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Leavening Agents | Liquids | SaltsFats and Oils | Sweeteners | Other Flavoring Ingredients Leavening Agents Leavening agents are the substances that allow bread dough to rise.

Risen breads rely on a means of producing carbon dioxide gas that becomes trapped in the batter or dough causing the dough to rise. The carbon dioxide gas is produced either as a byproduct of fermentation or through the use of chemical agents.

Chemical leavening agents allow bread dough to be prepared in minutes instead of hours. Chemical leavens, such as baking soda and baking powder, react immediately when combined with a liquid so they are mixed with the other dry ingredients before any liquid ingredients are added.

The most common method for bread baking is with the use of an indoor oven. The proper bread baking temperature is more readily achieved with a modern oven than with any other method.

Quick Breads Quick bread refers to breads that require minimal preparation time, are made from batter more often than from dough, and are leavened with chemical agents, such as baking soda or baking powder, instead of yeast or natural starters.