Our newest Platinum Moments bake-along is live! Get the video tutorial here.
Red Star Fresh ‘Cake’ Yeast, also known as ‘wet’, ‘fresh’ or ‘compressed’ yeast, was the original form of yeast available to home bakers and is called for in traditional family recipes that span generations.
Fresh yeast is often a seasonal item, only available in limited markets in the Upper Midwest and Northeastern U.S., and found in the dairy case in stores that choose to stock it based on demand.
Due to the limited availability of the cake yeast, many bakers do successfully substitute dry yeast in place of cake yeast, even in their traditional family recipes. For more information, see our Yeast Conversion Chart page.
INGREDIENTS
PACKAGE SIZE
One 2oz yeast cake is equivalent to three packets (0.25oz each) of dry yeast. When you divide a yeast cake into thirds, each third is equal to one packet of dry yeast.
This product is produced in dedicated facilities where there is no risk of cross-contamination with sources or derivatives of any of the allergens listed.
GENERAL USAGE INFORMATION
See our Guide to baking with yeast for more information on all bread-making steps.
One 2oz yeast cake is equivalent to three packets (0.25oz each) of dry yeast. When you divide a yeast cake into thirds, each third is equal to one packet of dry yeast and will raise up to 4 cups (about 1 pound) of flour.
See our Yeast Conversion Table to convert between fresh yeast and dry yeast or to determine your yeast requirements for your recipe.
Fresh yeast may be incorporated by the Dry Blend or Rehydration Method.
DRY BLEND METHOD
REHYDRATION METHOD
If your recipe instructions do not include proofing the yeast, remember to decrease the total liquids in the recipe by 1/2 cup to account for the liquid you used to do so.
Be good to your yeast, and it will perform well in your bread! Don’t forget that yeast is a living organism, and its freshness and shelf life are dependent on how the yeast is handled and stored.
SHELF LIFE INFORMATION
For best results, use the fresh yeast prior to the best if used by date stamped on the package. This date is approximately 5 weeks from the date of production.
Fresh yeast is extremely perishable. It must be maintained at a constant refrigerated temperature below 45°F to maintain its freshness and activity.
STORAGE TIPS
Fresh Cake Yeast is a living organism and must be handled properly to ensure optimum performance. Never expose yeast to high temperatures during storage or use.
Always wrap any unused fresh yeast tightly and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use fresh yeast by the expiration date on the package.
CAN I FREEZE FRESH YEAST? Due to the risk of damage to the yeast, we don’t generally recommend freezing fresh cake yeast. However, following the steps below, some people have success with it.
CAN I FREEZE FRESH YEAST?
Due to the risk of damage to the yeast, we don’t generally recommend freezing fresh cake yeast. However, following the steps below, some people have success with it.
Freezing Fresh Yeast
Find A Store