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Bread maker cycles settings

Bread maker cycles settings

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)

Mashed Yuca Bread Fast2eat
Yuca bread is made from the Yuca purée (or mash). A yuca mash is mixed into the dough, giving it a silky texture. This results in very soft, light and smooth tasting bread. Although the yuca root is starchy and sticky, the bread isn’t. It’s fluffy on the outside and light on the inside.
Check out this recipe
Mashed Potato Bread Fast2eat
It has the most wonderful crust, a light but firm structure. Potatoes tend to make bread rise a little fluffier and softer…. with a firm crust and lots of little air pockets.
Check out this recipe
Corn Bread with Coconut Milk Fast2eat
It is sooo good. It is crunchy on the outside but moister on the inside. It isn’t too sweet. 
Check out this recipe
Potato Bread (with instant potato flakes and dry milk) Fast2eat
If you’ve ever tried potato bread, you know that the addition of mashed potatoes makes for some nice, soft bread because potatoes tend to make bread rise a little fluffier and softer.
Check out this recipe
Milk and Cream Bread Fast2eat
This bread is so tasty and delicious due to the cream in the dough. It’s crusty on the outside and super soft on the inside.
Check out this recipe
Rye Bread Fast2eat
Homemade rye bread can be quite a challenge, so remember that you’re never going to get a fluffy, airy result using just rye.
Check out this recipe
Country White Bread Fast2eat
This is a classic rich white read recipe with milk and egg! The loaf bakes up incredibly soft, tender and fluffy. Absolutely delicious, the perfect white bread!
Check out this recipe
Egg Bread Fast2eat
It’s soft, tender, absolutely delicious.
Check out this recipe
Honey Oat Bread Fast2eat
This easy and delicious amazing homemade Honey Oatmeal Bread is made with quick or old-fashioned oats and a touch of honey. It is soft and fluffy.
Check out this recipe
Cheese & Chive Bread Fast2eat
Delicious is the right word for this Cheese & Chive Bread! Very cheesy, with a slight oniony flavour.
Check out this recipe
Old Fashioned White Bread Fast2eat
Bread made like Grandma used to make and now you can do it too. Just an old-fashioned recipe, with basic ingredients.
Check out this recipe
Oatmeal Bread Fast2eat
This easy and delicious homemade Oatmeal Bread is made with quick oats, oat bran and a touch of honey.
Check out this recipe
Honeyed Walnut Bread Fast2eat
The honey added sweetness, and the walnuts and olive oil added a deep, rich flavour to this tasty bread-maker bread.
Check out this recipe

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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)

Special Molasses Bread Fast2eat
This brown bread recipe using bread flour, whole wheat flour, and cornmeal is simply amazing!
Check out this recipe

Cottage Cheese and Chive Bread Fast2eat
Very light, it toasts beautifully, with a nice flavour and texture!
Check out this recipe
Old Fashioned Oatmeal & Molasses Bread Fast2eat
Old fashioned Oatmeal molasses bread is easy to make, a rich and tender loaf that is perfect for toast or sandwiches, and great with cream cheese.
Check out this recipe
Raisin Walnut Bread Fast2eat
This easy to make Raisin Walnut Bread is so delicious, with a crispy crust jewelled with raisins and toasty, crunchy chunks of walnuts to boost.
Check out this recipe
Raisin-Orange Bread Fast2eat
This quick and easy-to-make Raisin Orange Bread is so delicious, freshly grated orange peel joins classic raisins to flavour bread.
Check out this recipe

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

Cinnamon Raisin Bread Fast2eat
Cinnamon and raisins bring a heartwarming flavour to this mildly sweet bread. It's wonderfully sliced right off the loaf, making fabulous toast.
Check out this recipe

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

Wonderful Potato Bread Fast2eat
This is the best potato sandwich bread ever! It is surprisingly easy to make and is perfect for sandwiches, grilled cheese and morning toast (French toast, too!)! You can't go wrong with this one. It’s amazing.
Check out this recipe

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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)

Whole Wheat Oatmeal Honey Bread Fast2eat
If you’re looking for a simple homemade bread with wholesome ingredients, this Whole Wheat Oatmeal Honey Bread is it. It uses a combination of whole wheat, oats and white flour, and it’s sweetened with honey. 
Check out this recipe
100% Whole Wheat Bread Fast2eat
This is the very best Homemade Whole Wheat Bread. I’ve been making this bread since I bought my bread maker in 2000 and everybody loves it.
Check out this recipe
50% Whole Wheat Bread Fast2eat
For those who like a lighter texture of whole wheat bread. Contains equal amounts of bread flour and whole wheat flour.
Check out this recipe
Wheat ‘N Yogourt Bread Fast2eat
This is a go-to recipe for a bread maker.
Check out this recipe
50% Whole Wheat Bread with Molasses Fast2eat
It’s mildly sweet, soft and delicious, with hints of molasses. Sooo yummy!
Check out this recipe
Pumpernickel Bread Fast2eat
This brown bread is simply amazing! It’s mildly sweet, soft and delicious, with hints of molasses. Sooo yummy!
Check out this recipe

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

Honey Oatmeal Bread Fast2eat
Soft, light, healthy and delicious. It uses a combination of whole wheat, oatmeal, white flour, powdered milk, and sweetened with honey. 
Check out this recipe

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

Russian dark Borodinsky Rye Bread Fast2eat
Legendary Russian dark Borodinsky Rye Bread made with whole grain, rye and wheat flour and molasses. It is very flavourful, satisfying and healthy.
Check out this recipe

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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)

Classic French Loaf Fast2eat
This is an easy, crusty, Classic French Loaf recipe for your bread machine. I have been making this bread for almost 20 years, and it’s part of my best recipe collection.
Check out this recipe

Italian Herb Bread Fast2eat
I have been making this bread for almost 20 years, and it’s part of my best recipe collection. Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning add a little “hum” to Italian bread. Serve it hot with your favourite Italian dish, cut into slices or toasted, with butter, dips and/or cheese.
Check out this recipe
Italian Herbs & Parmesan Bread Fast2eat
This wonderful, aromatic herb and Parmesan Bread is perfect: taste, appearance, texture, all very good.
Check out this recipe

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

Honey French Bread Fast2eat
This French bread with a touch of honey is a terrific bread that has a light, crispy crunch and a slightly sweet flavour! Easy and very tasty. Sure to become a family favourite.
Check out this recipe

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

Classic Italian Bread Fast2eat
This classic Italian bread recipe is soft and tender on the inside, with a chewy crust on the outside. It is an easy homemade bread recipe made with flour, water, yeast, salt, sugar, and oil.
Check out this recipe

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

French Countryside Bread Fast2eat
If you've always wanted crusty, French-style bread, made with simple ingredients, this is it. This loaf is extremely good and has a perfect texture, crusty top and a soft inside.
Check out this recipe

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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)

Gluten-Free Bread with Potato Flakes Fast2eat
Potato flakes bring a rich taste and texture that is often missing from most gluten-free bread. This bread is soft and has a wonderful flavour that is so close to regular bread.
Check out this recipe
Gluten-free Bread Maker Cheese Loaf Fast2eat
This super easy and Fast recipe is fail-proof and absolutely mouthwatering. It looks like a giant Brazilian Pão de Queijo (literally translated to ‘cheese bread’).
Check out this recipe

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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)

Pesto Bread Fast2eat
This pesto bread is slightly sweet, crunchy, perfectly textured, tasty, very flavourful, and easy to make, which smells delicious. My house smelled wonderful as it was baking!
Check out this recipe
Walnut Bread Fast2eat
This delicious, slightly sweet homemade walnut bread will quickly become a family favourite.
Check out this recipe
Onion Herb Bread Fast2eat
This bread is easy and flavourful and bakes with a wonderful aroma.
Check out this recipe
Super Rapid Italian Herb Fast2eat
This bread is easy and flavourful and bakes with a wonderful aroma.
Check out this recipe

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

Garlic Herb Parmesan Quick Bread Fast2eat
This Parmesan Garlic Herb Quick Bread is tender, flavourful and delicious. It makes a great side dish to any meal or even just toasted for breakfast spread with cream cheese instead of butter. It smells soooo great while baking.
Check out this recipe

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

Super Rapid Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Fast2eat
This delicious Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is incredibly moist and easy to make from start to finish in your bread machine. It makes a great breakfast bread or dessert bread and is a wonderful foundation for French toast or toasted at tea-time.
Check out this recipe

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

Super Rapid Cheese’n Onion Bread Fast2eat
The combination of the onions and cheese in this homemade bread is out of this world delicious! It's a quick bread that is perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches and also goes greatly toasted, with green salads or with a good bowl of soup on a cold winter day. Simple and delicious!
Check out this recipe

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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)

Express (58-minute) White Bread Fast2eat
A quick 58-minute white bread that is super yummy. Perfect for people who just do not have 3 1/2 hours to wait for their bread to cook. This is a great bread if you only have an hour to make something to take to that party you forgot about.
Check out this recipe
Olives & Garlic Express (58-minute) White Bread Fast2eat
Salty olives add a depth of flavour to this white bread recipe! It’s subtle and salty and delicious.
Check out this recipe

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

Cheese & Rye Express (58-minute) Bread Fast2eat
A quick 58-minute Cheese & Rye bread that is delicious. Rye has many health benefits, and rye bread has a wonderful flavour – especially when it’s paired with cheese!
Check out this recipe

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

Express (58-minute) Cornbread Fast2eat
A quick 58-minute cornbread that is super yummy. It comes out fluffy and perfect every time with minimal effort! I love that it comes together in a snap and is on the table in less than an hour.
Check out this recipe

