Rosemarie, not all bread machines have top-heating elements, which explains why the top of your loaf is likely lighter than the bottom. The Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Bread Machine is a model that does have this top-heating element. However, you can always try playing with the crust settings on your machine (select darkest). Another option is to take the dough out of the machine and finish baking it by hand in your oven. This gives you more control over the baking and final color of the loaf. We hope this helps! Kye@KAF

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