Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia – A Sweet Twist on Traditional Bread

Introduction

There’s something undeniably comforting about freshly baked bread, its aroma filling the kitchen and enticing everyone nearby. Now, imagine combining the soft, airy texture of focaccia with the indulgent sweetness of a jam-filled donut. The result is Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia, a delightful hybrid that marries Italian tradition with classic pastry flavors. This recipe transforms ordinary bread into a sweet treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Focaccia is traditionally known for its slightly chewy texture, airy crumb, and golden crust, often topped with herbs, olive oil, and sometimes coarse salt. In this version, we infuse the dough with a hint of sweetness and fill it with luscious raspberry preserves, creating a rich, comforting bite reminiscent of jam donuts. The final touch is a light glaze that adds subtle sweetness and an inviting sheen, making this bread as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Baking bread at home might seem intimidating, but with a few simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can create a bakery-quality sweet focaccia that will wow friends, family, and even your own taste buds. This guide covers everything you need to know: preparing the dough, incorporating the jam filling, glazing the finished focaccia, and tips to ensure perfect results every time.

This recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. The combination of soft, airy bread and sweet jam filling creates a unique texture that melts in your mouth. The homemade glaze adds a light, sugary finish that makes each bite irresistible. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a curious beginner, this recipe is approachable, rewarding, and guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. It brings together the soft, chewy texture of focaccia and the sweet, fruity appeal of jam donuts. The recipe is customizable, approachable for home bakers, and versatile enough to serve as breakfast, snack, or dessert. The combination of flavors and textures creates a satisfying treat that is hard to resist. From the first bite of slightly crisp edges to the soft, jam-filled center, this recipe delivers a truly indulgent experience.

Ingredients

For the Bread Dough

1 ¾ 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

For the Filling

1 jar raspberry preserves (Bonne Maman or similar)

For the Glaze

2 cups confectioners’ sugar
2–4 tbsp whole milk (or as needed for consistency)

These ingredients combine to create a bread that is soft, flavorful, and visually appealing. Using both bread flour and all-purpose flour ensures a chewy, structured texture with just enough tenderness to complement the sweet jam filling. Olive oil adds richness and moisture, while the sugar in the dough feeds the yeast, helping the bread rise beautifully.

Equipment Needed

To make this recipe successfully, gather the following equipment: a large mixing bowl for proofing the yeast, stand mixer with dough hook (optional), measuring cups and spoons, wooden spoon or spatula, baking sheet lined with parchment paper, small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl for warming the water, whisk for preparing the glaze, and a pastry brush for spreading the glaze. Having these tools ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Preparation Method

Step 1: Activating the Yeast

Begin by warming 1 ¾ cups of water to between 105°F and 115°F. Pour the warm water into a large mixing bowl, add 2 teaspoons of sugar, and stir until dissolved. Sprinkle the packet of active dry yeast over the water. Allow it to sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to help the dough rise.

Step 2: Preparing the Dough

Once the yeast is foamy, add 2 cups of bread flour, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, and 2 teaspoons of salt to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients begin to come together. Add 4 tablespoons of olive oil and knead the dough for 8–10 minutes by hand, or 5–6 minutes using a stand mixer with a dough hook. The dough should be slightly sticky but elastic and smooth. Kneading develops gluten, giving the focaccia its signature chewy texture. Adjust with small amounts of flour or water if necessary.

Step 3: First Rise

Lightly coat a clean bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1–1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. Proper proofing is key to achieving soft, airy bread with a tender crumb.

Step 4: Preparing the Baking Sheet

While the dough rises, prepare a baking sheet by lightly brushing it with olive oil or lining it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and adds a golden finish to the bottom crust.

Step 5: Shaping the Focaccia

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air bubbles. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet and gently stretch it into a rectangular or circular shape about ½-inch thick. Thicker dough holds the jam filling better, while thinner dough bakes faster but may be less structurally stable.

Step 6: Adding the Jam Filling

Use a spoon or small spatula to evenly spread raspberry preserves over the surface, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges. For a donut-style effect, you can create small pockets in the dough and tuck the jam inside.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the shaped and filled dough with a clean kitchen towel and allow it to rise for another 20–30 minutes. This second rise helps the dough become lighter and ensures the jam integrates well with the bread.

Step 8: Baking the Focaccia

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the dough and, if desired, gently dimple the surface with your fingertips. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the bread is cooked through.

Step 9: Preparing the Glaze

While baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of confectioners’ sugar with 2–4 tablespoons of whole milk, whisking until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.

Step 10: Glazing the Focaccia

Remove the baked focaccia from the oven and let it cool 10–15 minutes. Drizzle or brush the glaze evenly over the surface. Warm bread absorbs the glaze slightly, creating a glossy, sweet finish.

Step 11: Serving Suggestions

Slice into squares or strips. Enjoy warm for the best texture and flavor, paired with coffee, tea, or milk. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tips for Perfect Jam Donut Focaccia

Use room-temperature ingredients for proper yeast activation. Don’t overfill with jam to avoid soggy centers. Control oven temperature to ensure even baking. Optional flavor twists include adding vanilla extract to the glaze or sprinkling almond slices on top. The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated, then baked later.

Variations to Try

Mixed Berry Focaccia: Use a combination of raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry preserves.
Lemon-Glazed Focaccia: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the glaze for a fresh flavor.
Chocolate-Filled Version: Spread Nutella instead of jam for a decadent dessert.
Savory-Sweet Combo: Sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt over the glaze.
Mini Focaccia Rolls: Divide dough into small portions and fill with jam for individual treats.

Nutritional Information

One serving (1/8 of the recipe) contains approximately: Calories 320–350 kcal, Carbohydrates 55–60 g, Protein 6–8 g, Fat 10–12 g, Fiber 2–3 g, Sugar 15–18 g. Values vary with jam and glaze amounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of jam? Yes, strawberry, apricot, blueberry, or fig jam work beautifully.
Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, using a gluten-free flour blend designed for bread baking; texture may vary.
How long can I store this focaccia? At room temperature up to 2 days; refrigerated up to 5 days; freeze for longer storage.
Can I make this ahead? Yes, prepare the dough the day before, refrigerate, then allow to come to room temperature for the second rise before baking.
How do I prevent the glaze from sliding off? Let the focaccia cool slightly but remain warm before applying glaze.

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Conclusion

Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia is a delightful fusion of traditional Italian bread and classic jam donut sweetness. Soft, airy, and filled with luscious raspberry preserves, finished with a glossy glaze, it is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The combination of flavors, textures, and visual appeal makes this dish a standout on any table. With tips, variations, and careful attention to preparation, you can create a bakery-quality focaccia at home that impresses everyone. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an indulgent homemade treat that blends creativity, tradition, and deliciousness into every bite.