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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)

Pizza Crust Fast2eat
Preparing a pizza can have different levels of difficulty and preparation time. Besides, of course, a wide variety of topping options. Mozzarella cheese is basic. In my opinion, all pizza should have it. Makes 2 pizzas (pizzas de 35cm (14" or 12" thicker )
Check out this recipe

100% Whole Wheat Pizza Crust Fast2eat
There is nothing better than a homemade pizza. I love it, and I love how easy and versatile it is, especially using a Bread Maker to prepare the dough.
Check out this recipe

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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)

Breadmaker Orange Cake Fast2eat
If you love oranges, wait until you taste this cake. It’s often served as a tea or coffee cake, dessert cake or breakfast cake.
Check out this recipe
Walnut Breadmaker Cake Fast2eat
This delicious, slightly sweet homemade walnut bread will quickly become a family favourite.
This cake is similar to our standard Walnut Bread, but with Baking Powder instead of yeast.
Yes, you can bake a cake in your bread machine.
Check out this recipe

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

Breadmaker Lemon Cake Fast2eat
This is a lemon cake with lemon juice, and lemon zest is simple and has a kick of citrus flavour that you'll definitely enjoy. Drizzle glaze made from lemon juice and zest on top to finish!
Check out this recipe

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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.


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)


* 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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Comments

My machine has basic and sandwich….which one do I use for instant dry yeast

Susana Macedo

Hello Yolz,
Instant dry yeast can be used with any setting. Just remember when not using fast/rapid/quick setting, use 25% less if the recipe asks for Active dry yeast.
Basic is the most used and common setting for white bread.
However, for baking light-textured bread with a thinner crust, you can use the Sandwich setting, and for a crispier crust, you should use the French/European setting.
When using whole wheat or whole grains flour, always use a whole wheat setting.
Use a sweet setting for bread with lots of sugar; otherwise, it may burn.
I hope it helps.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask anytime.
Thank you so much for following, reading, commenting, supporting, and sharing.

Fantastic! I have been looking for the cycle times for my Amazon Basic Bread Maker so that I can intelligently change settings to accommodate changes in my recipe. I thought I needed a longer rise time and so now I have the numbers. Thank you for what Amazon left out of their manual.

Susana Macedo

Hello Matt,
I appreciate your comment, I am so pleased that you enjoyed it, and that it helped you.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Remember, once you make any of my recipes, I would love to see your creations, so please let me know!
Please take a photo and tag it on your preferred Social Media with the hashtag #Fast2eat.
Please also Follow Fast2eat on your preferred Social Media (Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Youtube.)
Thank you so much for following, reading, commenting, supporting, and sharing.

Wendy Westhoven

Glad I found you! I am very new to bread making and trying to figure out the best settings for my machine. Your article helps out a lot!

I am so glad that you like it, and it helps you.
I am sure my books will also help a lot. They have further information and tips on bread making.
Be sure that all my recipes are prepared with love. I post a new one every Friday, and every second one is a bread recipe.
Please tell your family and friends about it and also Follow Fast2eat on your preferred Social Media (Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Youtube.)
Thank you so much for commenting, reading, supporting, and sharing.

Can I use einkorn flour on the express setting? Those settings are so close to what I need for einkorn flour so curious if you have any insight on that?

Hello Makayla,
I have never used einkorn flour, but I have learned some tips about it.
It can take some experimentation to figure out what works best.
If you’re making yeast or sourdough bread, in general, bake times and processing times are both shorter with einkorn, it does not require kneading because you don’t need to develop its gluten. If your bread maker has a gluten-free setting I would use it. Otherwise, I would use the rapid/quick one. The Express setting might also work.
If you are making a dough-type batter/non-yeast/quick bread (such as muffins and banana quick bread), that uses baking pownder, use the Cake setting (sometimes called Quick bread).
Overall, know that experimentation with einkorn flour is the best way to find out what works (and what doesn’t).
I hope it helps. If you have any more questions, please ask by commenting anytime.
Remember, once you make any of my recipes, I would love to see your creations, so please let me know!
Please take a photo and tag it on your preferred Social Media with the hashtag #Fast2eat.
Please also Follow Fast2eat on your preferred Social Media (Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Youtube.)
Thank you so much for following, reading, comment, supporting, and sharing.

Good article . The way how you explain this strategies. Is very professional.

Hello Linda,
I am so glad that you liked it.
I believe you will also like my books, where I further explain everything you need to know to make the most delicious bread.
Remember, once you make any of my recipes, I would love to see your creations, so please let me know!
Please take a photo and tag it on your preferred Social Media with hashtag #Fast2eat.
Please also Follow Fast2eat on your preferred Social Media (Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Youtube.)
Thank you so much for reading, supporting, and sharing.

 
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