Name: Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 172 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Warm Water (105-115°F); 2 tablespoons Sugar (can swap with honey); 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast (ensure freshness); 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (can use melted butter); 1 cup Whole Milk (for icing consistency); 2 cups Bread Flour (higher protein content); 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (for balanced texture); 1 teaspoon Salt (vital ingredient for flavor); 1 cup Confectioners’ Sugar (for glazing); 1 cup Raspberry Preserves (or other jam flavors)

As I rummaged through my pantry one lazy Sunday morning, the scent of warm bread flooded my mind with memories of cozy bakeries. That’s when I decided to create something extraordinary: Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia. This delightful fusion of airy focaccia and jam-filled donuts delivers a comforting breakfast experience that will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds! With its soft, pillowy texture and sweet bursts of raspberry preserves, this recipe is not only a fun project perfect for leisurely weekends, but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brightens any brunch. Ready to learn how to transform your kitchen into a bakery-style haven? Let’s dive into this sweet adventure!

Why Is This Focaccia So Special?

Uniqueness: This Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia presents a delightful twist on traditional breakfast fare, merging the airy delights of focaccia with the comforting sweetness of jam-filled donuts.

Easy Prep: No advanced baking skills are required; just mix, rise, and bake for a treat that feels gourmet but is incredibly straightforward.

Flavor Explosion: Bursting with tantalizing sweetness, the raspberry preserves create juicy pockets of flavor, making every bite a heavenly experience.

Versatile Treat: Feel free to experiment with various jams or savory fillings like herb-infused cream cheese to suit your family’s preferences, accommodating everyone’s taste!

Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether for brunch with friends or a cozy family breakfast, this focal dish is sure to impress and leave everyone asking for more. Indulge in a slice alongside your favorite coffee or tea, and enjoy! For more delightful breakfast ideas, check out my Homemade Blueberry Muffins or delicious Chicken Nuggets Homemade.

Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia Ingredients

• Whisk together flavors and fun!

Warm Water – Hydrates ingredients and activates yeast; ensure it’s between 105-115°F for optimal rise.
Sugar – Feeds the yeast while enhancing sweetness; you can swap with honey for a unique twist.
Active Dry Yeast – Essential for creating the dough’s rise and light texture; always check freshness!
Bread Flour – Provides structure and chewiness due to higher protein content; can use all-purpose flour but texture will be softer.
All-Purpose Flour – Works alongside bread flour for a balanced texture; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
Salt – Enhances flavor and strengthens gluten structure; don’t skip this vital ingredient!
Olive Oil – Adds moisture and richness to the dough; melted butter can be a tasty substitute if desired.
Raspberry Preserves – Acts as the delightful filling with a sweet fruity flavor; feel free to experiment with other flavors like strawberry or apricot!
Confectioners’ Sugar – Used for glazing to create a perfect sweet topping; while optional, it adds a lovely finish.
Whole Milk – Helps attain the right icing consistency; dairy alternatives may not yield the same thickness but can be tried.

Dive into this sweet journey with these essential ingredients for your Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia

Step 1: Prepare Yeast Mixture
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water (105-115°F) with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Whisk in 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to make your Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia rise beautifully.

Step 2: Make Dough
In a stand mixer, combine the yeast mixture with 2 cups of bread flour, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix on low speed until a sticky dough forms, about 3-4 minutes. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl but remain sticky to touch. This mixture will create the fluffy texture of your focaccia.

Step 3: First Rise
Transfer your dough into a lightly oiled bowl, making sure it’s well-coated. Cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot to rise until it doubles in size, which will take about 1 hour. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough has puffed up significantly; this indicates that your yeast has done its magic!

Step 4: Prepare Pan & Shape
Once the dough has risen, grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Gently transfer the dough into the pan, kneading it slightly to shape it. Use your fingers to spread the dough out evenly, then cover it and let it rise again for another hour. This second rise allows the dough to become airy and light, ensuring a perfect texture for your focaccia.

Step 5: Preheat Oven
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is the ideal temperature for baking your Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia to achieve a golden crust and soft interior. Make sure your oven has reached the correct temperature before baking for the best results.

Step 6: Prepare Dough for Baking
After the second rise, carefully poke deep holes into the dough with your fingers, creating pockets. Then, spoon raspberry preserves generously into these holes, ensuring each bite will be filled with sweet flavor. Be sure to fill every pocket for a delightful experience in each piece of focaccia.

Step 7: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the focaccia for 18-22 minutes, or until it turns golden brown on top. You want to see a beautiful golden crust forming; this visual cue indicates that your dough is cooked through. Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan.

Step 8: Make Icing
To create the icing, whisk together 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of whole milk until smooth. Spread the icing over the cooled focaccia, allowing it to set for a few minutes. This sweet glaze will add the finishing touch to your Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia, making it irresistible!

What to Serve with Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia

Indulging in a slice of warm focaccia topped with raspberry preserves calls for the perfect companions to complete your breakfast or brunch spread.

