No, it is not possible to bake bread in an oven that is turned off. Baking bread requires a consistently high and controlled temperature for the dough to rise properly and for the bread to develop the desired texture and crust.
The baking process involves two main stages: fermentation (proofing) and actual baking. During proofing, the yeast in the dough consumes sugars and produces carbon dioxide, causing the dough to rise. The high temperature of the oven helps the yeast work more efficiently during this stage. Once the dough has risen sufficiently, the actual baking begins, during which the high heat causes the dough to expand further, develop a crust, and create the final texture of the bread.
Without the heat from the oven during baking, the bread dough will not cook properly, and you'll end up with raw, dense, and inedible dough. The yeast will not be able to produce the gas needed for proper rising, and the Maillard reaction, which creates the bread's brown crust, won't occur without the high heat.
To bake bread successfully, you need to preheat your oven to the appropriate temperature and maintain that heat throughout the baking process. The exact temperature and baking time will depend on the type of bread you are making and the recipe you follow. Always follow a reliable bread recipe and its baking instructions for the best results.