Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia

Name: Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups warm water (105-115°F); 2 tsp sugar; 1 packet active dry yeast; 2 cups bread flour; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp salt; 6 tbsp olive oil, divided; 1 jar raspberry preserves (Bonne Maman or similar); 2 cups confectioners’ sugar; 2-4 tbsp whole milk (or as needed for consistency)

by Isabella Reed Published: June 15, 2024

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the first time I made Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia! It was a chilly Sunday morning, and I was feeling adventurous in the kitchen. I had some raspberry preserves sitting in the pantry, and suddenly it hit me—why not combine the delightful fluffiness of focaccia with the sweet nostalgia of a donut? Trust me, the moment it came out of the oven, my kitchen smelled like a bakery, and I couldn’t wait to dive in. This recipe is not just about making bread; it’s about creating memories that linger long after the last bite.

This Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a brunch, surprising your family, or simply treating yourself to something special. The contrast of the warm, fluffy bread with the gooey raspberry filling topped with a sugary glaze is nothing short of heavenly. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this sweet adventure together. I promise, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia

First off, let’s talk about the flavors! This Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia is a glorious combination of sweet and fluffy bread that practically melts in your mouth. Picture sinking your teeth into a warm piece, only to find a luscious, gooey raspberry preserve hiding inside. Wow! The sweetness of the jam contrasts beautifully with the light, airy texture of the focaccia, creating a delightful explosion of flavors in every bite.

And let’s not forget the glaze! Drizzling that sugary goodness on top adds a perfect finishing touch, making it feel like a special treat. It’s like having dessert for breakfast, but trust me, it’s acceptable in this case. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress family and friends while keeping things simple. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up, and the delightful aroma wafting through your home will have everyone racing to the kitchen. You simply can’t resist this sweet delight!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 3/4 cups warm water (105-115°F): This warm water is crucial for activating the yeast, so make sure it’s just the right temperature—too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast!
2 tsp sugar: This little bit of sugar helps to feed the yeast, giving it the energy it needs to rise beautifully. Don’t skip it!
1 packet active dry yeast: You can usually find this in the baking aisle. Make sure it’s fresh for the best rise!
2 cups bread flour: I love using bread flour because it gives the focaccia that lovely chewy texture. It’s a must-have for this recipe!
2 cups all-purpose flour: This balances out the bread flour and helps create a soft, tender crumb. You could try using all bread flour, but I find the mix gives a better result.
2 tsp salt: Salt is essential for flavor and also helps strengthen the dough’s structure. Don’t leave it out!
6 tbsp olive oil, divided: You’ll use some for the dough and some for drizzling on top before baking. I always go for a good quality olive oil—it makes a difference!
1 jar raspberry preserves (Bonne Maman or similar): You’ll want a delicious, quality preserve here. Of course, you can use other flavors if you’re feeling adventurous!
2 cups confectioners’ sugar: This is what you’ll use for the glaze that makes this focaccia extra special. It adds that sweet finish that ties everything together.
2-4 tbsp whole milk: You’ll mix this with the confectioners’ sugar to create the glaze. Add just enough to get the right drizzling consistency!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s get to the fun part—making this delicious Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through each step, and I promise it’ll be easier than you think.

Preparing the Dough

First things first, let’s get that yeast activated! In a medium bowl, combine the warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets all foamy and bubbly. That’s how you know it’s alive and ready to work its magic! Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Once the yeast is frothy, pour it into the flour mixture along with 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix everything together until it forms a shaggy dough. Now, here comes the fun part—turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes. Don’t be shy! You want to work it until it’s smooth and elastic. Trust me, it’s a great workout, and your dough will thank you for it!

Shaping and Filling

After kneading, place your lovely dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it’s doubled in size. You’ll feel that excitement building as the dough puffs up! Once it’s ready, punch it down gently to release the air. Now, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a rectangle that fits your greased baking pan. Using your fingers, create dimples all over the surface—this is where the magic happens! Spoon generous amounts of raspberry preserves into each dimple. Oh, the anticipation of biting into that sweet filling is just too much! Finally, drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the top, which will give it a gorgeous, golden finish as it bakes.

Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia - detail 1

Baking and Glazing

Now it’s time to bake! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), and pop that beautiful focaccia in for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it, as you’re looking for that lovely golden-brown color. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly! Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes before glazing. While it cools, mix the confectioners’ sugar with enough whole milk until you reach a smooth, drizzling consistency. Once the focaccia has cooled slightly, drizzle that delightful glaze on top. It’s the perfect sweet finish to your Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia, and I can guarantee everyone will be coming back for seconds!

Variations

The beauty of Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia is its versatility! While raspberry preserves are delightful, you can easily switch things up based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences. Try using strawberry, blueberry, or even a mixed berry preserve for a fruity twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, how about a lemon curd filling? It adds a zesty punch that pairs beautifully with the sweet bread. For a delightful pairing, consider serving your focaccia alongside a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of yogurt for a refreshing contrast.

For those who love a little crunch, consider adding some chopped nuts, like pistachios or almonds, on top before baking. They’ll toast up nicely and add a lovely texture contrast to the soft focaccia. Alternatively, you could sprinkle some chocolate chips into the dimples for a decadent treat—who doesn’t love chocolate, right? If you want to keep it seasonal, you might even try swapping in some spiced apple or pumpkin butter during the fall months. The possibilities are endless, and it’s all about making it your own. Have fun experimenting, and let your taste buds guide you!

Serving and Storage Tips

When it comes to serving your Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia, the options are as delightful as the bread itself! You can enjoy it warm, straight out of the oven, with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or brunch treat. Slice it into squares and share it at gatherings—trust me, it’ll be the star of the show! For a fun twist, try toasting slices and serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Yum!

Now, for storage, let your focaccia cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw at room temperature or pop it in the toaster for a warm, fresh taste. Enjoy every last crumb!

Helpful Notes

As you embark on your Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia journey, here are a few extra tips to ensure your baking experience is a breeze! If you’re looking to make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the whole milk in the glaze with almond milk or oat milk—both work wonderfully!

For a delightful pairing, consider serving your focaccia alongside a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of yogurt for a refreshing contrast. And if you want to add a little zing, a sprinkle of lemon zest in the glaze can elevate the flavor beautifully. For more baking tips, check out this guide on ingredient substitutions.

In terms of nutrition, each piece of this sweet delight contains about 250 calories, with 12g of sugar and 4g of protein. It’s a treat worth savoring, so enjoy it as an occasional indulgence that brings joy to your table!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze this? Absolutely! Once your Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia has cooled completely, wrap it in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again!

2. What if I don’t have raspberry preserves? No problem! You can use any fruit preserves you like, such as strawberry, blueberry, or even a citrus curd. Get creative with what you have on hand!

3. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour? You can, but I highly recommend sticking with a mix of both flours. Bread flour gives it that lovely chewy texture, while all-purpose flour keeps it soft. If you only have all-purpose flour, it’ll still work, but the texture might be a bit different.

4. How do I know when it’s baked? Look for that beautiful golden-brown color! Also, you can tap the bottom of the focaccia—if it sounds hollow, it’s done. Let it cool slightly before glazing for the best results.

5. What should I do if my dough isn’t rising? If your dough isn’t rising, it’s likely that your yeast was inactive. Make sure your water is at the right temperature (105-115°F) and check the expiration date on your yeast. If you’re ever in doubt, a new packet of yeast can make all the difference!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—your very own Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia! I truly hope you give this delightful recipe a try because it’s not just about baking; it’s about creating those warm, fuzzy memories with every bite. There’s something so special about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, and when you add that sweet raspberry filling, it’s pure magic!

Don’t forget to share your delicious results with family and friends, and please let me know how it turns out for you! I’d love to hear about your unique variations and any little twists you added. Remember, baking is all about joy and creativity, so have fun with it! Happy baking, my friend!

Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia