Baking is a wonderful hobby that can bring joy and satisfaction to many people. However, sometimes things don’t go as planned, and you realize you’re missing an important ingredient. One of the most common ingredients in baking is yeast, which is used to make bread rise. If you’ve run out of instant yeast, don’t worry! There are many substitutes you can use instead. In this post, we’ll discuss the 7 best substitutes for instant yeast.
What is Instant Yeast?
Instant yeast, also known as “rapid rise” yeast, “bread machine” yeast, or “quick-rise” yeast, is a type of fast-acting yeast. It undergoes the same culturing and drying process as active dry yeast, but is milled into even finer granules before packaging. This eliminates the need for dissolving it in water before using. In some cases, instant yeast may also contain additional enzymes, such as ascorbic acid, which acts as a dough conditioner and helps speed up the rising process.
Best Instant Yeast Substitutes
1. Active Dry Yeast
Active dry yeast is a common substitute for instant yeast. It’s a type of yeast that’s granulated and needs to be rehydrated before use. Unlike instant yeast, it needs to be dissolved in water before being added to the dough. The process of rehydrating the yeast activates it and helps it grow.
To use active dry yeast as a substitute for instant yeast, you’ll need to use more of it. Typically, you’ll need to use 25% more active dry yeast than instant yeast. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of instant yeast, you’ll need to use 1 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast instead.
Advantages of using active dry yeast as a substitute include its long shelf life and availability in most grocery stores. Disadvantages include the need to dissolve it in water and the longer rise time it requires.
2. Fresh Yeast
Fresh yeast, also known as cake yeast, is another common substitute for instant yeast. It’s a type of yeast that’s sold in a compressed block or cake. Fresh yeast needs to be dissolved in water before being added to the dough, similar to active dry yeast.
To use fresh yeast as a substitute for instant yeast, you’ll need to use more of it. Typically, you’ll need to use twice as much fresh yeast as instant yeast. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of instant yeast, you’ll need to use 2 teaspoons of fresh yeast instead.
Advantages of using fresh yeast as a substitute include its faster rise time and its ability to produce a more complex flavor in the bread. Disadvantages include its shorter shelf life and the need to dissolve it in water before use.
3. Baking Powder and Baking Soda
Baking powder and baking soda are two ingredients commonly used in baking that can also be used as a substitute for instant yeast. However, they work differently than yeast and will produce a different texture in the bread.
Baking powder is a leavening agent that contains a combination of baking soda, cream of tartar, and cornstarch. When mixed with a liquid, it produces carbon dioxide gas, which causes the dough to rise.
Baking soda, on the other hand, is an alkaline compound that needs an acidic ingredient, such as buttermilk or vinegar, to activate it. When the acid and baking soda combine, they produce carbon dioxide gas, which causes the dough to rise.
To use baking powder or baking soda as a substitute for instant yeast, you’ll need to adjust the recipe. Typically, you’ll need to use 1-2 teaspoons of baking powder or baking soda for every cup of flour. However, keep in mind that this will produce a different texture in the bread than using yeast.
Advantages of using baking powder or baking soda as a substitute include their availability in most kitchens and their ease of use. Disadvantages include the different texture they produce in the bread and the need to adjust the recipe.
4. Buttermilk
Buttermilk is a common ingredient in baking that can also be used as a substitute for instant yeast. It’s a fermented dairy product that’s slightly acidic, which can help activate the yeast in the dough.
To use buttermilk as a substitute for instant yeast, you’ll need to adjust the recipe. Typically, you’ll need to use 1 cup of buttermilk for every 2 teaspoons of instant yeast. However, keep in mind that this will produce a different texture in the bread than using yeast.
Advantages of using buttermilk as a substitute include its ability to add flavor and tenderness to the bread, and its availability in most grocery stores. Disadvantages include the need to adjust the recipe and the different texture it produces in the bread.
5. Sour Cream
Sour cream is another common ingredient in baking that can be used as a substitute for instant yeast. It’s a cultured dairy product that’s slightly acidic, which can help activate the yeast in the dough.
To use sour cream as a substitute for instant yeast, you’ll need to adjust the recipe. Typically, you’ll need to use 1 cup of sour cream for every 2 teaspoons of instant yeast. However, keep in mind that this will produce a different texture in the bread than using yeast.
Advantages of using sour cream as a substitute include its ability to add flavor and moisture to the bread, and its availability in most grocery stores. Disadvantages include the need to adjust the recipe and the different texture it produces in the bread.
6. Yogurt
Yogurt is another dairy product that can be used as a substitute for instant yeast. Like buttermilk and sour cream, it’s a cultured dairy product that’s slightly acidic, which can help activate the yeast in the dough.
To use yogurt as a substitute for instant yeast, you’ll need to adjust the recipe. Typically, you’ll need to use 1 cup of yogurt for every 2 teaspoons of instant yeast. However, keep in mind that this will produce a different texture in the bread than using yeast.
Advantages of using yogurt as a substitute include its ability to add flavor and moisture to the bread, and its availability in most grocery stores. Disadvantages include the need to adjust the recipe and the different texture it produces in the bread.
7. Beer
Beer is a unique ingredient that can be used as a substitute for instant yeast. It contains yeast and sugar, which can help activate the yeast in the dough.
To use beer as a substitute for instant yeast, you’ll need to adjust the recipe. Typically, you’ll need to use 1 cup of beer for every 2 teaspoons of instant yeast. However, keep in mind that this will produce a different flavor in the bread than using yeast.
Advantages of using beer as a substitute include its ability to add flavor and moisture to the bread, and its availability in most grocery stores. Disadvantages include the need to adjust the recipe and the different flavor it produces in the bread.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’ve run out of instant yeast, don’t worry! There are many substitutes you can use instead. These include active dry yeast, fresh yeast, baking powder and baking soda, buttermilk, sour cream, yogurt, and beer.
Each of these substitutes has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your needs. With these substitutes, you’ll be able to continue baking delicious bread even without instant yeast.
