Why Is My Bread Crust Too Thick/Hard (But Inside Soft)?

Possible Causes:

Crust setting: If you're using a bread machine, check the crust setting. Some machines allow you to select soft, medium, or dark crust. A hard crust could be due to the "dark" setting.

Baking time: Too much baking time can result in a thicker and harder crust. Check the machine’s baking cycle to ensure it’s not too long.

Too much sugar or fat: Excess sugar or fat in the dough can cause a thicker, harder crust. Check your recipe and adjust accordingly.

Solution:

Adjust the crust setting to medium or soft, and ensure you’re following the correct baking times and ingredient ratios.