Growing up, Jam Donut Focaccia was always a special treat in our household. I can still remember the intoxicating aroma of warm, yeasty dough and sweet jam wafting through the kitchen on Sunday mornings. My mom would carefully arrange the pillowy squares of focaccia, dotting them with pockets of vibrant raspberry or strawberry preserves before sliding the pan into the oven. The suspense as we waited for that first, perfect bite was almost too much to bear!
Now, as an adult, I find myself craving that same comforting flavor combination. But rather than waiting for my mom to bake up a batch, I’ve perfected my own recipe for Jam Donut Focaccia – and let me tell you, it’s become a true staple in my household. The buttery, golden crust gives way to a soft, pillowy interior, studded with pockets of sweet, jammy goodness. It’s the ultimate fusion of a classic breakfast treat and a beloved Italian bread, and I just know your family is going to love it as much as mine does.
Why This Jam Donut Focaccia Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Jam Donut Focaccia
The secret to making truly exceptional Jam Donut Focaccia lies in the perfect marriage of the yeasted dough and the sweet, fruity jam. By letting the dough proof for just the right amount of time, you end up with a light, airy texture that’s sturdy enough to hold the jam without becoming dense or heavy. And the key is to use a high-quality jam that’s not too thin or runny – that way, it bakes up into those irresistible little pockets of flavor.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Jam Donut Focaccia, you’ll need a few simple ingredients: all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, warm water, olive oil, salt, and your favorite jam. I like to use a mix of raspberry and strawberry preserves, but you can experiment with any flavor that strikes your fancy.
Step-by-Step Jam Donut Focaccia Instructions
Preparing Your Jam Donut Focaccia
This Jam Donut Focaccia recipe is surprisingly easy to make, with just a bit of active prep time and a longer rise period. In total, you’re looking at about 2 1/2 hours from start to finish, but the majority of that is hands-off proofing time. You’ll also need a rimmed baking sheet or a 9×13-inch baking pan to bring this Jam Donut Focaccia to life.
1- Start by proofing the yeast in warm water until it’s nice and bubbly, about 5-10 minutes. This will ensure your dough has a strong rise.
2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the proofed yeast mixture with the flour, olive oil, and salt. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
3- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles, then use your hands to press it out into an even layer in your prepared baking pan.
5- Using your fingertips, make evenly spaced dimples all over the surface of the dough. Then, drop spoonfuls of your favorite jam into each dimple.
6- Bake the Jam Donut Focaccia at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Jam Donut Focaccia is all in the proofing and shaping. Make sure to let the dough rise for the full hour to develop that light, airy texture. And when it comes to adding the jam, be careful not to overfill the dimples – you want just enough to create those pockets of flavor, without the jam seeping out and burning.
Serving and Storing Your Jam Donut Focaccia
Perfect Pairings for Jam Donut Focaccia
Jam Donut Focaccia makes a delightful breakfast or brunch item, especially when served alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a refreshing mimosa. It also makes a wonderful afternoon snack or light dessert. For a heartier meal, try serving it alongside a fresh salad or a bowl of soup.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Jam Donut Focaccia will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days, stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze the baked and cooled focaccia for up to 2 months. Simply thaw it at room temperature before serving. And if you want to get a head start, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance, storing it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Jam Donut Focaccia
Creative Jam Donut Focaccia Variations
While the classic raspberry and strawberry combo is hard to beat, you can get creative with the jam flavors in this Jam Donut Focaccia. Try using apricot, blackberry, or even a spicy pepper jelly for a unique twist. You can also experiment with different shapes, cutting the focaccia into squares, triangles, or even round slices.
Making Jam Donut Focaccia Diet-Friendly
For a gluten-free version of this Jam Donut Focaccia, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. And if you’re looking to reduce the carbs, you can use a low-carb or keto-friendly jam. The possibilities are endless when it comes to making this recipe work for your dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of jam in this Jam Donut Focaccia recipe?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with any flavor of jam that you love. Just make sure it’s not too thin or runny, so it holds its shape during baking.
Q: How do I know when the Jam Donut Focaccia is done baking?
A: The focaccia should be golden brown on top and the jam should be bubbly. You can also do the toothpick test – insert a toothpick into the center, and it should come out clean.
Q: Can I make the Jam Donut Focaccia dough in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake.
Q: How many people does this Jam Donut Focaccia recipe serve?
A: This recipe will yield one 9×13-inch pan of Jam Donut Focaccia, which can serve 8-10 people as a breakfast or brunch item.
Q: What should I do if the jam starts to ooze out during baking?
A: If you notice the jam starting to leak out, simply use a spoon to gently push it back into the dimples in the dough. The focaccia should contain the jam as it bakes.
Jam Donut Focaccia
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 8
Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of sweet jam and fluffy, pillowy focaccia with this easy-to-make Jam Donut Focaccia recipe. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat any time of day.
Ingredients
– 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1 cup (240ml) warm water
– 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
– 1/2 cup (120ml) jam of your choice
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast. Add the warm water and olive oil, and knead the dough until it forms a smooth, elastic ball, about 5-7 minutes.
2. 2. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
3. 3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. 4. Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
5. 5. Use your fingers to press each ball into a flat circle, creating a shallow pocket in the center. Fill the pocket with 1-2 tablespoons of jam.
6. 6. Arrange the filled dough circles on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown.
7. 7. Remove from the oven and dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For a flavor twist, try using different types of jam, such as strawberry, raspberry, or apricot. You can also sprinkle the tops with a pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about biting into a warm, pillowy square of Jam Donut Focaccia. The combination of soft, yeasted dough and sweet, fruity jam is absolutely irresistible. I know this recipe is going to become a new family favorite in your household, just as it has in mine. So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and get baking!
