Active Dry Yeast vs. Compressed Yeast
Baking 101 on June 17 2010 by Bob's Red Mill

Active Dry Yeast vs. Compressed Yeast

[caption id="attachment_1474" align="alignleft" width="300"]Active Dry and Compressed Yeast both have many characteristics to try out in your home bakery. Active Dry and Compressed Yeast both have many characteristics to try out in your home bakery.[/caption] Every now and then, the home baker will run into a recipe that requires compressed or cake yeast. Most of us are used to using what is known as active dry yeast, which usually comes in packets or jars in an almost granular-looking form. But compressed yeast, which most often comes in two ounce to one pound cakes, finds its way into lots of home applications too. It’s helpful to know how to use both, as well as how to substitute one for the other. Here’s a little information on each to help you get started. Active Dry Yeast is one of the most common forms of yeast in home baking and in some countries (including the US) it’s far easier to find in stores than any other form. Part of its preference in the home bakery comes from its shelf life. Unlike compressed yeast, which must be used within a couple of weeks at most, active dry can keep for a very long time. While it keeps best under refrigeration, you can actually store dry active yeast at room temperature for several months before it loses potency. It usually comes in ¼ ounce packets or jars of varying amounts. As far as taste goes, it imparts a bit of a sharper and more fermented flavor to your baked products than does compressed yeast. It does require a bit of preparation to activate properly. The best method for this is to sprinkle it on top of water heated to 105-115 degrees. Once the water shows some foam forming (usually about 5-10 minutes), the yeast is active for use. Compressed yeast, despite the downfall of its faster perishing time, is far superior to dry active yeast in the speed at which it becomes active and the length of time it stays active. It won’t keep nearly as long as dry active yeast in storage, but can be frozen for several months (it’s best to give it a full 24 hours of defrosting before use). While it does not need the same activation technique as the dry active does, some prefer to soften it in lukewarm water (70-80 degrees) before use. Its flavor tends to be a little milder than dry active yeast and tends to impart sweeter tastes (ideal for softer breads such as an Italian or French bread). You can play around with using each kind as a substitute for the other when you want to try different characteristics of flavor and activity. The conversion rate for doing so is as follows:

1/4 oz, or 2 1/4 tsp, or 7 grams of Dry Active Yeast is equal to 2/3 oz, or 19 grams of Fresh Compressed Yeast.


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74 Comments

  1. Suzanne
    Where oh where can you buy fresh compressed yeast?? I used to own my own bakery and used only fresh yeast. It makes such a difference!

    Now that I don't have access to buying a 20+ lb case of yeast from a bakery supplier, is there anyone who sells it over the internet??

    I've tried all local health food stores, etc and can't find it anywhere!
    Reply
    1. Jay Juran
      @ Suzanne

      As I mentioned above, compressed yeast is more easily found in overseas markets as we have many laws about the sale of food items that spoil quickly here in the states. I've heard many people mention that a good source is a local bakery or pizza shop that orders it in bulk. They will often sell small amounts to local patrons for minimal cost even though it might not be a retail item in their shop. In ethnic or international food markets (somtimes in regular supermarkets but this is rare) you can also find it in cube form or what looks like a small milk carton in the dairy section. As far as an online source, Red Star and Fleischmann's sometimes have availability in smaller amounts. Here's a link to the Red Star site to let you know what you're looking for in the store: http://redstaryeast.com/products/product.php?cid=1&pid=9 Thanks for the inquiry!
      Reply
    2. Mina Raulston
      I use cake yeast in my grandmother's sweet batter bread recipe. I can only find it around the holidays and when I do I have recently found it at Giant Eagle grocery, but not all of them. You might speak with the manager or dairy person to see if they are willing to order you some.
      Reply
    3. Helen Fontsere'
      When we lived in NJ, I used to buy compressed yeast in small cakes at our local Shop Rite. I liked it so much better than the dry yeast I have to use now. I live in Decatur, GA and cannot find it anywhere. I feel your pain, Suzanne!
      Reply
    4. Richard
      On the web at Net York Bakers
      Reply
    5. Mary Blakeley
      I bought a pound of compressed yeast online from New York Bakers. I'm not sure of the web address, but easy to Google. I needed an ounce for an old roll recipe of my mother's, and she swore only fresh yeast would do. I froze the rest in 1-ounce cubes wrapped in plastic film and foil. So far the thawed cubes work as well as the never-frozen yeast. Then I discovered that most of the bread recipes in my OLD Betty Crocker call for fresh yeast. I'll have no problem using the whole pound. I've been using 1 ounce for 2 packets of dry, or 2 cubes fresh.
      Reply
    6. Monika
      European delis! I get mine at the Polish delis :)
      Reply
  2. SpankyM
    Active dry yeast does not need to be started in warm or hot water. I have used this particular yeast for years and just sprinkle a teaspoon in with the dry ingredients. It makes great bread, rolls, pizza dough, pretzels and bagels. I can't think of anything else I have baked with it..

