Welcome, fellow food lovers, to a recipe that’s about to revolutionize your dessert and breakfast game: Jam Donut Focaccia. This isn’t just any sweet bread; it’s a delightful fusion of a classic Italian focaccia with the beloved flavors of a jam donut. Imagine a soft, airy, olive oil-infused focaccia, studded with vibrant dollops of sweet jam and finished with a dusting of granulated sugar.
Perfect for a unique brunch, an impressive dessert, or a comforting treat with your afternoon tea, this Jam Donut Focaccia recipe is a guaranteed showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to make. Get ready to experience a taste sensation like no other!
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Key Ingredients for Jam Donut Focaccia
Let’s gather our ingredients to create this sweet masterpiece. Precision is key, but don’t worry, even a novice baker will find these steps straightforward!
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups (420g) All-Purpose Flour, plus extra for dusting: The foundation of our focaccia. Make sure it’s unbleached for best results.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) Active Dry Yeast: The powerhouse that makes our focaccia light and airy. Check the expiration date!
- 1 ½ teaspoons (9g) Fine Sea Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup (240ml) Warm Water (105-115°F / 40-46°C): Activates the yeast. Too hot will kill it, too cold won’t activate it.
- ¼ cup (60ml) Olive Oil, plus extra for greasing and drizzling: Essential for that classic focaccia texture and flavor. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
- 2 tablespoons (25g) Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to the dough itself.
For the Jam Filling:
- ½ cup (120g) Raspberry Jam or Strawberry Jam: Your favorite berry jam will work perfectly. Opt for a good quality jam with a high fruit content for the best flavor and texture. Seedless is often preferred for a smoother donut-like experience.
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons Melted Unsalted Butter: For brushing the baked focaccia, adding richness and helping the sugar adhere.
- ¼ cup (50g) Granulated Sugar: For dusting generously over the warm, buttered focaccia. This gives it that iconic “donut” finish.
How to Make Jam Donut Focaccia
This Jam Donut Focaccia offers an irresistibly easy, delicious, and deeply satisfying baking experience. Its simplicity belies its incredible taste, combining a wonderfully airy texture with bursts of sweet jam in every bite.
The preparation time is surprisingly quick for such an impressive bake, with most of the effort going into active kneading and shaping before the magic of rising takes over. Expect about 20 minutes of active prep and 25-30 minutes of baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Activate the Yeast (10 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Give it a gentle stir. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This indicates your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
Prepare the Dough (15 minutes): Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Pour in the ¼ cup of olive oil. Mix with a sturdy spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should spring back when gently poked. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook on medium-low speed for 6-8 minutes.
First Rise (1-1.5 hours): Lightly grease a clean large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat with oil. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare for Baking (10 minutes): Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with olive oil. Gently deflate the risen dough and transfer it to the prepared baking pan. Using your fingertips, gently press the dough to spread it evenly to fill the pan. Don’t force it; if it resists, let it rest for a few minutes and try again.
Dimple and Jam (5 minutes): Using your olive oil-coated fingertips, create deep indentations all over the surface of the focaccia dough. You want to make small wells for the jam. Randomly spoon small dollops of raspberry or strawberry jam into some (but not all) of these indentations, leaving some dough exposed.
Second Rise (30-45 minutes): Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Let the dough rise again in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until noticeably puffy.
Preheat Oven (15 minutes): While the dough is on its second rise, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Bake (25-30 minutes): Uncover the focaccia and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crispy. The jam will be bubbling and slightly caramelized.
Butter and Sugar (5 minutes): Once baked, immediately remove the focaccia from the oven. While still hot, brush the entire surface generously with the melted unsalted butter. Then, generously sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the buttered surface.
Cool and Serve: Let the Jam Donut Focaccia cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, or at least until warm and easy to handle. Slice into squares and serve!
Why You’ll Love This Jam Donut Focaccia
You’re going to absolutely adore this Jam Donut Focaccia for so many reasons! The main highlight is undoubtedly its utterly unique blend of textures and flavors – the soft, pillowy, slightly salty focaccia bread beautifully contrasted with pockets of warm, sweet, fruity jam, all topped with a delightful sugary crunch, just like your favorite donut. Crafting this at home is a fantastic way to save money compared to buying individual gourmet donuts or specialty pastries; you get a whole pan of pure deliciousness for a fraction of the cost.
The magical combination of high-quality olive oil infused into the bread, alongside the burst of vibrant berry jam and the comforting granulated sugar dusting, makes every bite an experience. If you love the comforting sweetness of a traditional jam donut but crave the sophistication of Italian bread, this is your dream come true. For those who enjoy our classic No-Knead Focaccia, this sweet version offers a delightful twist, proving just how versatile focaccia can be! Don’t just read about it – gather your ingredients and impress your taste buds by making this incredible Jam Donut Focaccia today!
What to Serve Jam Donut Focaccia With
This delightful Jam Donut Focaccia is quite a versatile treat, perfect for various occasions. Here are a few ideas for what to serve it with:
- Coffee or Tea: It’s an absolute dream with a freshly brewed cup of coffee, a warm latte, or your favorite herbal tea. The balance of sweet and slightly savory makes it ideal for a morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad with berries, melon, and citrus segments would cut through the sweetness beautifully, offering a vibrant contrast.
- Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: For a more decadent dessert, serve a warm slice of Jam Donut Focaccia with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cold, creamy component perfectly complements the warm, jammy bread.
- Plain Yogurt or Greek Yogurt: If you’re leaning towards a breakfast or brunch option, a side of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt can offer a healthy, tangy balance to the sweet focaccia.
