The Crumb Proof

Troubleshooting

4 guides

Learn the poke test, visual signs, and baked results that separate underproofed from overproofed dough before your next loaf goes in the oven.

Bread not rising? Work through this checklist to find the culprit fast — dead yeast, wrong water temp, cold room, or just not enough time.

Gummy bread usually means it was cut too soon or pulled from the oven early. Here's how to fix it and bake a fully set loaf every time.

Dense homemade bread is almost always a gas problem. Here are seven specific causes and the fixes that actually work.