    Watching yeast bubble in a bowl of warm water is a waste of time. Active dry and especially "instant" and "rapid-rise" do not need to be put in water to get started. Just mix your flour and other dry ingredients with the yeast, then mix with your wet ingredients, knead and let rise.
    Reply
    1. Brian Cole
      its called "Active" for a reason. it needs to be activated in water for it to work best, I'm sure its passable doing your method but not the best.
      Reply
  3. SpankyM
    I should have added to my previous comment that I suspect that "..to sprinkle it on top of water heated to 105-115 degrees." as the article states probably is an effective way to check if your yeast is good. No bubbles = no good. However, I just keep it in a jar in the refrigerator for 2-3 months between refills and my experience tells me there is no need to do this when making bread and similar items. Perhaps if this has been in the pantry for a year, you may wish to test it with warm water.
    Reply
  4. shiralamb
    How long does dry active yeast keep when refrigerated?
    Reply
    1. Cassidy Stockton
      @Shiralamb Our active dry yeast should last a year when refrigerated. I have had yeast last longer. It's always a good idea to check if you've had it a long time and you're not sure if it's alive or not before you embark on your baking project.
      Reply
    2. Randye
      I keep mine in a Tupperware container in the freezer; it keeps much better for me that way. I never leave it out; I get what I need & it immediately goes back into the freezer.
      Reply
  5. shiralamb
    Thanks, Cassidy. What is a good way to check if it still alive, when in question?
    Reply
  6. Mouang
    You can buy compressed yeast at costco it comes in a 2 lb block
    Reply
  7. XMax
    The owner of my pizzeria and I are starting to make our own dough. We are debating using warm water to soften the compressed yeast. Does it help the do rise, hurt the dough's rise, or have no effect at all?
    Reply
    1. Cassidy Stockton
      I'm sorry, but we don't sell compressed yeast, so I'm not sure which would be the best process for you. I'd recommend talking to a compressed yeast supplier.
      Reply
  8. Georgie
    My mother always used the cake yeast. I assume 50 years ago there wasn't active dry yeast. I use the dry yeast, buy it in bulk and keep it in a jar in the freezer. Just remove what I need and back into the freezer it goes. I think the last batch of yeast was over two years old by the time I needed more, and it was still working fine.
    Reply
  9. paul
    So does Bob's Milwaukie store carry compressed yeast? I'm SO there if they do!
    Reply
    1. AmandaCarter
      Hi Paul,
      We don't sell compressed yeast at our Whole Grain Store, but we hope you'll come by for a visit anyway!
      Thanks,
      Amanda C.
      Reply
  10. Kristin
    I found this great Mennonite cookbook this summer but all of the bread recipes call for yeast cake (compressed mostly). I'm confused....does one 1/4 oz packet of active dry yeast equal 1 yeast cake? I'd really love to make some of these recipes but I don't know what to do....HELP!!!
    Reply
    1. Cassidy Stockton
      Yes, one packet of active dry yeast equals one yeast cake.
      Reply
      1. Glenna
        Oh thank you for the one who shared that two packets of dry yeast is the equivalent of one cube of compressed yeast. I’m using Irma’s “White Bread Plus” recipe which calls for compressed active yeast
        Reply
  11. jose boix
    Where can i find fresh yeast cakes?
    Reply
  12. Blue
    You can get fresh yeast at Cardenas
    Reply
  13. Erinn
    If you live in the northwest, Winco has 1lb fresh yeast cakes for just over $3. So !much better than dry yeast!!
    Reply
    1. Jay
      Erinn,
      Which Winco have you found yeast cakes at? The one in McMinnville has never carried it...according to the bakery manager.

