As I pulled the warm focaccia from the oven, a heavenly aroma enveloped my kitchen, instantly transporting me back to my childhood bakery visits. This Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia beautifully marries the classic allure of donut flavors with the rustic charm of focaccia. Its fluffy texture combined with pockets of sweet, bubbling raspberry jam transforms your breakfast routine into something utterly delightful. Whether you’re enjoying it on a lazy Sunday morning or dazzling friends at brunch, this treat is quick to prepare and makes for a show-stopping centerpiece. Plus, the flexibility to swap jams allows you to customize each bake to match your cravings. Ready to create your own slice of nostalgia? Let’s dive into the comforting world of jam-filled goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Jam Focaccia
Irresistible Flavor: This Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia treats your taste buds to a delectable fusion of soft, fluffy bread and luscious, gooey jam. Each bite bursts with sweetness, sure to become a favorite for breakfast or brunch!
Easily Customizable: With just a few simple swaps, you can make this recipe your own. Change up the jam to your favorite flavor, or even add spices like cinnamon for a unique twist—perfect for those who love experimenting in the kitchen.
Time-Saving Indulgence: Forget long hours in the kitchen! This recipe is straightforward, allowing you to serve up warm, bakery-style focaccia in under two hours. It’s a generous way to impress guests or treat yourself.
Family-Friendly Fun: Engaging the whole family in the baking process makes for a delightful bonding activity, whether kneading dough or filling holes with preserves. This jam focaccia is more than food; it’s a joyful experience to share!
Perfect Brunch Showstopper: Presentation matters, and this focaccia looks as amazing as it tastes. Serve it alongside coffee or tea, and watch it steal the spotlight at your next gathering! Pair it with fresh berries or whipped cream for an extra treat, making every bite a visual and flavorful delight.
Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia Ingredients
For the Dough
• Warm Water (1 3/4 cups, 105-115°F) – Activates the yeast, ensuring your dough rises perfectly; just make sure it’s warm but not hot.
• Sugar (2 tsp) – Feeds the yeast for fermentation and adds a hint of sweetness to balance the flavors.
• Active Dry Yeast (1 packet) – This leavening agent is crucial for that airy texture; check freshness by ensuring it bubbles after 5 minutes.
• Bread Flour (2 cups) – Provides necessary structure and a chewy texture thanks to its higher protein content.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 cups) – Balances the dough, creating a softer feel; you can use all of one type if you prefer.
• Salt (2 tsp) – Elevates the flavor while strengthening the gluten structure for better rise.
• Olive Oil (6 tbsp, divided) – Adds moisture and richness, contributing to that delicious texture in every bite.
For the Filling
• Raspberry Preserves (1 jar) – This sweet filling transforms the focaccia; feel free to swap it with any preferred jam for a homemade jam donut focaccia twist.
For the Glaze
• Confectioners’ Sugar (2 cups) – Sweetens the icing, providing that classic donut finish when drizzled over the top.
• Whole Milk (2-4 tbsp) – Adjusts the glaze’s thickness, so mix until you reach your desired consistency.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a stand mixer, combine 1 3/4 cups warm water (105-115°F) with 2 teaspoons of sugar. Whisk until dissolved, then sprinkle in one packet of active dry yeast. Allow this mixture to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy, which indicates that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic in your homemade jam donut focaccia.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add 2 cups of bread flour, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, and 2 teaspoons of salt into the bowl of the stand mixer. Use a dough hook to mix on medium speed until a sticky, cohesive dough forms. This process should take around 5-7 minutes. The dough should be slightly tacky but pull away from the sides of the bowl, providing the perfect base for your focaccia.
Step 3: First Rise
Transfer the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, ensuring it’s well-coated to prevent sticking. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot to rise. Let it rest for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size, which is crucial for achieving that airy texture in your homemade jam donut focaccia.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
After the dough has risen, lightly grease a baking pan and transfer the dough onto it. Gently fold the dough a few times to enhance gluten development, creating a smooth surface. Cover it again, allowing it to rise for another hour until it’s puffed up, preparing it for the next steps and ensuring it maintains a fluffy consistency.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Once the dough is ready, use your fingers to poke deep holes into the surface, creating wells for the raspberry preserves. Spoon out the jam generously over the dough, ensuring it fills the pockets. This will add mouthwatering sweetness to your focaccia as it bakes and bubbles through!
Step 6: Bake the Focaccia
Place the filled focaccia into the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until it turns a beautiful golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are crisp, and the top looks invitingly golden. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to avoid over-baking and drying out the dough.
Step 7: Add More Jam
Once you’ve removed your Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia from the oven, allow it to cool slightly before poking holes again. This step ensures the jam is retained in the focaccia; fill these newly created pockets with more raspberry preserves for an even sweeter experience as it cools.
Step 8: Drizzle the Glaze
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of confectioners’ sugar and 2-4 tablespoons of whole milk to create a silky glaze. Adjust the milk for your desired consistency. Once the focaccia has cooled slightly but is still warm, drizzle the glaze generously over the top, completing this beautiful, sweet breakfast treat that everyone will love!
How to Store and Freeze Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia
Room Temperature: Store the focaccia covered at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its soft texture. Enjoy it fresh for the best flavor!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the focaccia without glaze for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Reheating: If you want that freshly baked taste, warm individual slices in the oven or toaster oven. Drizzle with fresh glaze before serving to experience the delightful flavors of your homemade jam donut focaccia!
