Power to The Bakers.Pastry Flour vs. Bread Flour: Which Will Give You the Best Results?
When baking, using the correct type of flour can make a massive difference in the outcome of your baked goods. Bread flour and pastry flour are two popular choices, each with unique characteristics. We compare both in this article to help you know the one that will give you a better result.
Differences Between Pastry Flour and Bread Flour
Knowing the differences between bread and pastry flour will enable you to select the one that will produce the best results for your unique baking requirements. To ensure that you make an informed decision, here are the key differences between both types of flour and how they affect the result of baked goods.
1. Definition
There are different types of flour, with bread flour and pastry flour among them. Their definition will allow you to differentiate between them and help you better understand the composition of each flour.
Pastry flour
The lower protein content of pastry flour, which is made from soft wheat, allows it to be milled to a texture finer than all-purpose flour. This results in baked goods such as pound cakes that are also tender and with a delicate crust. Any product that requires structure, such as bread dough or pasta, should not be made using pastry flour.
Bread flour
Bread flour has a higher protein content because it is made from “hard wheat” varieties. Any food that is supposed to be textural and chewy such as bagels or bread benefits from this protein content. This is because it promotes better gluten development. Never use bread flour in baked goods like cakes and pastries that are meant to be tender.
2. Protein content
The protein content in flour is one of the main factors that can help you differentiate between pastry flour and bread flour. Protein contributes to the development of gluten, which is essential in determining the structure and texture of baked goods.
Pastry flour
Typically, pastry flour exhibits a relatively low protein content, ranging from 8% to 9%. This lower protein level reduces gluten formation during the mixing and kneading. As a result, the end product possesses a tender and delicate structure.
Bread flour
Unlike pastry flour, bread flour has a higher protein content of 12% and 14%. With this increased protein content, the flour develops more muscular gluten. Also, this protein content is desirable for yeast-based bread recipes that require a chewy and elastic texture.
3. Gluten development
A protein is formed when flour and water are mixed by kneading or mixing gluten. Depending on the flour’s protein content, different levels of gluten development may occur.
Pastry flour
Pastry flour produces less gluten during kneading and mixing due to its lower protein content. This helps make the texture of its products crumblier and more tender. Pastry flour is well suited for delicate baked goods that should have a softer bite, such as cakes, cookies, and pastries.
Bread flour
The higher protein content in bread flour promotes more vital gluten development. This is desirable for bread recipes that require a more elastic and chewy texture. The gluten network formed in bread flour allows the dough to trap carbon dioxide produced by yeast, resulting in a well-risen and airy bread structure.
4. Recommended applications
The decision between bread flour and pastry flour depends on the final product you want to make and the particular requirement of your baked goods. Choosing the flour that will produce the best results for you will be easier if you know its suggested applications.
Pastry flour
Pastry flour is ideal for creating recipes that require a gentle and refined texture, adding a touch of lightness to the final result. This versatile ingredient finds its place in various baked goods such as cakes, cookies, pie crusts, and an assortment of delectable pastries.
Bread flour
Regarding yeast-based bread recipes demanding a resilient gluten structure and satisfying chewiness, bread flour is the top choice. This high-protein flour is a staple ingredient in crafting artisan bread and bagels, perfecting the dough for deliciously crisp pizza creations.
5. Experimentation and recommendation
In baking, experimentation and combining different types of flour are essential. You can create unique textures and flavors that elevate your creations by blending various flours.
Pastry flour
Concerning the world of pastry baking, the art of experimentation and blending pastry flour with other ingredients broadens the range of potential applications. You can create delicious treats with distinctive flavor and texture combinations by combining different flours, such as almond or coconut flour, with pastry flour.
Bread flour
For instance, you can produce artisan loaves with unique flavors and textures by combining bread flour with whole wheat or rye flour. With each combination revealing a fresh and mouthwatering bread experience, this exploration opens up a world of limitless possibilities.
Conclusion
Choosing between pastry flour and bread flour depends on the specific recipe and desired outcome. Pastry flour is ideal for delicate and tender baked goods like pastries and cakes, providing a lighter texture. On the other hand, bread flour’s higher protein content creates a chewier texture and is better suited for yeast-based bread recipes.