      Thanks,
      Jay
      Reply
    2. paula stover
      1 lb. for $3 that's wonderful! We have Winco here in Spokane, Ill have to look, I'm 66, when my children were growing up I baked almost everyday, whenever I used cake yeast ( it was easier to find then) it made such a difference in my bread. I would like to buy it twice a month if I could find it, even if I had to order off the internet, I would love to start baking for my grandchildren now.
      Reply
  14. Kay Diekemper
    I'm making authentic german bread and it calls for 1 ounce compressed fresh yeast. I live in a very rural area and our local stores do not carry the fresh yeast. How much dry yeast would I use. Do I need extra water or can I use the water from the recipe?
    Reply
    1. Cassidy Stockton
      1 oz of compressed yeast is about 1/2 oz of Active Dry Yeast or 1-1/2 Tbsp. http://www.goodcooking.com/conversions/yeastcon.htm
      Reply
  15. KAy B
    I'd like to make a recipe for brioche that requires 28oz fresh yeast cake. How many cubes of compressed yeast would that be?
    Reply
    1. Rochelle Parask
      Rochelle Parask
      Compressed comes in 1 and 2 oz small blocks for the most part. Someone on here said Costco sells it in larger blocks, but I suspect she was seeing dry yeast which looks like compressed because it is vacuum packed in s large package. Beware!
      If your recipe calls for 28 oz it would be 28 small blocks 1 oz or 14 ...2 oz blocks. This is a lot of brioche
      Reply
  16. Rosemarie Perenic
    Rosemarie Perenic
    Cake yeast comes in two sizes small and large! All my Moms recipes of the past used cake yeast can dry yeast be used and how much per large cake yeast?
    Reply
  17. Rosemarie Perenic
    Rosemarie Perenic
    Recipes of the past that I have of my Moms is from years ago where cake yeast was used. Some are large size yeast cakes others small size yeast cake size. Can dry yeast be used instead? if so how many packs of dry yeast per large cakes used and how many packs of dry yeast per small yeast cakes used? What is the procedure to use dry yeast?
    Reply
    1. Cassidy Stockton
      Hi Rosemarie,

      We can't really answer that question because we don't sell cake yeast and are not familiar with the conversions. Please check out this article from Red Star Yeast about using cake yeast and dry yeast: http://redstaryeast.com/yeast-baking-lessons/yeast-types-usage/cake-fresh-yeast/
      Reply
  18. Lars
    So where can I find Compressed Yeast in stores, everywhere Ive checked that do not have any, some carry around christmas. Thanks, Lars

