This Simple Jam Donut Focaccia is a delightful recipe that marries the soft, pillowy texture of focaccia bread with the sweet joy of a classic raspberry jam donut. It’s an easy, homemade treat perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet snack, topped with a lovely sugar glaze. Get ready for a new family favorite!
My sister, Jennifer, has a legendary sweet tooth. One Saturday, she wanted donuts but not the fuss of frying. So, we created this instead. The kitchen filled with the warm scent of baking bread and raspberry jam, a memory of her joyful, creative spirit I’ll always cherish.
What Makes This Recipe So Special
- Flavor Profile: Tastes just like a classic jelly donut, with sweet raspberry jam and a simple vanilla glaze.
- Texture: The focaccia bread is incredibly soft, light, and airy.
- Ease of Baking: This is a straightforward baking project, perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
- Occasion: Ideal for a special breakfast, brunch gatherings, or as a delightful dessert.
- Shareable: Baked in a pan, it’s easy to slice and share with loved ones.
Gathering Your Ingredients
For the Focaccia Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Topping & Filling:
- 1/4 cup raspberry jam (or any favorite jam)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (adjust for consistency)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
A Few of My Trusted Kitchen Helpers
A Sturdy 9×13 Inch Baking Pan
A good pan bakes everything so evenly, ensuring your focaccia is perfectly golden all the way through.
My Go-To Large Mixing Bowl
You need a nice, roomy bowl to give the dough plenty of space to rise and grow.
Bringing It All to Life, Step by Step
That First, Hopeful Stir
In your big bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Pour in the warm milk and melted butter, mixing until a sticky dough forms. This humble beginning is where the magic starts.
Kneading Warmth into the Dough
On a lightly floured countertop, knead the dough for 6–8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Tuck it into a greased bowl, cover it, and let it dream in a warm spot for an hour until it’s doubled.
Creating Little Nooks for the Jam
Gently press the pillowy dough into your parchment-lined baking pan. With your fingertips, press down to make little dimples across the surface, each one a promise of something delicious.
Tucking in the Sweet Surprise
Spoon little dollops of raspberry jam right into the dimples you made. Let the dough rest, covered, for another 20 minutes. It’s a quiet moment before the oven’s warmth.
A Sprinkle of Cinnamon-Sugar Kindness
Mix the cinnamon and sugar together and sprinkle it over the dough. It’s this touch that truly whispers “donut” and fills the air with the most wonderful aroma as it bakes.
Baking to a Golden Glow
Slide it into your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 22–25 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful, puffed-up, golden-brown top that sings of warmth and comfort.
The Final Drizzle of Sweetness
Let it cool just a bit, about 10 minutes. While you wait, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle this sweet glaze all over the warm focaccia and watch it settle into every curve.
A Gentle Note on Nutrition
Please remember that these nutritional values are just a heartfelt estimate. They can change depending on the exact ingredients you use and how you slice your delicious creation.
For a Slightly Healthier Hug
- A Touch of Whole Wheat: Swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to add a lovely, nutty depth and a bit more fiber.
- Nature’s Sweetness: Choose a jam that’s sweetened only with fruit to let the natural raspberry flavor shine through without the extra sugar.
- A Whisper of Glaze: If you prefer things less sweet, you can skip the glaze entirely and opt for a simple, elegant dusting of powdered sugar instead.
How We Love to Enjoy It
- With a Morning Cup: There’s nothing better than a warm slice alongside a steaming mug of coffee or tea to start the day.
- The Star of the Brunch Table: Place this beauty on a wooden board at your next brunch gathering; it’s a lovely, shareable centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in.
- A Sweet End to the Day: For a truly decadent treat, warm up a slice and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top.
A Few Secrets from My Recipe Box
- On the Warmth of Your Milk: The milk should feel like a warm bath, not too hot, not too cold. This is the secret to waking up the yeast gently so it can do its work.
- A Light Hand with the Jam: As tempting as it is, be careful not to add too much jam. Just a little dollop in each dimple is enough to create sweet pockets without weighing down the dough.
- The Virtue of Patience: Letting the dough rise fully is the most important step for that light, airy texture we all love. Don’t rush it; good things take time.
Keeping the Freshness In
Store any leftovers in an airtight container on the counter for up to 3 days. It also freezes beautifully. Just wrap individual slices tightly, and they’ll be ready to be gently reheated in the oven for a quick treat later on.
From My Hearth to Yours
Baking is a way of sharing love without saying a word. I truly hope this recipe brings a little piece of my family’s warmth into your home. May it be the start of new traditions and sweet memories for you and the ones you cherish.
Your Curiosities, Answered
Could another jam find a home here?
Of course! This recipe would be just as lovely with strawberry, apricot, or even a tart cherry jam. Use whichever one makes your heart sing.
Can I get a head start on the dough?
You certainly can. You can let the dough do its first rise slowly overnight in the refrigerator. Just remember to let it rest on the counter for about 30 minutes to wake up before you shape it.
What if my glaze isn’t quite right?
It’s an easy fix! If it feels too thick, add milk drop by drop until it’s perfect for drizzling. If it’s too thin, a little extra powdered sugar will thicken it right up.
Print
Simple Jam Donut Focaccia
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 focaccia (8 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Simple Jam Donut Focaccia combines the soft, airy texture of focaccia bread with the sweet joy of raspberry jam and a light vanilla glaze—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup raspberry jam
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Whisk together flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm milk and melted butter, mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let rise in a greased bowl for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Press dough into a parchment-lined 9×13 inch pan. Dimple the surface with fingertips.
- Spoon small dollops of raspberry jam into the dimples. Let rest 20 minutes.
- Combine cinnamon and sugar; sprinkle evenly over dough.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 22–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool for 10 minutes. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, then drizzle glaze over the warm focaccia.
Notes
For variety, use strawberry, apricot, or cherry jam. Letting the dough rise fully ensures a soft, airy texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for later enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: focaccia, jam donut, raspberry, sweet bread, breakfast, dessert