baking instructions - german farmer's bread
From Mix to Masterpiece: Your German Farmer's Bread
Ready to bake an authentic loaf at home? With our best gluten free baking mix, you can achieve the hearty crust and rustic soul of a traditional German Farmer's Bread without any compromise. Our gluten free baking mixes are designed for guaranteed success, making it easier than ever to enjoy a fresh mix gluten free directly from your oven.
step 1: Prepare the Oven
For a perfectly crispy crust, place a baking tray or dish with 27oz (800ml) of water on the lowest rack of the oven to create steam. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) (upper & lower heat).
step 2: Prepare the Tray
Line a second baking tray with baking paper to prevent the bread from sticking.
step 3: Mix, Knead & Rest
Mix the entire baking mix with 22.3oz (660ml) of lukewarm water. We recommend kneading the dough by hand for up to two minutes until it has a smooth consistency and feels good in your hands. For best results, let the dough rest for 30–60 minutes before proceeding.
step 4: Shape & Score the Dough
Using damp hands, shape the dough into a typical loaf form (or a smooth ball). Smooth the surface until it reaches the desired shape, moistening your hands multiple times if necessary. For a professional look, make one longitudinal cut or several diagonal cuts (or a cross-shaped incision) approximately 0.4" (1cm) deep into the surface.
step 5: Baking
Place the tray with the shaped dough on the middle rack and bake for 90 minutes.
Shortly before the end of the baking time, test if the bread is done by inserting a long wooden skewer into the center.
- If no dough sticks to the skewer, the bread is ready.
- If dough still sticks to it, bake for another five minutes and then test again.
step 6: Cooling & Safety
Afterward, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Note: When opening the oven, be cautious of escaping hot steam. Carefully remove the water dish once it has cooled down slightly.
Optional: Gourmet Version (Yeast & Sugar)
For an even better baking experience, you can add 0.5oz (15g) yeast and/or 0.5oz (15g) sugar to the mix in step 3.
- Yeast Conversion: You can use either fresh or dry yeast.
- Dry Yeast: Use approx. 0.5oz (14-15g) – which is roughly 2 standard packets.
- Fresh Yeast: Use approx. 0.5oz (15g) – which is roughly one small 0.6oz cake.
Extended Rising Time: If adding yeast, let the dough rise for up to 2 hours after kneading. After shaping the loaf (Step 4), let it rise again for another 40 minutes before placing it in the oven.