Freshly baked, warm from the oven, with a golden crust and a soft, pillowy interior – that’s the Jam Donut Focaccia I remember from my childhood. Growing up, my grandmother would make this heavenly creation every Sunday, and the smell would waft through the entire house, drawing me in like a magnet. I can still picture myself, as a little girl, eagerly waiting by the kitchen counter, watching her skillfully knead the dough and carefully swirl in the sweet jam.
As she’d pull the Jam Donut Focaccia from the oven, I’d practically dance with anticipation, knowing that first bite would be pure bliss. The contrast of the soft, pillowy bread and the bursts of fruity jam was nothing short of perfection. Even now, decades later, the memory of that first warm, gooey bite takes me right back to those cozy Sunday mornings in my grandmother’s kitchen.
Why This Jam Donut Focaccia Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
What makes this Jam Donut Focaccia recipe so special, you ask? It’s the perfect marriage of two beloved treats – the classic yeasted focaccia and the irresistible jam-filled doughnut. With its pillowy soft texture and pockets of sweet, fruity goodness, this recipe is a true showstopper that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
The Secret Behind Perfect Jam Donut Focaccia
The secret lies in the technique – we’ll be proofing the dough twice to ensure maximum rise and tenderness, and carefully layering the jam between the dough so that it bakes up into gooey, delicious pockets. Plus, the addition of a simple sugar glaze takes this Jam Donut Focaccia to the next level, creating a crisp, caramelized crust that’s simply irresistible.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Warm water: The perfect temperature is crucial for activating the yeast and getting a nice rise.
- Granulated sugar: This feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
- Active dry yeast: The workhorse that’ll make your Jam Donut Focaccia rise to new heights.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for our pillowy soft dough.
- Salt: To balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: For richness and a beautiful golden crust.
- Your favorite jam: Strawberry, raspberry, or even apricot – the choice is yours!
- Powdered sugar: For a sweet, glossy glaze that takes this Jam Donut Focaccia over the top.
Step-by-Step Jam Donut Focaccia Instructions
Preparing Your Jam Donut Focaccia
Ready to get baking? This Jam Donut Focaccia comes together in just a few simple steps, with a total time of around 2 hours from start to finish. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, and a rimmed baking sheet for the best results.
1- Start by proofing the yeast in warm water and sugar until bubbly and foamy, about 10 minutes.
2- In your stand mixer, combine the proofed yeast mixture with the flour and salt. Knead on medium speed until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
3- Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4- Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles, then roll it out into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
5- Spread your favorite jam evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
6- Roll up the dough jelly-roll style, then pinch the seam to seal. Transfer the rolled dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Jam Donut Focaccia turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:
- Make sure your yeast is fresh and active for the best rise.
- Don’t overwork the dough – you want to maintain those lovely air pockets.
- Experiment with different jams to find your personal favorite flavor pairing.
- Keep a close eye on the focaccia during the final bake to prevent over-browning.
Serving and Storing Your Jam Donut Focaccia
Perfect Pairings for Jam Donut Focaccia
This Jam Donut Focaccia is truly a showstopper on its own, but it also makes a fantastic accompaniment to your favorite brunch or tea time spread. Serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad, a steaming cup of coffee, or a glass of creamy hot chocolate for a truly indulgent treat.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Jam Donut Focaccia can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. You can also freeze the unbaked rolls for up to 3 months – just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Jam Donut Focaccia
Creative Jam Donut Focaccia Variations
Looking to mix things up? Try swapping the jam for a different fruit preserve, like apricot or blackberry. You could also get creative with the glaze, using a lemon or orange icing instead of the traditional powdered sugar. And for the ultimate indulgence, sprinkle a handful of chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon sugar over the top before baking.
Making Jam Donut Focaccia Diet-Friendly
To make this Jam Donut Focaccia recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, use plant-based milk and oil in place of the butter, and a fruit-sweetened jam. And for a lower-carb option, try using a keto-friendly sweetener and reducing the amount of jam.
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 your favorite jams or fruit preserves. Just make sure to spread the filling evenly over the dough to get those perfect pockets of sweetness.
Q: How long should I let the dough rise for this Jam Donut Focaccia?
A: The dough needs two rise periods – the first for 1 hour, and the second for 30 minutes after you’ve filled and rolled it. This double-proofing is essential for achieving that soft, pillowy texture.
Q: Can I make the Jam Donut Focaccia in advance?
A: Yes, you can! The unbaked rolls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.
Q: How many servings does this Jam Donut Focaccia recipe make?
A: This recipe yields one large focaccia, which can be sliced into 8-10 servings, depending on how you cut it.
Q: What do I do if the Jam Donut Focaccia is browning too quickly?
A: If the focaccia is browning too much on the top before the inside is fully cooked, simply cover it loosely with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Jam Donut Focaccia
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 12
Description
Indulge in the ultimate sweet and savory fusion with this irresistible Jam Donut Focaccia. Soft, pillowy focaccia is filled with pockets of sweet jam, creating a handheld treat that’s sure to become a new household favorite.
Ingredients
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1 cup warm milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 eggs
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup your favorite jam (strawberry, raspberry, or apricot work great)
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
1. – In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast. Create a well in the center and pour in the warm milk, sugar, and eggs. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
2. – Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. – Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. – Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. On a lightly floured surface, use your hands to gently stretch and shape the dough into a rectangle, about 1/2-inch thick.
5. – Spread the jam evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Carefully roll the dough up tightly, starting from the short side.
6. – Slice the dough roll into 1-inch pieces and arrange them, cut-side up, in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
7. – Preheat the oven to 375°F. Brush the tops of the rolls with the melted butter.
8. – Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the tops are golden brown. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.
Notes
For a deeper jam flavor, use a high-quality fruit preserve or jam. You can also experiment with different jam flavors to find your favorite. These rolls are best enjoyed the same day, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Snacks & Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the comforting, nostalgic flavors of Jam Donut Focaccia. This recipe is a true labor of love, but I promise the end result is well worth the effort. The soft, pillowy dough, the pockets of sweet jam, and the crisp, caramelized crust – it’s a flavor explosion in every bite. So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and get baking! And don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media. I can’t wait to see your Jam Donut Focaccia masterpieces.