The sweet, yeasty aroma of warm dough rising fills the kitchen with a sense of anticipation. This jam donut focaccia brings together the pillowy texture of classic Italian bread and the sticky, fruity joy of a glazed jelly donut. It's a playful recipe that my kids, Olivia and Ethan, beg for on slow Sunday mornings, turning a traditional savory side into a delightful breakfast treat.
You need to bake this now because nothing beats pulling apart soft, jam-filled bread while it's still warm from the oven. It really is the ultimate Donut Focaccia experience.
Why You'll Love This
You will adore this jam donut focaccia because it transforms a familiar baking project into something entirely unexpected and fun. The bread stays incredibly soft and airy on the inside while developing that signature golden crust we all crave. It's also surprisingly versatile; you get the satisfaction of baking bread without the stress of perfect shaping or frying. Plus, the combination of olive oil and sweet glaze creates a unique flavor profile that makes this sweet focaccia recipe unforgettable.
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Ingredients & Equipment
This recipe relies on simple pantry staples like bread flour and active dry yeast to create a sturdy yet soft base for the sweet toppings. You absolutely need the jam donut focaccia essentials, raspberry preserves and confectioners' sugar - to achieve that sticky, bakery-style finish. Gathering these items ahead of time ensures a smooth baking process for your jam donut focaccia recipe.
The full Jam Donut Focaccia instructions are right in the card below.
Main Ingredients
- Bread Flour: Provides the necessary gluten structure for a chewy texture.
- Active Dry Yeast: Essential for the rise; ensures the bread is airy.
- Warm Water: Must be between 105-115°F to properly activate the yeast.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness to the dough and ensures a golden, crisp crust.
- Raspberry Preserves: Provides the tart, fruity filling that mimics a jelly donut.
- Confectioners' Sugar: Creates the smooth, sweet glaze that sets on top.
Optional Extras
- Vanilla Extract: A splash in the glaze adds a warm, aromatic depth.
- Lemon Zest: Grate some over the top to balance the jam donut focaccia toppings with acidity.
How to Make Jam Donut Focaccia (Step-by-Step)
This method is straightforward and rewarding, designed to guide you through a stress-free jam donut focaccia recipe easy enough for weekend baking.
Activate Yeast
Whisk the warm water and sugar together before stirring in the yeast to help it dissolve and bubble. This confirms the yeast is active and ready to lift the dough, which should look frothy after five minutes.
Mix Dough
Mix the bread flour, all-purpose flour, and salt into the yeast mixture on medium speed to form a sticky dough. The dough should pull slightly away from the sides of the bowl, indicating the gluten is beginning to develop.
First Rise
Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl and cover it to trap moisture and heat.
What is the secret to great focaccia? The secret lies in patience during this rise; letting the dough double in size ensures those signature air pockets form correctly.
Shape
Transfer the dough gently into a greased baking pan, folding it over itself to coat it in oil. Let it rise again until it puffs to the edges, ensuring the final bread will be thick and pillowy.
Dimple & Top
Dimple the dough deeply with your fingers to create characteristic pockets for the toppings to settle into. Spoon small dollops of raspberry preserves directly into these grooves so the fruit bakes right into the crust.
Bake & Fill
Bake at 425°F until the crust is golden brown and crisp. Once removed, use a straw to poke deep holes in the warm bread to fill with the remaining jam for extra fruitiness in every bite.
Glaze
Whisk the confectioners' sugar and milk into a smooth icing to pour over the focaccia. The glaze will seep into the cracks and create a signature sweet coating that sets as it cools.
Top Tip
Here is how to ensure your jam donut focaccia turns out fluffy and perfectly glazed every time.
Experiment Freely: Don't be afraid to try this method as a will it focaccia jam donut experiment with different fillings.
Check Your Yeast: If the yeast doesn't bubble in water, discard it; dead yeast leads to flat, dense bread.
Use a Scale: Weighing flour prevents adding too much, keeping the crumb soft and airy.
Don't Rush the Rise: Let the dough double fully; this creates the light texture typical of a Jam Focaccia.
Warmth Matters: Proof the dough in a warm spot, like a sunny window, to speed up activity and volume.
Glaze While Warm: Pouring icing on warm bread helps it spread thinly and create a delicate, crackly finish.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Variations
This dough is a blank canvas, allowing you to customize the flavors to suit your cravings. You might swap the raspberry jam for apricot or strawberry preserves for a lighter, sunnier fruit flavor. For a richer dessert, try using chocolate hazelnut spread instead of jam, effectively making a chocolate donut focaccia that kids love. You can even add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the sugar glaze for a cozy, spiced twist.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Ideally, this bread is best eaten the day it is made, but it can be kept for a short time. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain the texture of this sweet focaccia with jam. If you want to enjoy it later, reheat slices briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the crumb and melt the glaze slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this jam donut focaccia warm with a strong cup of black coffee to balance the sweetness of the glaze. It also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent after-dinner dessert. For a brunch spread, place it alongside savory egg dishes to offer a sweet counterpoint that acts like a giant Jam Donut for sharing.
FAQs About Jam Donut Focaccia
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast directly into the flour without proofing it in water first. Just add the water with the dry ingredients and mix until the dough forms, which speeds up the Jam Donut process.
Why is my focaccia dense?
Density usually means the yeast was inactive or the dough didn't rise long enough. Ensure your water is warm but not hot, and give the dough plenty of time to double in size for a fluffy sweet focaccia sourdough texture.
Can I make the dough overnight?
Absolutely; you can let the first rise happen in the refrigerator overnight for up to 12 hours. This slow fermentation develops deeper flavor, similar to a traditional sweet focaccia recipe, and breaks up the work.
Can I freeze this bread?
It is best to freeze the bread after baking but before glazing and filling with extra jam. Wrap it tightly in plastic and foil, then thaw, warm, and add the fresh toppings before serving.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you loved this jam donut focaccia, check out these other Breakfast and Dessert treats that are perfect for sharing.
Tried this recipe? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - I'd love to see your twist on it!
Jam Donut Focaccia Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk the warm water and sugar together before stirring in the yeast to help it dissolve and bubble, indicating it is active after five minutes.
- Mix the bread flour, all-purpose flour, and salt into the yeast mixture on medium speed to form a sticky dough that pulls slightly away from the bowl sides.
- Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl and cover it to trap moisture, letting it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size and looks airy.
- Transfer the dough gently into a greased baking pan, folding it over itself to coat it in oil, and let it rise again until it puffs to the edges.
- Dimple the dough deeply with your fingers to create characteristic pockets, then spoon small dollops of raspberry preserves directly into the grooves.
- Bake at 425°F until the crust is golden brown, then use a straw to poke deep holes in the warm bread to fill with the remaining jam.
- Whisk the confectioners' sugar and milk into a smooth icing to pour over the focaccia, creating a signature sweet glaze that sets as it cools.
Nutrition
Notes
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Jam Donut Focaccia Recipe:
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