There’s a special kind of joy that comes from transforming simple ingredients into a comforting treat, and this Jam Donut Focaccia is the epitome of that magic. Imagine the sweet fragrance of raspberry jam filling your kitchen as you pull a warm, fluffy focaccia from the oven—it’s the kind of breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a lazy Sunday morning.
Having stumbled upon this delightful combination during one of my baking experiments, I couldn’t believe how beautifully it melds the familiar comforts of traditional Italian focaccia with the nostalgic pleasure of a jam-filled doughnut. As the buttery sugar topping glistens over its airy surface, each bite offers a perfect blend of textures and flavors that could easily make it the star of your brunch gatherings or a sweet start to the day.
Get ready to create a deliciously unexpected breakfast treat that’s not only easy to make but is also sure to impress everyone at the table. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe!
Why is Jam Donut Focaccia a Must-Try?
Delightful fusion of flavors: This recipe beautifully combines the airy texture of focaccia with the sweetness of your favorite jam, creating a breakfast treat unlike any other. Effortless baking: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find this homemade project easy to tackle, even for novice bakers. Versatile options make it your own: Swap raspberry for strawberry, apricot, or chocolate spreads to create a unique experience each time. Elevate your brunch: It’s a show-stopping centerpiece that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea, impressing family and friends alike. Experience the joy of baking a comforting, sweet treat that feels like a warm hug, making mornings extra special!
Jam Donut Focaccia Ingredients
For the Dough
- Warm Water (1 3/4 cups) – This temperature activates the yeast for proper dough rise; make sure it’s pleasantly warm, not hot!
- Sugar (2 tsp) – It not only sweetens but also feeds the yeast; you can use honey as a unique alternative for different flavor notes.
- Active Dry Yeast (1 packet) – Essential for leavening; always check for freshness to ensure a good rise.
- Bread Flour (2 cups) – Provides that lovely structure and chewiness; want a softer texture? All-purpose flour works too!
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups) – This balances the focaccia’s texture; you can cut back if you use just bread flour.
- Salt (2 tsp) – Enhances flavor and keeps yeast activity under control.
- Olive Oil (6 tbsp, divided) – Creates moisture and flavor—consider melted butter for a richer twist.
For the Filling
- Raspberry Preserves (1 jar, approx. 1/4 cup for filling) – Offers sweetness and moisture; feel free to try different jams for variety!
For the Glaze
- Confectioners’ Sugar (2 cups) – This adds sweetness to your glaze; adjust milk to get your desired spreadable consistency.
- Whole Milk (2-4 tbsp) – Thins out the glaze for drizzling perfectly over your focaccia.
Now, gather these ingredients and let’s make your new favorite sweet breakfast delight—this Jam Donut Focaccia will surely be a hit at your breakfast table!
How to Make Jam Donut Focaccia
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Prepare Yeast Mixture: In a stand mixer, combine warm water and sugar, whisking until dissolved. Then, add the yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly—it should smell yeasty and inviting!
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Make Dough: Attach a dough hook to your mixer. Add in both flours and salt, then mix on low speed until a sticky dough forms, about 5 minutes. The dough should be soft but not too wet.
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First Rise: Transfer your dough to an oiled bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour. It’s ready when it’s doubled in size—watch it grow!
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Shape Dough: Lightly grease a 9×13 pan with oil. Gently move your risen dough into the pan and fold it over itself a few times. Cover and allow to rise for another hour.
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F. With your fingers, poke deep holes in the dough, then spread raspberry preserves generously over the surface, letting it settle into the dimples.
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Bake: Bake your focaccia for 18-22 minutes until golden brown. Poke more holes after baking and fill them with extra jam while it’s warm, creating sweet pockets of flavor!
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Make Glaze: In a bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar with milk until smooth. Drizzle this delicious glaze over your cooled focaccia. For extra sweetness, you can glaze the bottom too!
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Serve: Slice the focaccia into squares and serve it fresh. Each warm bite will transport you to a breakfast paradise!
Optional: Dust with extra confectioners’ sugar for an elegant finishing touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Jam Donut Focaccia Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you adjust this delightful recipe to suit your taste buds and dietary needs!
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Fruit Preserves: Swap raspberry for strawberry, apricot, or even mixed berry preserves for a different fruity flavor adventure. The possibilities are endless!
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Chocolate Love: Replace the jam filling with chocolate hazelnut spread for a decadent twist. Imagine biting into gooey chocolate pockets—pure bliss!
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Herbal Infusion: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the dough for a subtle herbal note that beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the jam. A unique savory-sweet combo!
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this focaccia suitable for gluten-sensitive guests. You’ll still achieve that fluffy texture everyone loves!
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Spice It Up: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough or glaze for warmth and added complexity in flavor. It adds a cozy aroma that’s irresistibly inviting.
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Nutty Crunch: Mix in chopped nuts or seeds, like almonds or pumpkin seeds, for an added crunch in every bite. A delightful texture surprise awaits!
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Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute olive oil for coconut oil and use almond milk for the glaze to make this recipe dairy-free without sacrificing taste. Indulgent and inclusive!