    PS Were is So. California
    Reply
    1. Cassidy Stockton
      Lars,

      I'm so sorry. We do not sell compressed yeast and I'm not sure where to find it in So Cal. It looks like you can get it on Amazon, though.
      Reply
  19. Lars
    PSS In So. Ca
    Reply
  20. Jeff
    I have tried to by cake yeast in Columbus, Ohio with no luck. Yesterday I went to my favorite Italian bakery, got my bread, was ready to leave, and just happen to ask if he knew where I could buy cake yeast. Walk out with 1 pound for two dollars. So go to a bakery and ask. If you live in Columbus 1490 Claire Street.
    Reply
  21. Becky
    I have a recipe that calls for one cube of cake yeast. I bought a jar of it but cannot figure out the measurement. Please help!
    Reply
    1. Cassidy Stockton
      I'm so sorry- we don't sell cakes of yeast so I'm not sure.
      Reply
  22. Henry c.
    Walmart (at least the one in Bozeman, Mt.) Carries compressed 1# packages and both jars and packets of active and instant yeasts.
    Reply
  23. Meredith
    Hi! I have a 2 pound block of fresh yeast. My recipe (from an ancient cookbook) calls for 2 cakes of compressed yeast. Do you have any idea how many ounces a cake of yeast is, or have another idea how to divvy up the block of years into what would be two cakes of compressed yeast? Thank you!
    Reply
    1. Marcia Kucera
      Meredith - where did you get the yeast cakes?
      Reply
    2. Mary Blakeley
      A cube of compressed yeast is .6 ounces. Red Star, though, sells yeast in 2-ounce blocks. Half a Red Star block would be just slightly less than two .6-ounce cubes. Probably close enough if you don't want to fool with fractions.
      Reply
  24. Alison Hampton
    Where can I buy the cake yeast, I live in Arizona
    Reply
    1. Cassidy Stockton
      I'm sorry, we do not sell cake yeast. I'm not sure where you can find it, but I'd try a place that supplies bakeries. I'd ask at a bakery if they have any suggestions.
      Reply
  25. Donna Johnson
    Thank you for the succinct and sensible explanation of the differences between yeasts- -and especially for the equivalence es of one to the other. Amazing how many cookbooks and articles eliminate that crucial step. I obviously don't bake a lot as I had no idea when I pulled out my moms old recipe for pastry dough calling for cake yeast, that it was so hard to find. Thanks!
    Reply
    1. Cat
      I feel you Donna. I'm in the midwest and can't find it. Most stores here say they only sell it at Christmas, but even now, everyone must stock up, as everywhere I go, they're out! I'm going to try a local bakery and see if they can help. I want to make a recipe from my Great Grandmother and finding cake yeast has proven to be much harder than I thought. But from what I've read, it will make a big difference in the taste of my finished product. Good Luck to you!
      Reply
  26. Mina Raulston
    I have not been able to use dry yeast in my bread recipe. It calls for me to dissolve the cake yeast in 1 cup cold water. But, then it calls for me to pour 1 cup hot water into the shortening/sugar combo. No matter how I do it, the dry yeast attempts have flopped.
    So, when I do find it, I buy a full sleeve of cakes and freeze it. That way I know I'll have some left over. Then I start looking early the next year to find it.
    Reply
    1. GaryJ
      Mina...I just bought a 1 pound cake of yeast (frozen) from my local "Whole Foods" store. They charged $6.99 and even had a SKU for it in their computer. I had to ask the bakery department clerk for it as I didn't find any on the self. Best of luck.
      Reply
  27. B. Taub
    1) If a recipe calls for 2 Tbs. Active Dry Yeast, how much would that be when using Fresh yeast?

    2) I have a Challah ( bread) recipe that I've been using for yrs. that called/ calls for 4 Pks. Dry yeast. someone told me years ago that if I want to use FRESH YEAST that I should use 3 1/2 oz. (fresh) but now after reading different measurements... I'm confused. ( Is it really 3 1/2 oz. that I should Be using?
    Thank You for taking you're time to read this. And looking fwd.. to you're QUICK reply!
    Mrs. B. Taub
    Reply
    1. Sarena Shasteen
      We don't typically use fresh yeast so we can't really speak from experience. However, a good rule of thumb is 10g of fresh yeast = 1 teaspoon of dry yeast. That would be a place to start. We hope that helps. Let us know how it works out.
      Reply
  28. Vicki Tran
    I have a recipe that calls for 2 tsp (10 g) compressed fresh yeast. How much of the Bobs red mill yeast would I use in place of that
    Reply
    1. Sarena Shasteen
      You would exchange it for 1 tsp of our yeast.
      Reply
  29. Sue McManus
    I’m trying to break down an old family recipe that calls for a “brick” of yeast. How much dose a brick of yeast equal to ?
    Reply
    1. Sarena Shasteen
      That's a great question Sue. That depends on how much brick yeast your recipe calls for. We suggest substituting 1/4 ounce (2 1/4 teaspoons) dry yeast for every ounce of brick yeast. If you would like to discuss details of your family recipe and the conversion of yeast, please reach out to our recipe specialist here at 1-800-349-2173.
      Reply
  30. […] to go by weight, but after pouring in spoon after spoon, I decided to re-evaluate. According to this page from Bob’s Red Mill, compressed yeast is still around today and is far more perishable than active dry and provides a […]
    Reply
  31. JClarkDuff
    Can you please say how many ounces of compressed yeast are in what you call a 'cake'. I need to convert 1/2oz of compressed to the equivalent in dry yeast. Thanks
    Reply
  32. Dee
    I have a recipe that calls for 1/2 of fresh cake yeast but I cut the recipe in half so I need a 1/4 cake yeast. Now I can't find cake yeast in the stores anywhere. How do I use dry yeast to those measurements?
    Reply
    1. Whitney Barnes
      Hi Dee, that depends on how many ounces the fresh cake yeast weighs.

