Growing up, my grandma’s homemade Jam Donut Focaccia was the centerpiece of every holiday gathering. I can still smell the buttery yeast dough and sweet jam wafting through her cozy kitchen as she carefully arranged the golden squares on a big platter. Grandma would always save the best piece for me – the one with the thickest layer of raspberry preserves peeking through the soft, pillowy dough. It was pure heaven, and I’d savor every bite, licking the sticky sweetness from my fingers.
As an adult, I’ve tried countless Jam Donut Focaccia recipes, but none have ever come close to capturing the magic of Grandma’s. That is, until I developed this foolproof technique that delivers the same melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible flavors every single time. This Jam Donut Focaccia is guaranteed to become your new go-to – it’s just that good!
Why This Jam Donut Focaccia Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Jam Donut Focaccia
The secret to this Jam Donut Focaccia lies in the unique method of layering the dough and jam. By creating multiple thin layers instead of just one thick one, you end up with pockets of sweet, fruity goodness throughout the bread. It’s like getting a little bite-sized jam donut in every slice! The soft, fluffy focaccia base also provides the perfect canvas for the bold fruit flavors to shine. Plus, the crisp, golden edges and generous sprinkle of powdered sugar on top take this recipe over the top.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this heavenly Jam Donut Focaccia, you’ll need a handful of simple pantry staples:
- Warm water – This helps activate the yeast and create a soft, airy dough.
- Active dry yeast – The key to getting that perfect focaccia rise.
- All-purpose flour – The foundation of the dough.
- Granulated sugar – Just a touch adds a subtle sweetness.
- Salt – Balances out the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Unsalted butter – Gives the dough a rich, tender texture.
- Egg – Adds structure and a beautiful golden color.
- Jam – Use your favorite flavor, like raspberry, strawberry, or blackberry.
- Powdered sugar – For a final dusting of sweetness.
Step-by-Step Jam Donut Focaccia Instructions
Preparing Your Jam Donut Focaccia
This Jam Donut Focaccia is surprisingly easy to make, with just a bit of hands-on prep time and a little bit of patience as the dough rises. In total, you’re looking at about 2 hours from start to finish, with most of that being hands-off proofing time. You’ll need a 9×13 inch baking pan, a rolling pin, and a pastry brush to bring this recipe to life.
1- Start by activating the yeast in warm water and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
2- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Use a wooden spoon to mix everything together until a shaggy dough forms.
3- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. 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, then roll it out into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches. Spread the jam evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
5- Carefully roll up the dough from the short side, jelly roll style, then slice the log into 12 even pieces. Arrange the slices cut-side up in the prepared baking pan, spacing them apart.
6- Cover the pan and let the Jam Donut Focaccia rise for another 30 minutes. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Jam Donut Focaccia turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best rise and texture.
- Don’t overfill the pan – leave a bit of space between the rolls for even baking.
- Keep a close eye on the Jam Donut Focaccia in the oven to prevent over-browning.
- For a shiny, crisp top, brush the dough with a beaten egg before baking.
- Adjust the baking time as needed if your oven runs hot or cool.
Serving and Storing Your Jam Donut Focaccia
Perfect Pairings for Jam Donut Focaccia
This Jam Donut Focaccia is the ultimate crowd-pleasing treat, perfect for serving at brunch, dessert, or as a sweet snack. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and I also love it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. If you’re hosting a special event, the Jam Donut Focaccia would make a stunning centerpiece on your buffet table.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Jam Donut Focaccia will stay fresh for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze the baked and cooled focaccia for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply place the frozen squares in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the dough and assemble the rolls a day in advance, then let the second rise happen right before baking.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Jam Donut Focaccia
Creative Jam Donut Focaccia Variations
While the classic raspberry jam filling is hard to beat, feel free to get creative with different flavors. Try using strawberry, blackberry, or even a citrus marmalade for a bright twist. You could also layer a stripe of Nutella or peanut butter in the center for a fun fusion treat. For the holiday season, a spoonful of cranberry sauce or apple butter would be absolutely delicious.
Making Jam Donut Focaccia Diet-Friendly
To make this Jam Donut Focaccia suitable for gluten-free, vegan, or low-carb diets, a few simple substitutions will do the trick. For a gluten-free version, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Swap the egg for a flax or chia egg, and use your favorite plant-based butter alternative. To keep it low-carb, you can use a keto-friendly sweetener and sugar-free jam filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of jam in this Jam Donut Focaccia recipe?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite jam flavor, such as strawberry, blackberry, or even a citrus marmalade. The key is to make sure the jam is not too runny, as that can make the focaccia soggy.
Q: How do I know when the Jam Donut Focaccia is done baking?
A: The focaccia is ready when the top is golden brown and the edges are crisp. You can also do the toothpick test – insert a toothpick into the center, and it should come out clean when the focaccia is fully baked.
Q: Can I make the Jam Donut Focaccia ahead of time?
A: Yes, this recipe is great for make-ahead convenience. You can prepare the dough and assemble the rolls a day in advance, then let the second rise happen right before baking. Baked Jam Donut Focaccia also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Q: How do I prevent the Jam Donut Focaccia from becoming soggy?
A: To avoid a soggy focaccia, be sure to use a high-quality, thicker jam that won’t release too much moisture. You can also try dusting the dough with a light coating of flour before adding the jam. And be sure not to overfill the pan, as that can lead to uneven baking.
Jam Donut Focaccia
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Introducing the irresistible Jam Donut Focaccia – a delightful fusion of soft, pillowy focaccia and sweet, jam-filled donut bites. This easy-to-make recipe combines the best of both worlds, creating a decadent and indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
– 1 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 1 cup your favorite jam (such as strawberry or raspberry)
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Add the warm water and melted butter, and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
2. 2. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
3. 3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. 4. Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Roll or press the dough into a rectangular shape, about 1/2 inch thick.
5. 5. Using a fork or your fingers, make indents all over the surface of the dough, creating small wells.
6. 6. Spoon a small amount of jam into each well, being careful not to overfill.
7. 7. Bake the focaccia at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
8. 8. Remove from the oven and immediately dust the top with powdered sugar.
9. 9. Serve the Jam Donut Focaccia warm, with any extra jam on the side for dipping.
Notes
– Experiment with different jam flavors to find your favorite combination.
– For a more uniform appearance, you can cut the focaccia into squares or rectangles after baking.
– Store any leftover Jam Donut Focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Jam Donut Focaccia is an absolute showstopper that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With its soft, pillowy texture and pockets of sweet, fruity goodness, it’s the perfect balance of breakfast and dessert in every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or enjoying it as an indulgent weekend treat, this recipe is guaranteed to delight. So what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and whip up a batch of this irresistible Jam Donut Focaccia today!
