How Long Does It Take Bread to Rise (Speed Up/Slow Down) (2024)

Bread baking? Well, it can be a little tricky, from kneading to baking – but especially during the notorious “rise.” Most bakers – new and old – will ponder how much time it really takes. After all, too much of one thing is never good, even when it comes to your bread dough rising.

Bread dough typically takes around one to three hours to rise. However, it can be as little as 30 minutes or as much as 12 hours. It mostly depends on where your bread dough is rising. The warmer the environment, the quicker the process will be.

Hello, everyone! I’m Michelle, and I love baking. That’s why I have spent the last ten years honing my skills, especially when it comes to finicky bread loaves. I discovered lots of information about bread baking during my journey, and I’m sharing my knowledge with you.

Let’s discuss how long it takes bread to rise.

How Long Does It Take Bread to Rise?

There is really no “one size fits all” when it comes to how long it takes bread to rise. However, most of the time, it takes anywhere between one and three hours at 75 to 78 F. A lot can impact the overall rise time, though, especially the temperature your bread is being risen at.

For instance, bread baked in warm temperatures can take as little as 30-45 minutes to rise. So, if you live in an area like Florida or California with higher temperatures, be prepared for your bread to potentially skyrocket.

On the other hand, those in chillier climates may notice their bread taking longer to rise. That’s because colder temperatures slow down the yeast and enzyme reaction, causing an unhurried rise.

The freshness of the yeast you’re using, and the temperature of the water can also impact the overall time frame for your bread dough to rise. However, it is less impactful than the temperature at which the bread is being raised.

How to Speed Up Bread Rising

One to three hours or possibly more? Yeah, that’s not super convenient. If you’re someone who’s always in a rush or you simply need to bake a batch of bread – and fast – there are a few methods you can use to speed up your bread’s rising process.

1. In the Oven

The most popular way to speed up a bread’s rise is in the oven. You can accomplish this in a few different ways:

• Turn the light on and place it on the top rack. The light will give off just the right amount of warmth to speed up the rise.

• Turn on the lowest heat setting for two minutes before placing the dough inside. This will give your oven a little extra warmth, ensuring your bread dough rises quickly. Just make sure to turn the oven off after two minutes.

• Place a bowl of boiling water in the oven with your dough. The boiling water will let off some heat and lock it inside the range, creating a warm environment for your bread to rise efficiently.

2. In the Microwave

Oh, the handy-dandy microwave. Is there anything it can’t do? (Now that I think about it, it can’t heat my leftovers in aluminum foil. But that’s a story for another day.)

To speed up bread rising in the microwave, simply place a cup of boiling water next to your bowl of dough and close the microwave door. This will allow the warmth from the boiling water to lock into a tight space, quickening the rise.

3. In a Bread Proofing Box

If you make a lot of bread, I highly recommend shelling out the few extra dollars to purchase this Brod & Taylor Folding Proofer & Slow Cooker. Yes, you read that right – it’s a proofer and a slow cooker in one appliance. Oh, I just love 2-in-1 products!

Why do you need it? Two key reasons: the temperature and humidity controls. These controls take the guesswork out of things.

They will give you complete authority over the environment for your bread. So, crank up the temperature and humidity and watch your bread rise like never before.

How to Slow Down Bread Rising

Wait – why would anyone ever want to slow the bread rising process? Well, a slower rise will typically equate to a better texture and flavor. That’s why most professional bakers opt for a slow rise in the fridge. But how do you do it?

It’s pretty simple. All you need to do is place your bread dough inside a large glass bowl. Then, cover it with plastic wrap. Set it inside the fridge and wait for it to rise. Bread dough can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours to fully rise in the refrigerator.

How to Know When Your Bread is Done Rising

Now you know that bread takes between one and three hours to rise, but temperature can affect how long it actually takes. That’s great and all, but it doesn’t matter much if you can’t determine when your bread is done rising.

The good news is that it’s a cinch to know when your bread is done rising.

When the bread is done rising, it will double in size. However, I understand that this visual key can be challenging to rely on, especially if you’re new to the world of bread baking. Is there another way?

Yes, use the poke test! The poke test is the most reliable way to check if your bread is done rising. Simply give your bread a poke. If it is slow to spring back and leaves an indent, it’s done. If it snaps back quickly, it needs more time.

FAQs

You’re ready to be a bread baking master with all of this information, right? But before you take off, check out some of these handy questions.

Can you let bread rise too long?

You can definitely let the bread rise too long, which will affect the overall taste and texture of your loaf. That said, it’s imperative to keep an eye on your bread. Don’t rely on a timer (although you should have one going!).

Can bread dough rise in 30 minutes?

Bread can take as little as 30 minutes to rise, especially if it is in an incredibly hot and humid location. You can also opt for one of the above methods to speed up the rising time. For example, toss it into a lightly preheated oven on the top rack or place it in a bread proofer.

What happens if you bake bread without letting it rise?

If you try to bake bread without letting it rise, it will come out quite dense and flavorless. The rise is essential for creating perfectly fluffy bread, so don’t skip it!

Final Words

Bread typically requires between one and three hours to rise, but the temperature will alter the actual time frame for your bread dough to rise. Keep an eye on it. To speed up the rising process, place it in the oven, microwave, or bread proofer. To slow it down, stick it in the fridge.

How long does your bread typically take to rise? Do you speed it up or slow it down? Comment below!

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