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the sugar glaze for those who love a little heat in their sweets. Sweet and spicy flavors will intrigue your palate!
Make Ahead Options
These Jam Donut Focaccia are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first rise and then refrigerating it until you’re ready to bake. Simply let the dough warm up at room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and allowing for the second rise. The raspberry preserves can also be scooped into the dough and placed in the fridge a day ahead; this not only saves time but ensures the flavors meld beautifully. When you’re ready to bake, just follow the final steps and pop it in the oven for a warm, homemade breakfast treat that’s just as delightful as if made fresh that morning!
What to Serve with Jam Donut Focaccia?
Elevate your breakfast or brunch experience with delightful pairings that perfectly complement the sweet charm of your focaccia.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruits add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the focaccia, making each bite feel light and vibrant. A touch of citrus helps to balance the sweetness beautifully.
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Creamy Scrambled Eggs: Soft and buttery scrambled eggs provide a contrast in texture while adding a savory element that enhances the meal. The fluffiness of the eggs pairs perfectly with the airy focaccia.
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Crispy Bacon: The salty, crunchy delight of bacon brings depth and satisfaction to your brunch spread. Its savory notes harmonize wonderfully with the sweet jam throughout the focaccia.
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Iced Coffee: A chilled coffee beverage complements the warmth of the focaccia, bringing a refreshing boost to your morning. The mild bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the jam with each sip.
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Vanilla Yogurt: Smooth and creamy yogurt topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nuts provides a delightful tang that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the focaccia. It can also serve as a light accompaniment to enrich the overall meal.
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Chocolate Milk: A nostalgic drink that both adults and kids will love, chocolate milk adds a fun twist to your breakfast table. The interplay of chocolate and jam flavors creates a delightful combination that’s simply irresistible.
Each pairing enhances the experience, allowing the Jam Donut Focaccia to shine while bringing a symphony of flavors to your morning table. Enjoy!
Expert Tips for Jam Donut Focaccia
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Water Temperature Matters: Ensure your warm water is between 105-115°F. Too hot can kill the yeast, preventing proper rise.
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Patience is Key: Allow dough to fully rise for the best texture. Rushing will yield a denser focaccia.
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Make Deep Dimples: Poke the dough firmly before baking to create optimal pockets for jam. This ensures flavor without sogginess.
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Ingredient Freshness: Always check the yeast expiration date. Fresh yeast is crucial for a fluffy, airy Jam Donut Focaccia.
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Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to swap out raspberry preserves for your favorite jams like strawberry or apricot to keep things exciting.
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Storage and Enjoyment: Enjoy the focaccia fresh for the best taste. If storing, cover it at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer preservation.
Storage Tips for Jam Donut Focaccia
Room Temperature: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep the texture soft and fluffy.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the focaccia in plastic wrap and then in foil to freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: To restore warmth, pop in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave for about 15-20 seconds until warm. Enjoy the delightful flavor of your Jam Donut Focaccia fresh!
Jam Donut Focaccia Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best ingredients for my Jam Donut Focaccia?
Absolutely! When choosing your ingredients, ensure that the yeast is fresh and active—look for a packet with a recent expiration date. For the flour, I recommend using bread flour for structure but feel free to mix it with all-purpose flour for a softer texture. Make sure your warm water is comfortably warm (not hot), around 105-115°F, to promote a perfect rise without harming the yeast.
What’s the best way to store leftover Jam Donut Focaccia?
You can store your delicious focaccia covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep it longer, wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain that delightful warmth!
Can I freeze the Jam Donut Focaccia after baking?
Yes, indeed! To freeze, let the focaccia cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. This will keep it fresh for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw at room temperature and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If you find that your dough hasn’t risen properly after the first hour, it might be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the water temperature was just right. If this happens, you can give the dough a second chance: warm it slightly (don’t overheat) and try letting it rise again in a warmer area, such as near a heat vent or in a turned-off oven with the light on.
Are there any dietary considerations for my Jam Donut Focaccia?
Very! If you’re dealing with allergies, ensure that the flour used is suitable—gluten-free blends can work, but they may require additional tweaking. For a dairy-free version, you can replace whole milk in the glaze with a non-dairy alternative, and use olive oil instead of butter. Adjust the preservatives accordingly based on your dietary needs.
Jam Donut Focaccia: Your New Favorite Sweet Breakfast Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Yeast Mixture: In a stand mixer, combine warm water and sugar, whisk until dissolved. Add the yeast and let sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Make Dough: Attach a dough hook to your mixer. Add both flours and salt, mix on low speed until a sticky dough forms, about 5 minutes.
- First Rise: Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour.
- Shape Dough: Lightly grease a 9x13 pan with oil. Move risen dough into the pan, fold over itself a few times, cover, and let rise for another hour.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F, poke holes in the dough, and spread raspberry preserves over the surface.
- Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown. Poke more holes after baking and fill with extra jam.
- Make Glaze: Combine confectioners’ sugar with milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled focaccia.
- Serve: Slice into squares and serve fresh.