: For more even baking, it is recommended to slice food into smaller sizes and distribute them evenly in the bread pan.

---

Also check:

• Everything You Need to Know to Start Baking Awesome Bread Using a Bread Maker
• Fast2eat Bread Recipes

---

Read bread-making further information in my book:

---

Hungry for more? A new post and recipe every Friday!

---

Once you make my recipes, I would love to see your creations, so please let me know! Leave a comment below, take a photo and tag it on your preferred Social Media with hashtag #Fast2eat.

All text and photographs on Fast2eat are copyright protected. You are welcome to share my recipes and photos through social media as long as you prominently link back to the original post. You do not need to ask my permission to link to content published here, but you DO need my permission to publish my recipes and photos. Please do not use any material from this site without obtaining prior permission. If you’d like to post this recipe on your site, please link back to this post. And remember, when you adapt my recipe, please acknowledge the source with “adapted from…” designating the source with the link of my recipe.

Thanks for reading and sharing.

---

Got a question or feedback? Please comment below! That way, other readers will be able to see the answers to your question and will benefit from your feedback. Scroll down, and you will find the comment form.

Get in Touch! 

I look forward to hearing from you in the comments.

This article is part of “Everything You Need to Know to Start Baking Awesome Bread Using a Bread Maker.”

Everybody knows that I love to bake homemade bread from scratch. Using a bread machine couldn’t be easier, and it makes some fantastic bread! A bread machine combines convenience with flexibility. If you enjoy a fresh loaf of bread, but don’t have the time or space to bake from scratch, a bread machine is for you.

If you have never baked homemade bread before and find the instructions a wee bit intimidating, I encourage you to try it. It may seem intimidating at first, and the various steps take a bit of time to learn, but overall, it is truly easy.

The simplest way to learn how to bake bread is to follow a basic recipe. Try Fast2eat Bread Recipes (much more to be published – keep checking); they are kind of foolproof 😉 really easy, and the bread are delicious.

Basic ingredients

Like the instruments in an orchestra, the ingredients in basic bread are very simple: flour, sugar, salt, a liquid (such as water or milk), possibly a fat (such as butter or oil) and yeast. Like each musical instrument, each ingredient performs a specific job, and each lends a special flavour to the final masterpiece. That’s why it’s important to use the right ingredients in exactly the right proportions to ensure you get the most delicious results!

Flour

White flour

For the bread to rise, the flour has to have high protein content. Unless the recipe says otherwise, you should always use “bread flour” (for white bread recipes) in your bread maker to get the best results. It contains more gluten forming proteins than all-purpose flour and will provide well-formed loaves with good structure. This means that bread made with bread flour will rise higher than bread made with all-purpose flour.

If you don’t have bread flour, you can make your own bread flour by adding 1 1/2 teaspoons gluten to each cup of all-purpose flour you use in your bread recipe.

You should NOT use cake flour or self-rising flour in your bread maker.

Whole wheat flour

Whole wheat flour can be used in your bread maker using the “Whole Wheat” bread setting. The “Whole Wheat” setting on your bread maker is programmed to better develop wheat bread structure for optimum results.

Whole wheat flour contains the entire wheat kernel, including the bran and wheat germ, which inhibits rising. Therefore, bread made with 100% or a high percentage of whole wheat flour will be lower in height and heavier in texture than bread made with bread flour.

A lighter, larger loaf can be achieved by combining whole wheat flour with white bread flour for wheat bread recipes.

Vital wheat gluten can also be added to improve the shape and volume of bread made with low gluten flours. For a 100% or a high percentage (more than 50%) of whole wheat flour, add 1/2 tablespoon of Vital Wheat Gluten to each cup of Whole Wheat Flour to make it lighter and to prevent the bread collapses during the baking period due to less gluten-forming protein in whole-wheat flour. This will produce a taller loaf. If you find the loaves are still short, increase by adding an extra teaspoon until you get the results you desire (be sure to note the amounts on the recipe). It’s optional, but I recommend for a guaranteed fluffy loaf; it will make a chewier and less dense crust.

Vital wheat gluten/Gluten flour/Wheat gluten

Vital wheat gluten and gluten flour, also sometimes called wheat gluten, refer to the same thing. Vital wheat gluten is the protein found in wheat. It’s what gives bread its shape and pizza dough its elasticity.