- Brunch Spread: Incorporate it into a larger brunch spread alongside savory items like scrambled eggs, bacon, or a light frittata.
Top Tips for Perfecting Jam Donut Focaccia
To ensure your Jam Donut Focaccia turns out absolutely perfect every time, keep these valuable tips in mind:
- Yeast Viability is Key: Always ensure your active dry yeast is fresh. If your yeast doesn’t foam after 5-10 minutes in the warm water and sugar, it’s likely dead, and your dough won’t rise. Start with a new packet of yeast.
- Don’t Over-Flour: When kneading, resist the urge to add too much extra flour. A slightly sticky dough is often the hallmark of a moist and tender focaccia. Lightly flour your hands and surface as needed, but don’t incorporate excessive amounts into the dough.
- Good Quality Olive Oil: Since olive oil is such a prominent ingredient in focaccia, using a good quality extra virgin olive oil will significantly enhance the flavor profile. Don’t skimp here!
- Warm, Draft-Free Rising Environment: Dough likes warmth to rise properly. If your kitchen is cool, you can lightly preheat your oven to its lowest setting (around 100°F/38°C), turn it off, and place the covered dough inside with the door slightly ajar.
- Gentle Dimpling: When creating the indentations for the jam, use oiled fingertips and be gentle. You want to create wells without tearing the dough too much or deflating it completely.
- Jam Choice Matters: A good quality jam with a vibrant fruit flavor and suitable thickness will work best. Runnier jams might make the focaccia soggy, while overly stiff jams might not meld as well. Seedless jams often provide a nicer texture for a “donut” feel.
- Don’t Rush the Cooling: While it’s tempting to dive in, allowing the focaccia to cool slightly on a wire rack allows the internal structure to set and the jam to cool down enough not to burn your tongue.
- Ingredient Substitutions:
- Jam: Feel free to experiment with other fruit jams like apricot, cherry, or even lemon curd for a different flavor profile.
- Flour: While all-purpose is classic, you could use bread flour for a chewier texture or a mix of all-purpose and a small amount of whole wheat flour for added nuttiness.
- Sugar Dusting: You can substitute confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar) for a finer, melt-in-your-mouth finish, though granulated sugar gives that classic donut sparkle.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your Jam Donut Focaccia tasting its best, proper storage is key:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to consume it within 1-2 days, store the focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help keep it soft and moist. The jam will hold well at room temp.
- Refrigeration: While not strictly necessary unless you live in a very warm climate, you can refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Be aware that refrigeration can sometimes dry out bread slightly.
- Freezing for Longer Storage: This focaccia freezes beautifully!
- Allow the focaccia to cool completely.
- Slice it into individual portions.
- Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating:
- From Room Temperature/Refrigerated: For best results, reheat individual slices in a toaster oven or a regular oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy on the edges. You can also microwave slices for 15-30 seconds, but this might make them a bit chewier.
- From Frozen: You can reheat frozen slices directly in a preheated oven (350°F/175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until thawed and heated through. Alternatively, thaw slices overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as above.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about combining two beloved classics into one extraordinary dish. Our Jam Donut Focaccia isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience – a testament to how simple ingredients can create profound joy. From the initial burst of fruity sweetness to the subtle savory notes of olive oil-infused bread, each bite is a journey for your taste buds. It’s a dish that brings smiles, sparks conversations, and makes any gathering feel a little more special. We hope you feel inspired to bring this unique sweet bread to your kitchen. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious moment!
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Jam Donut Focaccia FAQs
Q1: Can I use different types of jam?
A1: Absolutely! While raspberry and strawberry are classic, feel free to experiment with other thick, fruit-forward jams like apricot, cherry, blueberry, or even a citrus marmalade for a different twist. Just ensure the jam isn’t too watery.
Q2: My focaccia didn’t rise. What went wrong?
A2: The most common culprit is inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and your water temperature is between 105-115°F (40-46°C). Water that’s too hot will kill the yeast, and water that’s too cold won’t activate it. A cold rising environment can also hinder rising; find a warm, draft-free spot.
Q3: Can I make this focaccia savory instead?
A3: This specific recipe is designed for a sweet, donut-like focaccia. If you’re looking for a savory focaccia, omit the jam, sugar in the dough, butter, and sugar topping. Instead, drizzle with more olive oil, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and herbs like rosemary, or add savory toppings like olives, cherry tomatoes, or caramelized onions before baking. We have a great classic focaccia recipe you might enjoy!
Q4: How important is using good quality olive oil?
A4: Very important! Since olive oil contributes significantly to the flavor and texture of focaccia, a good quality extra virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference in the final taste. It adds a fruity, peppery depth that complements the sweet jam beautifully.
Q5: Can I prepare the dough in advance?
A5: Yes, you can! After the first rise, you can punch down the dough lightly, place it in an oiled bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before proceeding with spreading it in the pan and the second rise.
Q6: Why is my focaccia dense instead of airy?
A6: This could be due to several factors: insufficient kneading (the dough needs to develop gluten for airiness), inactive yeast, or not allowing enough time for the dough to rise adequately during both proofing stages. Ensure you’re giving the dough enough time in a warm place to double in size.
Q7: Is it necessary to brush with butter and sprinkle sugar immediately after baking?
A7: Yes, brushing with melted butter while the focaccia is still hot helps the sugar adhere and creates that wonderfully sticky, sweet, donut-like exterior. Sprinkling the sugar immediately ensures it melts slightly and forms a delicious sugary glaze when cool.