If you adore the pillowy softness of a jam donut but are curious about giving it a delightful, unexpected twist, the Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This luscious hybrid combines the tender, airy crumb of focaccia bread with the sweet, fruity burst of raspberry jam, creating a stunningly beautiful and utterly scrumptious treat. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack, this recipe brings together simple, pantry-friendly ingredients with a flair that’s bound to impress anyone lucky enough to take a bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in balancing the flavors and textures. From the yeast that gives life and lift to the dough, to the rich olive oil for perfect moisture, and the raspberry preserves that add a luscious sweetness, each component is essential for crafting this delicious focaccia.
- 1 3/4 cups warm water (105-115°F): The perfect temperature ensures your yeast activates just right, giving your dough that beautiful rise.
- 2 tsp sugar: This little bit of sweetness feeds the yeast helping it to bloom fully.
- 1 packet active dry yeast: The magical ingredient that makes your focaccia light and airy.
- 2 cups bread flour: Adds structure and chewiness to the dough for that authentic bread feel.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Balances the bread flour to keep the dough tender and soft.
- 2 tsp salt: Enhances flavor and strengthens the dough’s texture.
- 6 tbsp olive oil, divided: Provides moistness and a subtle fruity richness essential in focaccia.
- 1 jar raspberry preserves (Bonne Maman or similar): Choose a high-quality jam for the freshest, most vibrant flavor.
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar: Used for the glaze to add a delicate sweetness and pretty finish.
- 2-4 tbsp whole milk: Helps create the perfect drizzle glaze consistency.
How to Make Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by pouring the warm water into a mixing bowl and stirring in the sugar. Sprinkle the packet of active dry yeast over the surface. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly — this signals your yeast is awake and ready to do its magic.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
Combine the bread flour, all-purpose flour, and salt in a large bowl. Gradually add your yeast mixture and 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir until a rough dough forms, then turn it out onto a floured surface to knead by hand for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This kneading process is vital: it develops the gluten network which creates the focaccia’s signature texture.
Step 3: First Rise
Lightly oil a clean bowl with a bit of olive oil. Place your dough inside, turning it to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes to an hour, or until doubled in size. This waiting game rewards you with airy lightness and that soft crumb we all crave.
Step 4: Shape and Add Jam
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet and use your fingertips to gently stretch and dimple the dough into a rough rectangle or circle about 1-inch thick. Dollop spoonfuls of the raspberry preserves evenly across the dough, slightly pressing each dollop into the surface so it sinks just beneath the top.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover the shaped focaccia and let it rest for another 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This second rise lets the dough puff around the jam pockets, ensuring a soft and tender crumb with sweet bursts in each bite.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the top of your focaccia and pop it into the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and slightly crisp at the edges. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will be irresistible — a promising hint of the deliciousness to come.
Step 7: Prepare the Sweet Glaze
While the focaccia cools just slightly, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar with 2 tablespoons of whole milk. Add more milk if needed to reach a smooth, drizzly consistency. The glaze adds a delicate sweetness and visually stunning finish that elevates this recipe from everyday to extraordinary.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the glaze over the warm focaccia in a gentle zigzag or creative pattern. Allow it to set for a few minutes before slicing into squares or wedges. Now, it’s time to enjoy the perfect combination of bread, jam, and sweetness all in one delightful creation!
How to Serve Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped mint or a light dusting of extra confectioners’ sugar for an elegant touch. A few fresh raspberries on top add a burst of color and emphasize the fruity notes in the jam.
Side Dishes
This focaccia shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a cup of your favorite morning coffee or tea, or even alongside a creamy mascarpone cheese spread for a touch of luxurious creaminess that complements the jam perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the focaccia into small bite-sized squares for a party platter or layering it between slices of vanilla ice cream for an inventive dessert sandwich. It’s also stunning served alongside a salad with bitter greens and nuts, letting the sweetness provide balance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover focaccia wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps retain moisture and softness.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the focaccia before glazing. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight at room temperature, then add fresh glaze before serving.
Reheating
Warm slices in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes or until gently heated through. This brings back the soft texture and slightly crispy edges that make the focaccia so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use other types of jam in this recipe?
Absolutely! While raspberry jam is classic and flavorful, you can experiment with strawberry, blueberry, or even apricot to customize your Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia Recipe to suit your taste preferences.
Is olive oil essential or can I substitute it?
Olive oil is key to achieving the authentic focaccia texture and flavor, but if you prefer a milder taste, you can substitute with a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil, though the richness may be slightly different.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply swap the honey-based sugar (if using) for pure cane sugar, and replace whole milk in the glaze with plant-based milk alternatives such as almond or oat milk. The dough and glaze will still be delicious!
How long does the dough take to rise?
The first rise usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour until doubled in size. Make sure the dough is kept in a warm, draft-free spot for best results.
Can I make the focaccia ahead without baking it?
You can prepare the dough and do the first rise, then refrigerate it overnight. When ready, take it out to come to room temperature, shape it, add jam, let it rise again, and bake as usual. This helps develop flavors and fits your schedule.
Final Thoughts
Nothing feels quite as rewarding as creating something extraordinary at home, and this Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia Recipe certainly fits the bill. It’s fun to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring quietly with your favorite beverage. Give it a try—you may just find your new favorite way to enjoy jam and bread rolled into one irresistible bite.
Print
Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia is a delightful twist on traditional focaccia bread, incorporating a sweet raspberry jam filling that mimics the flavors of a classic jam donut. The result is a soft, slightly chewy focaccia bread with pockets of fruity, sweet jam, finished with a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk. Perfect as a sweet breakfast treat or dessert.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp)
- 2 cups bread flour
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp olive oil, divided
Filling and Glaze
- 1 jar raspberry preserves (Bonne Maman or similar)
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2–4 tbsp whole milk (or as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar, stirring until dissolved. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water, let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: Add the bread flour, all-purpose flour, salt, and 4 tablespoons of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough comes together, then knead for about 8-10 minutes on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Lightly oil a large bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil, place the dough inside, turning to coat it. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Pan and Shape Dough: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Punch down the dough and spread half of it evenly into the pan.
- Add Jam Filling: Spoon the raspberry preserves evenly over the dough layer, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully spread the remaining dough over the jam layer to cover it.
- Second Rise: Cover the assembled focaccia and allow it to rise again for 15-20 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Bake: Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Glaze: While the focaccia bakes, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and 2-4 tablespoons of whole milk until smooth and pourable. Adjust the milk amount to achieve desired consistency.
- Cool and Glaze: Remove the focaccia from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Drizzle the glaze over the warm bread. Let it set before slicing.
- Serve: Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature, enjoying the delightful combination of soft focaccia and sweet raspberry jam.
Notes
- Make sure the water is not too hot when activating yeast to avoid killing it.
- The raspberry preserves can be substituted with other fruit jams or preserves according to preference.
- Adjustment of milk in the glaze helps control thickness—thicker glaze will provide a more pronounced sugary coating.
- For a more donut-like flavor, dust with additional powdered sugar after glazing once the glaze has set.
- Keep leftover focaccia wrapped tightly to maintain freshness for 2-3 days.