When the craving for something uniquely sweet hits, I often find myself dreaming of cozy afternoons spent in the kitchen, filling my home with the intoxicating scent of freshly baked bread. This Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia combines the delightful flavors of raspberry preserves with the soft, airy texture of traditional focaccia. It’s a twist that has everyone guessing how you pulled off such a scrumptious creation.
I first encountered this mouthwatering treat at a local bakery while enjoying a sunny weekend stroll. It was love at first bite: the fluffy dough, the luscious jam bursting with flavor, and the dreamy icing on top. Inspired, I knew I had to bring this gem to my kitchen and share it with others!
Perfect for brunch or as a sumptuous dessert, it’s surprisingly simple to make, using ingredients you likely have on hand. Let’s delve into this recipe that’s bound to impress friends and family, all while keeping your taste buds dancing with joy!
Why Will You Love Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia?
Simplicity: This Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia is beginner-friendly, ensuring success even for novice bakers.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of raspberry preserves and sweetness creates an explosion of taste that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a snack, it’s a delightful addition to any meal.
Incredible Aroma: As it bakes, your kitchen fills with a heavenly scent, making it hard to resist diving in right away.
Crowd Pleaser: Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual get-together, this focaccia is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy it fresh or serve with a dollop of whipped cream for a luxurious touch!
Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia Ingredients
For the Dough
• Warm water – 1 3/4 cups; this helps activate the yeast for a fluffy texture.
• Sugar – 2 tsp; adds a touch of sweetness while helping with the dough rise.
• Active dry yeast – 1 packet; ensures a light, airy focaccia that’s perfectly fluffy.
• Bread flour – 2 cups; provides the proper structure and chewiness.
• All-purpose flour – 2 cups; balances the dough for great texture and flavor.
• Salt – 2 tsp; enhances the overall flavor and strengthens the dough.
• Olive oil – 6 tbsp, divided; adds richness and helps achieve that lovely golden crust.
For the Filling and Topping
• Raspberry preserves – 1 jar; brings a fruity sweetness that makes this focaccia unforgettable.
• Confectioners’ sugar – 2 cups; for a luscious icing that adds a sweet finish.
• Whole milk – 2-4 tbsp; adjust for the desired icing consistency, bringing everything together perfectly.
This sophisticated, yet simple Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia will leave your taste buds enchanted and your kitchen beautifully fragrant!
How to Make Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia
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Combine: In the bowl of a stand mixer, blend the warm water and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle in the active dry yeast and whisk once more. Let it rest for 5 minutes until bubbly and frothy.
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Mix: Attach your dough hook and add the bread flour, all-purpose flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix on medium speed until a sticky, pliable dough forms, roughly 5 minutes.
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Rise: Grease a large mixing bowl with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl and lightly coat the top with more oil. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, until it doubles in size.
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Prepare the Pan: Once the dough has risen, grease a 9×13 metal baking pan with another 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Move the dough into the prepared pan and fold it in thirds over itself. Cover again and let it rise for another hour until it’s fluffy and doubled.
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Preheat: While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 425°F. Pour the last 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the dough. Poke deep holes all over the surface using your fingers, creating pockets for the raspberry preserves.
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Spread: Gently coat about 1/4 cup of raspberry preserves over the unbaked dough, making sure it seeps into the holes and adds sweetness.
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Bake: Place the focaccia in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. While it’s still warm, poke holes and fill each one with more raspberry preserves.
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Glaze: For the icing, combine the confectioners’ sugar with whole milk until you reach your desired consistency. Drizzle or spread the icing generously over the warm focaccia. If you prefer, flip the bread onto a wire rack and glaze the bottom for extra sweetness!
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Serve: Cut the finished focaccia into squares and serve warm, basking in the compliments from your eager guests.
Optional: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for a luxurious indulgence.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia
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Warm Water Check: Always ensure your warm water is around 110°F; too hot can kill the yeast, affecting your dough’s rise.
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Flour Mix: Using both bread flour and all-purpose flour creates a perfect texture; don’t skip either for best results in your Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia.
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Dough Rising: Make sure the dough rises in a consistently warm place; colder temperatures can slow the yeast activity, leaving you with a dense loaf.
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Poking Holes: Don’t be afraid to poke aggressive holes in the dough; these will hold the raspberry preserves and add sweetness in every bite.
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Timing is Key: Keep an eye on your baking time; ovens vary, and underbaking can lead to a doughy center while overbaking will dry it out.
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Icing Consistency: Adjust the amount of milk in the icing gradually; a thicker glaze gives a lovely finish, while a thinner one adds a light drizzle.
Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia Variations
Explore delightful twists to personalize your Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia and make it your own!
- Berry Bliss: Substitute raspberry preserves with strawberry or blueberry jam for a seasonal fruit twist that bursts with flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Add zest from lemon or orange to the dough for a refreshing citrus note that brightens every bite.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pistachios or walnuts on top before baking for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft bread.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Fold in a mixture of softened cream cheese and powdered sugar into the dough for a rich, creamy surprise in each slice.
- Spiced Delight: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, aromatic flavor profile that evokes cozy vibes.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Change things up by topping with a chocolate ganache instead of icing for an indulgent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Savory Swap: Try adding minced garlic and herbs to the dough for a savory focaccia version, perfect for pairing with soups or salads.
- Heat It Up: For a kick, mix in some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the raspberry preserves for a sweet and spicy reveal.
Feel free to combine these ideas to create your perfect version of this lovable focaccia!
What to Serve with Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia?
Looking to create an unforgettable meal experience? Pair this luscious focaccia with delicious sides and drinks for a delightful treat.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant medley of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet richness of the focaccia, brightening every bite.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of whipped cream on the side elevates your homemade focaccia into a heavenly dessert.
- Herbed Ricotta Dip: Creamy ricotta with fresh herbs provides a savory counterpart that balances the sweetness, making every bite fascinating.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream alongside warm focaccia creates a delightful temperature contrast, perfect for dessert lovers.
- Scented Herbal Tea: A fragrant herbal tea, like chamomile or mint, pairs beautifully, cleansing the palate while enhancing the layers of flavor in your focaccia.
- Coffee or Espresso: A rich cup of coffee or espresso rounds out the meal, elevating your dessert experience even further while indulging your caffeine cravings.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over your focaccia will excite chocolate lovers and add another layer of sweetness to enjoy.
- Sparkling Lemonade: This bubbly drink refreshes the taste buds, offering a zesty lift that complements the sweet notes of raspberry in every mouthful.
- Caramel Sauce: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle warm caramel over the focaccia, promising a sweet and sticky finish that’s hard to resist.
Make Ahead Options
These Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing and letting it rise, then refrigerate it instead of letting it rise at room temperature. Just remember to bring the dough back to room temperature before baking, which will take about 30 minutes. Additionally, you can fill the holes with raspberry preserves and make the icing up to 3 days ahead. Store both separately in the refrigerator to maintain the delicious quality. When ready to serve, simply bake the focaccia, glaze, and enjoy this delightful treat fresh out of the oven!
How to Store and Freeze Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia
Room Temperature: Store your cooled focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its delicious texture.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to a week, though this may slightly alter the texture.
Freezer: Wrap the focaccia tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through, allowing the flavors to pop once again in your Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia.
Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia Recipe FAQs
What type of raspberries should I use in the recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh raspberries are ideal for this recipe, offering vibrant flavor and texture. However, if you can’t find fresh ones, frozen raspberries work well too—just ensure they’re thawed and drained before using.
How should I store leftover focaccia?
After it cools, store your Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, avoid exposing it to air, which can lead to staleness. If you prefer a longer shelf life, refrigerate it for up to a week, though this can slightly change the texture.
Can I freeze the focaccia?
Certainly! To freeze, wrap the focaccia tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours before reheating.
Why did my focaccia not rise properly?
Very often, issues with rising stem from the yeast. Make sure your warm water is around 110°F, as hotter water can kill the yeast. If the yeast doesn’t bubble after mixing with sugar and water, it might be dead. Also, ensure your dough rises in a warm, draft-free area for the best results; a cold environment can slow down yeast activity.
Is this focaccia suitable for people with nut allergies?
Yes, this Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia is nut-free! However, be cautious about cross-contamination if you’re serving anyone with allergies, particularly during the preparation process. Always check your ingredient labels, especially for store-bought raspberry preserves.
How do I adjust the sweetness of the icing?
To tailor the icing to your taste, start with a base of 2 cups of confectioners’ sugar and gradually add whole milk — just a tablespoon at a time — until you reach your desired consistency and sweetness level. You can always add more sugar if you want it sweeter, or less if you’re looking for a milder flavor.
Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia: Sweet Twist on Classic Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a stand mixer bowl, blend warm water and sugar until dissolved. Sprinkle active dry yeast and let rest for 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Attach the dough hook, add bread flour, all-purpose flour, and salt, mix on medium speed until a sticky dough forms, about 5 minutes.
- Grease a mixing bowl with 2 tbsp olive oil, transfer the dough, coat the top with oil, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Grease a 9x13 pan with another 2 tbsp of olive oil, move the dough into the pan, fold it in thirds, cover, let rise for another hour.
- Preheat oven to 425°F, pour last 2 tbsp of olive oil over the dough, and poke deep holes for raspberry preserves.
- Spread 1/4 cup of raspberry preserves over the dough, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding, then poke holes and fill them with more raspberry preserves.
- For icing, combine confectioners’ sugar with whole milk until desired consistency, drizzle over focaccia.
- Cut into squares and serve warm, optionally with whipped cream.