      Red Star Yeast sells Fresh Cake Yeast in 2 oz cakes. If that's the measurement you're using, then your (converted) recipe would call for 1/2 oz fresh cake yeast. You can substitute 1/2 oz of fresh cake yeast with 1/4 oz (2 1/4 tsp) of Dry Active Yeast.
      Reply
  33. Lance
    Ounces? .. is it a volume or a weight? What the hell do ounces, or teaspoons for that matter, have to do with baking? Yeast.. as well as flour and salt are measured in *GRAMS*.. Grams, damn it! Americans, ugh!!!
    We *only* use fresh, organic, compressed yeast cakes here in Denmark. One cake is 50 grams. NOW!!! How many *grams* of compressed yeast is equivalent to 1 oz. of dry yeast? And, for that matter, how many milliliters are in a teaspoon? ...5ml? or, is there some other weird conversion I don't know about?
    Reply
    1. Whitney Barnes
      Hi Lance,

      1/4 oz, or 2 1/4 tsp, or 7 grams of Dry Active Yeast is equal to 2/3 oz, or 19 grams of Fresh Compressed Yeast.

      1 oz of Dry Active Yeast would be equivalent to 76 grams of fresh compressed yeast.
      Reply
  34. LAURA
    I can't figure out how much cake yeast to substitute for 3 Tablespoons of dry yeast.... and can I freeze the cake yeast? I bought a case of it...yikes!!!! I can give it away if not.
    Reply
  35. Brian
    that conversion of ady to cy is definitely on the high side. I would only double it at the most and think 1/3 is better
    Reply
  36. CHRISTINE LEON
    I agree, I have some of my Grandmother's recipes from Czechoslovakia which call for cake yeast, I'm unable to find it anywhere. It's far superior to dry yeast. Same with cheese cloth, I make recipes with dry cottage cheese. Dry cottage cheese is no longer available. I use cheese cloth to drain regular cottage cheese for my Slavic recipes. It seems as though the art of baking is a lost craft.
    Reply
  37. Janet M B
    My mom only used fresh yeast back when I was growing up in the US, and it was readily available back then. In fact certain places, like where I grew up (Philly) it still is, and that's because tradition is a big thing in Philly. We later moved to my parents' country and that's pretty much all that is used. My father would have me eat a teaspoon of yeast every day when I was a child. He said it was good for you (and I do see that now it's recommended) so he was right. I am making my own wild yeast now, but I wish I could get my hands on fresh yeast! I do not live overseas or in Philadelphia anymore. It's hard to come by in the rest of the US. We're all lazy and like convenience it seems
    Reply
  38. Ellen
    I just purchased a block of fresh compressed yeast at my local grocery store. The package is unmarked and it is one solid undivided piece measuring approximately 5x2.5x2.25 inches. I do not know the total weight. I need recommendations for dividing and measuring for use in baking bread. My guess is that the block is less than 1 pound. I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for helping me. Regards, Ellen
    Reply
    1. Whitney Barnes
      Hi Ellen - You can use this conversion:

      2-1/4 Active Dry Yeast = 4-1/2 teaspoons of Fresh Yeast.
      Reply
  39. Tara brown
    I bought my cake yeast by accident from superstore . Hopefully, I can figure out how to use it successfully!
    Reply
  40. Trudy
    I got a 1 lb cake of compressed instant yeast for Christmas. My husband ordered it from King Arthur Baking co. The brand is Saf-instant. Looks like it's a French product.
    Reply
  41. Robert L Swingle
    Never tried Compressed Yeast yet, hope to do so if I can find it here in Ohio I live in Defiance, Ohio. Any suggestions? Hope some helpful advice comes with it, as I have never even tried it as it is impossible to get as far as I know, at least in the area's I have searched. Thank you,
    Reply
  42. Judie
    My mother’s recipe from the 1950s calls for a 10 cent cake of yeast! I can find compressed yeast in the Italian Market but in a much larger quantity. Does anyone know how many ounces or grams would have been in a “10 cent” cake of yeast? I seem to remember it was about one inch wide and high and maybe two inches long but not sure.
    Reply

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