Expert Tips for Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia
Temperature Check: Ensure the water is between 105-115°F to activate the yeast properly; too hot will kill it and ruin your dough.
Visible Rising: Look for the dough to double in size during the first rise. Rushing this step can hinder the airy texture of your homemade jam donut focaccia.
Deep Dimples: Poke deep holes in the dough before baking to create pockets for the jam. If they’re too shallow, the holes will disappear during the rise.
Twice the Jam: Don’t forget to fill the holes with additional jam after baking to really amplify the flavor and sweetness of your focaccia.
Glaze It Right: For the perfect glazing experience, ensure your focaccia is still warm when you drizzle the icing. This allows it to set beautifully and adds that classic donut finish.
What to Serve with Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia
This sweet, fluffy creation pairs delightfully with a variety of sides that add both flavor and texture to your brunch table.
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Warm Coffee: The rich aroma and bold flavor of coffee provide a perfect balance to the sweetness, making each bite of focaccia even more enjoyable.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of whipped cream complements the jam-filled goodness, enhancing the creamy texture that’s so inviting.
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Fresh Berries: The tartness of fresh berries cuts through the sweetness, adding a refreshing contrast and a burst of color to your plate.
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Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs offer a savory counterpart, making for a well-rounded brunch experience that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings.
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Yogurt Parfait: Serve with a cup of yogurt layered with granola and fruit for an extra boost of nutrition. The creamy yogurt pairs perfectly with the soft bread.
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Iced Tea or Lemonade: A refreshing drink like iced tea or zesty lemonade creates a delightful contrast to the warm focaccia, making it perfect for sunny brunch days.
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Chocolate Drizzle: For a rich treat, drizzle a little melted chocolate over your slices. It enhances the sweetness and makes it feel indulgent.
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Honey or Maple Syrup: A drizzle of honey or maple syrup enhances the flavor profile, adding natural sweetness and a hint of complexity that elevates each bite.
Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize this delightful focaccia with your favorite flavors and ingredients!
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Different Jams:
Swap raspberry preserves for strawberry, apricot, or lemon curd to tailor your focaccia to your taste buds. Each flavor brings a unique twist that can refresh your brunch! -
Dairy-Free:
Use almond or oat milk in the glaze instead of whole milk for a dairy-free option. This easy swap ensures everyone can enjoy this delicious treat! -
Whole Wheat Twist:
Substitute half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and added nutrition. This version still maintains a soft texture, perfect for health-conscious mornings. -
Spice it Up:
Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough or the glaze, introducing a warm, comforting flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the jam. It evokes memories of cozy fall mornings. -
Sweeten the Deal:
Consider adding vanilla extract to the dough for a lovely aroma and depth of flavor. Just a teaspoon can elevate your focaccia to a new level of deliciousness! -
Nutty Crunch:
Fold in chopped walnuts or pistachios into the dough for a satisfying crunch in every bite. This texture twist makes your focaccia even more irresistible.
If you’re keen on diving deeper into more delicious breakfast ideas, check out our recipe for [Banana Bread](internalLink) or indulge in the richness of our [Blueberry Muffins](internalLink). These treats are just as easy to whip up and perfect for a cozy morning!
Make Ahead Options
These Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time! You can easily prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply complete steps 1 to 3 (activating the yeast, making the dough, and letting it rise), and then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This method helps develop the flavor and keeps the dough fresh. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature (about 30 minutes), then continue with step 4. Remember, to maintain that delightful fluffiness, avoid letting the dough sit too long after rising. You’ll enjoy delicious bakery-quality results with minimal effort!
Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, choose high-quality raspberry preserves or your favorite jam. Look for preserves that have bright colors and a rich aroma. Avoid jars with any dark spots or a broken seal, as this can indicate spoilage. If using fresh fruit instead of preserves, opt for plump, undamaged berries that are deeply colored.
How should I store leftover focaccia?
To keep your Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia fresh, store it covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have any remaining after that, I recommend freezing it to maintain its texture. Just wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It should stay good for up to 1 month.
Can I freeze the focaccia? If so, how?
Certainly! To freeze your focaccia, ensure it cools completely first. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label it with the date, and you can store it in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, then reheat at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes to restore its freshness.
Why does my focaccia not rise properly?
Very! If your dough doesn’t rise, it may be due to expired yeast or water that was too hot or too cold. Always check the yeast’s expiration date, and ensure your warm water is between 105-115°F. Additionally, a drafty or cold environment can hinder the rising process; try placing the bowl in a slightly warm oven (turned off) or a cozy corner of your kitchen.
Is this focaccia safe for pets or those with allergies?
While the Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia is made from generally safe ingredients, the sugar and jam content isn’t suitable for pets like dogs or cats. For those with dietary restrictions, always check the labels on the preserves for allergens like gluten or traces of nuts. You can also consider making a gluten-free version by substituting with gluten-free flours. Always consult a health professional if unsure about allergens.
Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a stand mixer, combine warm water with sugar. Whisk until dissolved, then add the yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Add bread flour, all-purpose flour, and salt to the mixer. Mix on medium speed until a sticky dough forms (about 5-7 minutes).
- Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour until it doubles in size.
- Lightly grease a baking pan, transfer dough to it, and fold a few times. Cover and let it rise for another hour.
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Poke holes in the dough, fill with raspberry preserves.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly, then poke holes again and fill with more jam.
- Whisk confectioners’ sugar with milk to make the glaze. Drizzle over the focaccia while warm.
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