Vital wheat gluten is just the protein in a powdered form. It is made by washing wheat flour dough with water until all the starches dissolve, leaving just the gluten behind. It is important to add in the 100% whole wheat bread to avoid heavy and hard bread, like a brick.

And don’t worry; there is no research to support gluten-free diets for anyone other than those affected by celiac disease. Some experts still claim following a gluten-free diet in the absence of celiac disease may actually be detrimental to health, as it can lack the nutrients needed to maintain a healthy, balanced diet.

According to research published at The BMJ, “Long-term dietary intake of gluten was not associated with risk of coronary heart disease. However, the avoidance of gluten may result in reduced consumption of beneficial whole grains, which may affect cardiovascular risk. The promotion of gluten-free diets among people without celiac disease should not be encouraged.” Source: http://www.bmj.com/content/357/bmj.j1892)

Rye flour

Rye Flour can be used in combination with bread flour in the preparation of rye or pumpernickel bread. However, it cannot be used alone as it does not contain enough protein to develop adequate gluten for structure.

Special note on flour

How to make minor adjustments for the dough: All flours are affected by growing conditions, milling, storage, humidity, etc. While not visibly different, you may need to make some minor adjustments when using different brands of flour and compensate for the humidity in your area.

Always store bread flour in an airtight container. Store whole grain flours, whole wheat, and rye in a refrigerator to prevent them from becoming rancid.

Measure the amount of flour as directed in each recipe, but remember to check the dough ball’s consistency during the second kneading cycle, usually after about 10 minutes (or 35 minutes for Whole Wheat Bread as it rests for about 25 minutes) to make any adjustments.

Sugar and others sweeteners

Sugar and other Sweeteners provide food for the yeast, add height and flavour to the bread and give the crust a golden colour and lend tenderness to the texture.

Types of sweeteners that can be used include sugar, brown sugar, honey, molasses, maple syrup, corn syrup, and fruits, dried or fresh.

Do not use artificial sweeteners as a substitute for sugars and other natural sweeteners; artificial sweeteners turn bitter when subjected to baking temperatures. The yeast will not react properly, and poor results will be attained.

When measuring sticky sweeteners, such as honey, coat the measuring spoon with vegetable oil before measuring the sweetener. This will allow the sweetener to slide off the spoon without sticking.

Liquids

When liquids are mixed with the proteins in flour, gluten is formed. Gluten is necessary for rising. Many recipes use dry milk but other liquids, such as fruit juice, beer and water work.

It’s a delicate balance: A recipe with too much liquid may cause the bread to fall during baking while a recipe with too little liquid will not rise.

Milk

Milk enhances flavour and increases the nutritional value of bread. Any type of milk, dry, whole, 2%, 1%, skim, buttermilk, or canned evaporated milk can be used in making bread. Refrigerated milk may be warmed to 27-32°C/80-90°F, however, do not overheat (above 38°C/100°F) as this could affect the yeast activity.

Do not use regular milk when using the “Time Delay” function as regular milk can spoil when left at room temperature for several hours. Use dry milk and water as a substitute.

Buttermilk results in a light, high-rising and tender bread; it will also help extend the bread’s freshness. To offset the acidity of buttermilk, add 1/4 cup of baking soda per cup of buttermilk.

Water

Water is the most common liquid used in bread making. It produces a heavier, crisper crust and a more open texture.

Use lukewarm water, about 27-32°C/80-90°F. Do not use water above 38°C/100°F, as this could affect the yeast.

Fats – Butter, margarine, shortening, and oils

Fat enriches bread’s flavour and keeps it tender and moist.

The same amount of vegetable shortening or oil can be substituted if you choose.

Butter and margarine are interchangeable in recipes. Salted or unsalted butter may be used.

Do not use whipped or diet margarine or diet spreads as they will affect the quality. Soft spreads will NOT work.

Butter and margarine can be used right from the refrigerator. Cut cold butter or margarine into smaller pieces for faster blending during the knead cycle.

Low-fat or fat-free bread can be made by substituting equal amounts of unsweetened applesauce or plain yogurt for the amount of fat recommended in the recipe.

Remember: Using less fat will affect the height, tenderness, and texture of the bread, which is normal.

Eggs

Eggs add colour, richness, and leavening to bread. Use only large eggs. No premixing is needed.

Egg substitutes can be used in place of fresh eggs. One egg equals ¼ cup of egg substitute.

To reduce cholesterol, you can substitute two (2) egg whites for a large egg in the recipes without affecting the result. Watch the dough during the knead cycle as some minor adjustments may be needed to get the dough to the right consistency.

Remember: due to health and safety precautions, do not use with the delay cycle.

Salt

Salt has several functions in making bread. It controls yeast growth while strengthening the gluten structure to make the dough more elastic and add flavour.

However, it also inhibits rising, so use ordinary table salt and be very careful in measuring. Using too little or eliminating the salt will cause the dough to over-rise. Using too much can prevent the dough from rising as high as it should.

“Light” salt can be used as a substitute for ordinary table salt, providing it contains both potassium chloride and sodium. Use the same amount as recommended for table salt.

It can be omitted for dietary reasons, and, in some cases, you can use a vegetable seasoning substitute for flavour.

When adding salt to the bread pan, add to one corner to keep it away from the yeast, especially when using time delay as the salt can affect the yeast activity.

Yeast

Yeast is a living organism when moistened by a liquid, fed by sugar and carefully warmed; yeast produces gases which cause the dough to rise. Yeast is actually a microscopic plant; without it, your bread will not rise.

Use Yeast (“Active dry,” “quick-acting,” “rapid rise,” or “bread machine”) in any bread machine on any cycle but use only the amount stated in the recipes. Using a little more can cause the dough to over-rise and bake into the bread maker’s top.

If you prefer to use “fast-rising” yeast, such as “quick rise” or “rapid rise,” merely decrease the amount used.

As a general guide, we recommend using:

• For Active Dry Yeast – use 3/4 teaspoon of yeast for each cup of flour. Active dry yeast is not recommended for express bread, one-hour or less bread machine cycles.
• Or Instant (“fast-rising,” “quick-acting,” “rapid rise,” or “bread machine”) Yeast – use 1/2 teaspoon of yeast for each cup of flour. Example: 3 cups bread flour would require 1-1/2 tsp. of “fast-rising” yeast. “Fast-rising” yeast and “bread machine” yeast are virtually the same and interchangeable.
  Note: For one-hour bread machine cycles, yeast amounts must be doubled or tripled; suggested liquid temperatures vary with machines – follow your manufacturer’s instructions.

A 7g (¼-ounce) envelope of yeast contains 2¼ teaspoons. Yeast can also be purchased in bulk so you can measure the exact amount needed.

Once opened, keep refrigerated. Always make sure yeast is fresh and has not passed the “Use By” date.

Check the yeast activity.

If you are unsure of the freshness of your yeast, you can test the freshness of your yeast before using:

1. Fill a cup with warm water, then add and stir in 2 teaspoons of sugar.
2. Sprinkle a few teaspoons of yeast on the surface of the water and wait.
3. After 15 minutes, the yeast should foam, and there should be a distinct odour. If neither reaction happens, the yeast is old and should be thrown away.

If the temperature is too cold, the yeast will not be activated; if it’s too warm, it will die. Your Bread Maker takes care of this worry for you by maintaining just the right temperature in the baking chamber at all times.

Baking powder and baking soda may assist yeast or on their own as leavening in quick bread, which requires no kneading or rising. Recipes with baking powder and baking soda are different than yeast recipes. Leavening agents cannot be substituted for one another.

Do not use compressed yeast as poor results may be obtained.

Cinnamon and garlic

Adding too much cinnamon or garlic can affect the texture and size of the loaf obtained. Use only the amount of cinnamon and garlic recommended in the recipe.

Cinnamon directly affects the yeast activity, and in large quantities, it will stop fermentation completely. It can break down the structure of the dough, affecting height and texture. Keep high percentages of cinnamon out of the dough and add it in the fillings where it can have only a limited effect on the yeast activity.

Too much garlic can inhibit yeast activity.

Orange, lemon, or grapefruit peel or zest, as well as alcohol

Orange, lemon, or grapefruit peel or zest, as well as alcohol, will have a retarding effect. Too much will stop the yeast activity completely.

Tap water x Bottled water

Water softeners and chlorinated public water can sometimes kill the yeast needed to make your bread dough rise if it happens, use bottled water instead of tap water to make your bread.

