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
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.
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).
Pasta dough
This setting lets you prepare dough for pasta to make noodles, ravioli or other fresh pasta.
Time: 14 minutes
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)
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
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.
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
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)
* Content and images based on Sunbeam CKSBBR9050-033 Bread Maker User Manual Retrieved from https://www.sunbeam.ca/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-sunbeam-ca-Library/default/dw500b4350/documents/instruction-manuals/CKSBBR9050-033.pdf
Read bread-making further information in my book:
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My machine has basic and sandwich….which one do I use for instant dry yeast