There are several common mistakes that can cause bread not to rise properly. Let's explore these mistakes and provide examples of each:

1. Insufficient yeast

One of the most common mistakes is not using enough yeast. Yeast is responsible for the fermentation process, which creates the carbon dioxide necessary for bread to rise. If too little yeast is used, the bread will not have enough leavening power. For example, if a recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of yeast and only 1 teaspoon is used, the bread may not rise properly.

2. Using expired yeast

Expired yeast is another culprit for bread that fails to rise. Yeast has a limited shelf life, and using expired yeast will result in a lack of active yeast cells. This can be easily avoided by checking the expiration date before using yeast in your recipe.

3. Incorrect water temperature

The temperature of the water used to activate the yeast is crucial. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast, preventing it from fermenting properly. On the other hand, if the water is too cold, the yeast may not activate at all. It's important to follow the recipe's instructions for the correct water temperature.

4. Insufficient kneading

Kneading the dough helps develop gluten, which gives the bread structure and elasticity. If the dough is not kneaded enough, it may not have the proper structure to trap the carbon dioxide released by the yeast. As a result, the bread will not rise as expected. A general guideline is to knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.

5. Overproofing or underproofing

Proofing is the process of allowing the dough to rise before baking. Both overproofing and underproofing can lead to bread that doesn't rise properly. Overproofing occurs when the dough is left to rise for too long, causing the yeast to exhaust its food supply and lose its leavening power. Underproofing happens when the dough isn't given enough time to rise fully. It's essential to follow the recipe's proofing instructions carefully.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase the chances of your bread rising properly and achieving a fluffy, well-textured loaf.

References:

1. "Troubleshooting: Bread That Doesn't Rise" by King Arthur Baking. Available at: https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/learn/resources/troubleshooting-yeast-bread
2. "Why Isn't My Bread Rising?" by The Spruce Eats. Available at: https://www.thespruceeats.com/why-isnt-my-bread-rising-428158