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* (“Long-term dietary intake of gluten was not associated with risk of coronary heart disease. However, the avoidance of gluten may result in reduced consumption of beneficial whole grains, which may affect cardiovascular risk. The promotion of gluten-free diets among people without celiac disease should not be encouraged.” Source: http://www.bmj.com/content/357/bmj.j1892)

Also check:

• Everything You Need to Know to Start Baking Awesome Bread Using a Bread Maker
• Fast2eat Bread Recipes

---

Read bread-making further information in my book:

---

Hungry for more? A new post and recipe every Friday!

---

Once you make my recipes, I would love to see your creations, so please let me know! Leave a comment below, take a photo and tag it on your preferred Social Media with hashtag #Fast2eat.

All text and photographs on Fast2eat are copyright protected. You are welcome to share my recipes and photos through social media as long as you prominently link back to the original post. You do not need to ask my permission to link to content published here, but you DO need my permission to publish my recipes and photos. Please do not use any material from this site without obtaining prior permission. If you’d like to post this recipe on your site, please link back to this post. And remember, when you adapt my recipe, please acknowledge the source with “adapted from…” designating the source with the link of my recipe.

Thanks for reading and sharing.

---

Got a question or feedback? Please comment below! That way, other readers will be able to see the answers to your question and will benefit from your feedback. Scroll down, and you will find the comment form.

Get in Touch! 

I look forward to hearing from you in the comments.

This article is part of “Everything You Need to Know to Start Baking Awesome Bread Using a Bread Maker.”

Everybody knows that I love to bake homemade bread from scratch. Using a bread machine couldn’t be easier, and it makes some fantastic bread! A bread machine combines convenience with flexibility. If you enjoy a fresh loaf of bread, but don’t have the time or space to bake from scratch, a bread machine is for you.

If you have never baked homemade bread before and find the instructions a wee bit intimidating, I encourage you to try it. It may seem intimidating at first, and the various steps do take a bit of time to learn, but overall, it is truly easy.

The simplest way to learn how to bake bread is to follow a basic recipe. Try Fast2eat Bread Recipes (much more to be published – keep checking); they are kind of foolproof 😉 really easy and the bread delicious.

Using a bread maker tips and hints

While bread machines offer freshly baked bread at the push of a button, there are special hints to ensuring quality bread almost every time.

Important measuring tips

Use exact measurements is THE most important secret of making bread. To measure the ingredients precisely and accurately is the key to successfully baking bread. Although bread making seems very basic, it is a science, and the proportions of ingredients are critical.

Read the following information to understand better the importance each ingredient plays in the bread-making process.

For liquids ingredients

Fill a standard measuring spoon or measuring cup to the level indicated.

With wet ingredients, use ONLY measuring cups with the cups/ml/ounces marked clearly on the side. I.e. Measure the liquid ingredients in see-through measuring cups with accurate markings.

After filling the measuring cup, place it on a flat surface and view it at “Eye Level,” not at an angle, to make sure the amount of liquid is exact. Then, double-check. All measurements must be accurate.

For solid fats ingredients

Fill a standard measuring spoon or measuring cup to the level indicated and level off with a kitchen utensil.

For dry ingredients

Use a standard measuring spoon or measuring cup – not a tableware spoon or coffee cup.

With dry ingredients, always “level off” the measurement with the back of a knife or a spatula to ensure the measurement is exact. All ingredients measured in measuring spoons and cups must be level, not rounded or heaping.

Another helpful tip is never to use the cup to scoop the ingredients (for example, flour). Fill the measuring cup with a spoon before levelling off. By scooping, you could add up to one tablespoon of extra ingredients. This will compress the ingredients into the cup and cause the dough to be dry, which will result in a short loaf of bread. Do not tap or shake the cup to put more flour into it.

Before you begin, make sure you have the following measuring equipment:

• Liquid measuring cup
• Dry measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Measurement equivalency chart

The following chart will help you convert measurements used in the recipes.

For example: 1/2 tablespoon = 1–1/2 teaspoons

Cups	Tablespoon(s)	Teaspoon(s)
1	16	48
7/8	14 (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp)	42
3/4	12	36
5/8	10 (1/2 cup + 2 tbsp)	30
1/2	8	24
3/8	6 (1/4 cup + 2 tbsp)	18
1/4	4	12
1/8	2	6
	1	3
	1/2	1 1/2
	1/4	3/4

Do not exceed your bread machine’s capacity

Make sure that you do not exceed your bread machine’s capacity for a particular setting. If your bread pan overflows or the heating element makes contact with dough or jam, it can spoil the machine. Many bread machine manuals are available online.