Creamy Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy, savory eggs balance the sweet notes of the focaccia and make for a protein-packed start to your day.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing touch while brightening the flavor profile, enhancing the enjoyment of your meal.
Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of freshly cooked bacon contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the focaccia, creating a well-rounded meal.
Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and fruit echoes the lightness of your focaccia while adding creamy richness, perfect for a brunch enhancement.
Artisan Coffee: A rich cup of coffee complements the sweet flavors, enhancing every bite with its warm embrace, making your brunch an experience to remember.
Sparkling Lemonade: Light and refreshing, a glass of sparkling lemonade aids in cutting through the sweetness, adding a zesty contrast that keeps your palate invigorated.
Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: For those with a sweet tooth, a side of chocolate hazelnut spread creates an indulgent twist when spread on focaccia, transforming breakfast into a delectable dessert.
Chai Latte: The aromatic spices of a chai latte beautifully complement the sweet raspberry flavor of the focaccia, creating an inviting atmosphere for your meal.

Make Ahead Options

These Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during hectic mornings! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first two steps and then storing the dough in an oiled bowl, covered tightly with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator. This slow rise enhances the flavor and texture! When you’re ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then proceed with shaping and the second rise. The raspberry preserves can also be filled into the dough right before baking for optimal freshness, ensuring your focaccia is just as delicious as when made fresh. Enjoy a hassle-free breakfast that brings bakery-quality delight to your table!

Expert Tips

• Check Your Yeast: Always verify the freshness of your active dry yeast. If it doesn’t froth in the warm water, buy a new packet for your Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia.

• Poke Deep Holes: Make sure to poke deep holes in the dough before adding raspberry preserves. This helps create more filled pockets; otherwise, they might not hold enough jam.

• Mind the Rise Times: Patience is key; do not rush the rising process. Proper rise times ensure a light, fluffy texture, crucial for a perfect focaccia.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Start with fresh flour and other ingredients. Old flour can hinder your dough’s rise, resulting in a denser Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia.

• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to switch up the raspberry preserves for other jams or even savory ingredients. Tailor your focaccia to suit your family’s taste for fun variations!

How to Store and Freeze Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia

Room Temperature: Keep your focaccia at room temperature for up to 2 days, wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to maintain its soft texture.

Fridge: If stored in the fridge, the focaccia can last up to 5 days. Seal it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Freezer: Freeze portions without glaze for up to 1 month. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge and warm before serving.

Reheating: To refresh your focaccia, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, ensuring a delightful experience with every bite of your Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia!

Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia: Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to take your homemade jam donut focaccia on a flavor journey that tantalizes your taste buds!

Fruit Swap: Substitute raspberry preserves with other fruit jams like strawberry, blueberry, or peach for a refreshing twist. Each fruit brings its own unique sweetness, transforming your focaccia into a fruity delight.
Savory Version: For a more savory option, skip the sugar glaze and fill with herb-infused cream cheese or garlic butter. This creates a fabulous brunch item perfect for pairing alongside breakfast favorites.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive friends or family. Just be mindful that the texture may vary slightly, but deliciousness remains!
Dairy-Free: Replace whole milk in the icing with almond or oat milk and choose a dairy-free butter alternative. Your focaccia will still have that enticing glaze, minus the dairy.
Flavor Boost: Add citrus zest, like lemon or orange, to the dough for a bright, fresh flavor. Imagine the warm aromas wafting through your kitchen—so inviting!
Texture Twist: For a crunchier crust, sprinkle coarse sea salt or sliced almonds on top before baking. This creates a delightful contrast between the soft interior and crunchy exterior.
Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the dough. The subtle kick will surprise and delight your guests!
Nutty Goodness: Stir in chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the dough before the first rise for added texture and a hearty feel. They make each bite a bit more satisfying.

Feel inspired to experiment with these variations and don’t forget to serve your focaccia warm with a hot cup of coffee, or even alongside a plate of my delicious Homemade Blueberry Muffins! Embrace the joy of customization and happy baking!

Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia Recipe FAQs

What’s the best way to choose ripe ingredients?
Absolutely! When selecting your raspberry preserves, look for vibrant, intense colors and avoid any jars with dark spots or signs of separation; these can indicate spoilage. Always choose fresh yeast; it should be aromatic and not past its expiration date. Fresh flour is essential, too—check for a clean, non-clumpy appearance, ensuring it’s ready for baking.

How should I store leftover focaccia?
For optimal freshness, keep your focaccia at room temperature for up to 2 days, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. If you plan to enjoy it beyond that, refrigerate it for up to 5 days—just be sure to wrap it up well to prevent drying out.

Can I freeze my Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia?
Absolutely! To freeze, slice the focaccia after it cools completely. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap to safeguard it from freezer burn, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. Your focaccia will retain its deliciousness for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw in the fridge and warm in the oven or microwave as needed.

What common issues might I encounter, and how can I fix them?
If your focaccia doesn’t rise, check your yeast’s freshness first; it should bubble when activated in warm water. If the dough seems too sticky, lightly flour your surface as you knead, but avoid adding too much, as it can lead to a denser final result. Lastly, if the dough flattens too much while rising, ensure it’s in a warm, draft-free location for optimal rising conditions.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Great question! If you have allergies, make sure to check the labels of your ingredients—especially the preserves, which may contain allergens. For a dairy-free icing, try using almond or oat milk, but keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly. Also, consult a veterinarian before offering any of your Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia to pets, as many baked goods can be harmful to them.