What does it mean if my dough didn't rise?

Answer by  dhuoda (1431)

It could be that your yeast was too old and not "live" or that the dough was too cold and the yeast did not activate. If you did not use yeast, then perhaps you did not add baking powder, or you did not beat the mixture enough to introduce air.

Answer by  324hjt (610)

It usually means that your yeast is dead. Yeast is a living thing, and it is very sensitive to temperature changes. Keep it in a dry, dark, cool place (but not the freezer!) and warm it up in baby-bottle temperature water. Also, keep it fresh or it'll die.

Answer by  joantheresa (1421)

There are several reasons that your dough didn't rise. One could be that your yeast was old. Next, and probably the correct one, it could be that the liquid you dissolved your yeast in was too hot. A high temperature will kill the rising features of the yeast. Also the temperature in the room might be too low.

Answer by  ApprenticeJenn (959)

Something went wrong with the yeast or other leavening agents. Most likely, it was expired or otherwise damaged. If you softened or proofed the yeast first, your water may have been too hot. Active yeast will create foam and a yeasty smell when softened first in very warm water with a little sugar.