For a 2lb bread machine, do NOT exceed 4 1/2 cups dry ingredients.

Ingredients order

The SECOND most important secret of making bread:

Add ingredients into the bread pan in the exact order given in the recipe.

Read all recipes from top to bottom, and remember:

• FIRST: liquid ingredients
• SECOND: dry ingredients
• LAST: yeast – Dig a shallow hole in the dry ingredients and place the yeast in the hole so that there’s absolutely no contact between the yeast and any liquids or salt. This is especially important when you’re using the Delay Bake option. You don’t want the yeast to be activated too soon in the process!

Note: This information is for the most Bread Makers; please carefully read your manufacturer’s directions and follow instructions for adding and layering ingredients.

Placement counts

Fruits and nuts are added later after the machine has completed the first knead.

Place dried fruits, vegetables, and dried spices away from the liquid ingredients in the bread pan. If they soak up water, they can undermine the bread’s chemistry.

Ingredients temperature

Also, to assure optimal yeast activity, make sure ingredients are at room temperature (that is, between 27-32°C/80-90°F) unless otherwise noted. Temperatures too cool or too high can affect the way the bread rises and bakes.

Check the dough ball.

This is a secret well known to people who make bread the old-fashioned way. While hand kneading the mixture, they adjust the dough’s consistency by adding a little flour or a little water until the dough ball is just right. Although the bread maker kneads the dough for you, this secret is still true.

Making changes to the dough is easy but always remember:

• This can be done during the knead cycle only, usually after about 10 minutes (or 35 minutes for Whole Wheat Bread as it rests for about 25 minutes).
• Do NOT remove the pan, KEEP it locked in the machine.
• Do NOT turn off the bread maker to adjust dough.

Here’s what you should do:

Open the bread machine’s lid during the second kneading cycle and check the dough ball’s consistency.

The dough is “just right” when it is smooth in appearance, soft to the touch, leaves a slight residue on your finger, and the bottom of the bread pan is clean of dough residue.

If there is flour in the pan’s sides, use a Silicone Spatula to wipe the flour from the pan.

If the dough ball is wet

Touch the dough. If it feels a little sticky and there is a slight smear of dough under the kneading blade, no adjustment is necessary.

If the dough is very sticky or wet, clinging to the sides of the pan, and is more like a pancake batter than a dough, sprinkle in flour, add one tablespoon of flour at a time, until the dough ball appears smooth, round and dry, and circles nicely in the pan.

Allow the flour to be mixed completely into the dough before making any more adjustments. Sprinkle a little more flour if needed.

To prevent heat from escaping, open the cover of the bread maker only to add flour.

If the dough ball is too dry

If the doughball appears stiff, flaky or dry, the bread maker appears to be labouring, or you hear your bread maker begin to make “knocking” sounds, the dough ball is too dry.

To correct this problem, sprinkle in lukewarm water (that is, between 27-32°C/80-90°F), a teaspoon at a time, until the dough ball appears smooth, round and dry, and circles nicely in the pan.

Be careful not to add too much water. Allow water to be completely mixed into the dough before making any additional adjustments and keep the lid closed to keep heat in the appliance.

For baking at high altitudes

If you live above 900 metres/3000 feet, you probably already know how to adjust other recipes like cakes and muffins. Higher altitudes tend to:

• make flour drier
• make the dough rise faster

To compensate for high altitude baking, we recommend the following:

If the dough is too dry

Increase the amount of water to the recipe, sometimes as much as 2–4 tablespoon per cup.

If the bread rises too high

Reduced air pressure at high altitudes causes yeast gases to expand more rapidly and the dough to rise more quickly. The dough can rise so much that it will collapse when it begins to bake due to overstretching of the gluten structure.

To slow the rising of the dough:

• Reduce the amount of yeast. For each teaspoon of yeast, try reducing the yeast by 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon at a time until you find the right amount.
• Reduce the amount of sugar. For each tablespoon of sugar, reduce the amount by 1 to 2 teaspoon at a time until you find the right amount.
• You can also reduce the amount of liquid by a teaspoon or 2 at a time until you find the right amount.

