Crust & Crumb AcademyCrust & Crumb Back to glossary
TroubleshootingIntermediate

Flying Crust

Flying Crust: sliced loaf with the crust separated from the crumb (the flying-crust defect)
The top crust separates and lifts away from the crumb below it.

A defect where the top crust separates from the crumb, creating a large gap or 'cave' at the top of the loaf. It makes the bread difficult to slice for sandwiches.

By Henry Hunter · Updated

Diagnose and fix

Crust lifts off the bread

Often the dough dried out during proofing and formed a skin. Cover it well.

Big gap under the top crust

Can also come from underproofing, trapping air or excess flour while shaping, or a bake that sets the top crust before the inside catches up. Shape tightly, brush off extra flour, and proof fully.

Connected terms

ProofingShaping
Report a correction for this termCorrection inbox owner: Henry Hunter · Reply within 7 days

Go deeper

BakingGreatBread.blog
How to Braid a Round Challah That Holds Its Shape

Also covered in

Sources

  • King Arthur Baking
  • The Fresh Loaf