Breadmaker - getting bread that is too dense...?

Question

I'm not a cook or a baker, but I just got this breadmaker and have found hundreds of great recipes...

However, I live at quite a high elevation and I wonder if that is having an effect on my bread. It seems very dense and I'd like it to be a little lighter... Is there something different I could be doing?

More yeast... less yeast... less oil... I really have no clue what to do about it.

Thanks

Answer 1

First, check to see whether you are using all-purpose or bread flour. Bread flour contains more gluten which helps the bread rise. Although, too much flour can cause a dense texture. Was it measured properly? (To correctly measure flour, use a spoon to lightly scoop flour out of its container into a measuring cup. Continue until the cup is overflowing. Then use the back side of a knife to level off the flour even with the top edge of the measuring cup.) Also check to be sure you have used enough sugar - which the yeast feed on. Artificial sweeteners may not provide sufficient food for the yeast. Make sure all ingredients are warm or at least room temp, as lower temperatures can inhibit yeast, yet temperatures higher than 110 degrees may kill the yeast. Too much butter or shortening may also inhibit the yeast.

Speaking of yeast, check the expiration date. Also, did you use the delay function on the bread maker? The yeast could have mixed with the liquid ingredients before the bread making process began.

Whew! Bread making is a science -- definitely chemistry! One little mis-measurement or early mixing could throw the entire loaf off.

Good luck...and have fun!

Answer 2

more yeast and more water should do it (not much more just 10% more yeast at most and 5-10% more water)