The Poke Test & Easy Signs to Check
You’re staring at your dough, wondering—is it ready? If you bake too soon, it’ll be dense. Wait too long, and it could collapse. But there’s a simple way to know exactly when your bread is proofed and ready for the oven.
The Second Proof: What to Look For
After shaping, your dough needs one final rise before baking. This step is key to getting an airy crumb and good oven spring. But how do you know when it’s done proofing?
The poke test is the easiest way to check.
The Poke Test: Quick Guide
🔴 Underproofed → Poke springs back immediately. Dough is still tight. Needs more time.
🟢 Perfectly Proofed → Poke leaves a small dent but slowly springs back. Time to bake!
🟡 Overproofed → Poke leaves a deep dent that doesn’t recover. Get it in the oven ASAP!
📌 Rule of Thumb: Most doughs proof 30-60 minutes at room temp—check at 30 minutes to be safe.
“Sourdough often requires longer proofing times than yeasted doughs. While yeasted doughs can be ready in 30-60 minutes, sourdough may need 4-6 hours at room temperature, or even an overnight cold proof in the fridge.”
Other Signs Your Dough is Ready
- Feels light and airy—like a water balloon, full of gas but still holding its shape.
- Jiggles slightly when moved (for high-hydration doughs).
- Surface bubbles or slight doming.
“If you’re cold-proofing sourdough overnight, the poke test will still work, but expect the dough to feel slightly firmer when it comes straight from the fridge. It should still spring back slowly when pressed. A cold-proofed dough may take a bit longer to fully rise in the oven but will develop better flavor and structure.”
What Happens If You Overproof?
Overproofed dough can collapse in the oven, leading to a flat, dense loaf. If it’s just past its prime, bake it anyway—you might still get a decent crumb.
Still Unsure? Let’s Troubleshoot!
Drop a pic of your proofed dough in the comments, and I’ll help you figure it out!
Struggling with Proofing? Keep Your Dough at the Perfect Temperature
Getting the perfect proof is easier when your dough stays at a consistent temperature. The Doughbed by Sourhouse gently warms your dough, helping it rise predictably—no more guessing or dealing with a cold kitchen.
🔥 Warms dough to the ideal proofing temp
⏳ Speeds up and stabilizes fermentation
🛠 Works with any bowl, banneton, or container
🌡 Designed for sourdough and yeasted doughs
Use promo code HBK23 at checkout for 10% off your order!
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