Delightful Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia

There's something about the aroma of freshly baked bread that transports me back to my childhood, where every Sunday morning was filled with warm, sweet treats. That's why I'm so excited to share my Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia recipe with you! It perfectly combines the soft, pillowy texture of focaccia with the delightful sweetness of jam, making it a treat that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.

This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a cozy family brunch or a special treat for friends. Imagine the smiles when you pull this beautiful focaccia from the oven, its golden top glistening with a sweet glaze. It's a fantastic way to celebrate the arrival of spring or simply to brighten a dreary afternoon. Trust me, once you taste it, you'll want to make it again and again!

Why You'll Love "Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia"

• Quick and easy prep - just 15 minutes to get started!
• Minimal ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
• Perfectly soft and fluffy texture that everyone will adore.
• Family-friendly and a fantastic way to get kids involved in the kitchen.
• Freezer-friendly - stash some away for a rainy day treat!
• Customizable with your favorite jam flavors for a personal touch.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Bread Dough

• 1 ¾ cups warm water (105-115°F)
• 2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 2 cups bread flour
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoon olive oil, divided

For the Filling

• 1 jar raspberry preserves (I love Bonne Maman for its rich flavor!)

For the Glaze

• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2-4 tablespoon whole milk (adjust as needed for consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ¾ cups of warm water, 2 teaspoons of sugar, and 1 packet of active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it gets all frothy and bubbly. This means your yeast is nice and happy!
2. Add in 2 cups of bread flour, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix everything together until a dough starts to form. Don't worry if it looks a bit shaggy at first; it'll come together!
3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. You might feel like a bread-making ninja at this point!
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This is when you can take a little break and dream about that sweet focaccia!

Shape and Fill the Focaccia

1. Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get that oven ready to bake your masterpiece!
2. After punching down the dough (yes, you can take out any frustrations here!), turn it out onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Gently spread the dough out with your hands to fit the sheet. Don't worry if it's not perfect; rustic is charming!
3. Use your fingers to make small indentations all over the dough. This is where the magic happens! Fill each indentation generously with raspberry preserves. You want a nice dollop that will melt into deliciousness.
4. Cover the focaccia with the kitchen towel again and let it rise for another 30 minutes. It's a little waiting game, but it will be worth it!

Bake the Focaccia

1. Once your focaccia has risen again, pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until it's golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, and you'll probably start dancing around a little!
2. When it's done, take it out of the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Don't rush this part - let those flavors settle in!
3. While it's cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing 2 cups of confectioners' sugar with enough whole milk (start with 2 tablespoons) until you reach a drizzling consistency. You want it smooth but not too runny.
4. Once the focaccia is cool, drizzle that sweet glaze all over the top. Now you're ready to slice and serve this delightful creation!

Variations

• Swap raspberry preserves for strawberry, apricot, or even lemon curd for a zesty twist.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor.
• For a dairy-free version, use almond milk in the glaze.
• Try incorporating chocolate chips into the filling for a sweet surprise.
• Make mini focaccias for individual servings, perfect for a party or picnic!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

Slice the focaccia into squares or wedges and serve warm for the best experience. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal afternoon treat. For a special touch, dust with extra confectioners' sugar before serving!

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze individual pieces wrapped in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore that fresh-baked texture.

Helpful Notes

• For a richer flavor, try using half whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour.
• If you're out of raspberry preserves, any fruit preserves or even Nutella work great!
• Feel free to add a pinch of salt to the glaze for a delightful sweet and salty contrast.
• For gluten-free options, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend and add a bit of xanthan gum.
• Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise - check the expiration date!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia?

Yes, you can freeze the focaccia! Once it has cooled completely, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!

What can I use instead of raspberry preserves?

If raspberry preserves aren’t your thing, no worries! You can use any fruit preserves you like, such as strawberry, apricot, or even blueberry. For a fun twist, try using lemon curd or Nutella for a chocolatey treat!

How should I reheat the focaccia?

To reheat your focaccia, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the focaccia on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This will help restore its deliciously soft texture. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia a try. It's one of those recipes that not only fills your home with mouthwatering aromas but also creates sweet memories around the table. Whether you're enjoying it on a lazy weekend morning or sharing it with friends at a gathering, it's bound to bring smiles and warm hearts. So roll up your sleeves, let your creativity shine, and enjoy the process! You've got this, and I can't wait for you to savor every delightful bite!