Temperature × recipe
Sourdough Challah at 73–77°F
Adjusted timing: 2.1h bulk + 3.2h proof (multiplier 1.05×).
- Baseline bulk (76°F)
- 2h
- Adjusted bulk
- 2.1h
- Baseline proof
- 3h
- Adjusted proof
- 3.2h
- Multiplier
- 1.05×
- Activity
- active
- Target hydration
- 55%
- Bake temp
- 350°F
Why the timing shifts
BASELINE — the reference temperature for all fermentation times in this system. Warm kitchen, proofing box, summer AC setting. 76°F (24.4°C) is the classical bakery target. If you control dough temperature via dough desired temperature (DDT) calculations, aim for this range. All published recipe times assume this temperature unless otherwise noted.
Technique for Sourdough Challah
Stand mixer: combine flour, eggs, water, oil, sugar, levain, salt. Knead 8 min on medium. 2h bulk at 76°F with 2 folds. Divide into strands (3/4/6), braid. Proof 3h at 76°F. Egg wash, optionally top with sesame or poppy. Bake 350°F for 30 min until internal 190°F.
Calculator pre-set to these values
- Multiplier at 75°F
- 1.05×
- Adjusted bulk ferment
- 2.1 h
- Adjusted final proof
- 3.2 h
How the math works
Multipliers are piecewise-linear interpolations between reference points measured by Myhrvold et al. in Modernist Bread vol 3. 76°F is the baseline (1.0×); every 10°F drop roughly doubles fermentation time, and every 10°F rise roughly halves it.