Important: Some experimentation will be needed when using your bread maker at high altitudes.

Just wait fifteen minutes.

For best results, wait 15 minutes before slicing; the bread needs time to cool.

Storing – Keeping your bread fresh

There are no preservatives in your homemade bread, so store the cooled loaf in a lightly sealed plastic bag for up to 3 days.

If desired, enclose a stalk of celery in the bag to keep bread fresh longer.

Storing in the refrigerator causes bread to dry out faster.

Freezing

The dough can be frozen after the first growth, mold the balls and freeze them apart. Once frozen, place them in Ziploc bags. When thawing, follow the preparation steps after the first growth.

To freeze fresh bread, let it cool completely before bagging (double-bag in plastic) and freezing.

Take the bread out of the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge until it is no longer frozen (at least 6 hours or overnight for a loaf, and 2 to 3 hours for individual slices). Heat your oven to 190°C/380°F and ‘refresh’ the bread for 3 to 5 minutes.

The dough lasts 6 months and baked 3 months.

Using the delay timer

You can delay the time your bread maker starts to have fresh bread ready when you get up in the morning or when you come from work.

We recommend that before you use the Delay Timer, you try out a few recipes. Use recipes that have produced good results for you in the past.

Important: You cannot use the Delay Timer for Express Bake settings (bread in under 1 hour).

Before using the Delay Timer:

1. Add all recipe ingredients to the bread pan.
2. Select the correct setting for the kind of bread you are making (French, Sweet, etc.).
3. Select the colour.

To set the delay timer:

1. Figure out how many hours and minutes there are between now and when you want final, baked bread. For example, if it is 8:00 A.M. and you want bread ready for dinner at 6:00 P.M., that is 10 hours.
2. Use the “Timer Up” button to advance the time in 10-minute increments. In our example, you will do this until the timer reads “10:00.” If necessary, use the “Timer Down” button to decrease the time. (To advance the time quickly, press and hold down the “Timer Up/Down” buttons.)
   Important: If you make a mistake or wish to start over, press and hold down the “Start/Stop” button until you hear a beep. The display will show the original setting and cycle time. The Delay Timer is cancelled, and you can start again.
3. When the Delay Timer is set where you want it, make sure to press the “Start/Stop” button. The colon ( : ) will flash to indicate that it is working, and your bread will be ready when you planned.

Note: The delay hours and minutes will be added to the preprogrammed times for the specific program. The time indicated in the display is the time until the end of the cycle.

Important: When using the Delay Timer during hot weather times, you may wish to reduce the liquid in your recipe by 1 or 2 tablespoons. This is to prevent the dough from rising too much. You may also reduce the salt by 1/8 or 1/4 teaspoon and try cutting the amount of sugar you use by 1/4 teaspoon at a time.

Freshness first with delay bake function

Caution: NEVER use the time delay function when using perishable ingredients such as milk, eggs, fruit, yogurt, cheese, etc.

Use Fresh Ingredients

Always make sure the ingredients are fresh. The reasons are:

Flour – If you have stored your flour for a long time, it may have become wet from absorbing moisture, or dry, depending on the area of the country in which you live. We recommend using fresh bread flour.

Yeast – Fresh yeast is probably the most important ingredient in baking bread. If the yeast is not fresh, your bread may not rise. It is better to buy new yeast than to take a chance on yeast that has been stored for a long time.

If you are unsure of the freshness of your yeast, you can test the freshness of your yeast before using:

1. Fill a cup with warm water, then add and stir in 2 teaspoons of sugar.
2. Sprinkle a few teaspoons of yeast on the surface of the water and wait.
3. After 15 minutes, the yeast should foam, and there should be a distinct odour. If neither reaction happens, the yeast is old and should be thrown away.

“Start/Stop” button

Important: Do not press “Stop” when making bread because this will cancel the entire cycle, and you will need to start from scratch.

* (“Long-term dietary intake of gluten was not associated with risk of coronary heart disease. However, the avoidance of gluten may result in reduced consumption of beneficial whole grains, which may affect cardiovascular risk. The promotion of gluten-free diets among people without celiac disease should not be encouraged.” Source: http://www.bmj.com/content/357/bmj.j1892)

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Also check:

• Everything You Need to Know to Start Baking Awesome Bread Using a Bread Maker
• Fast2eat Bread Recipes

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Read bread-making further information in my book:

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