Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia

You know, there’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house. I’ll never forget the first time I made Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia. It was one of those rainy Sunday afternoons when you just want to cozy up in the kitchen and create something delicious. I had a jar of raspberry preserves sitting in my pantry, and on a whim, I decided to experiment. The moment I pulled that golden focaccia out of the oven, glistening with a sweet glaze, I knew I had stumbled upon a keeper. It was the perfect rainy-day treat and a delightful twist on the classic.

This recipe brings together the best of both worlds — the fluffy texture of focaccia and the sweetness of jam-filled donuts. It’s great for special occasions like brunches or gatherings, but honestly, it’s fantastic any day of the week. Every bite is a little burst of nostalgia, reminding me of the simpler times when desserts were all about sharing and enjoying together. So, let’s dive in and make some Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia that’ll have your family asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love "Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia"

• Quick prep time of just 15 minutes, perfect for busy days.
• Minimal ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
• Family-friendly and sure to delight kids and adults alike.
• Can be easily customized with different fruit preserves or glazes.
• Freezer-friendly, so you can enjoy it later on those "I need a treat" days.
• Great for sharing at gatherings or brunches, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 ¾ cups warm water (105-115°F) - this will help activate the yeast.
• 2 teaspoon sugar - helps to feed the yeast and give a slight sweetness.
• 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 ¼ tsp) - make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.
• 2 cups bread flour - gives that lovely chewy texture.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour - a perfect balance for softness.
• 2 teaspoon salt - don’t skip this; it enhances all the flavors!
• 6 tablespoon olive oil, divided - use good quality for the best taste.
• 1 jar raspberry preserves (Bonne Maman or similar) - feel free to choose your favorite fruit preserves!
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar - for the sweet glaze that brings everything together.
• 2-4 tablespoon whole milk (or as needed for consistency) - adjust for the right glaze texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough

1. In a medium bowl, combine 1 ¾ cups of warm water, 2 teaspoons of sugar, and 1 packet of active dry yeast. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is alive and kicking!
2. Once the yeast is frothy, 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.
3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for 8-10 minutes. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic. Don’t worry if it feels a little sticky at first; just add a sprinkle of flour as needed while kneading.

Let the Dough Rise

1. Once your dough is kneaded, place it in a greased bowl. Make sure to turn it around in the bowl so it gets coated with oil. This keeps it from sticking to the sides.
2. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. I love to put it in the oven with just the light on; it creates the coziest little environment for the dough!

Shape and Fill the Dough

1. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air. This is my favorite part — it feels so satisfying!
2. Transfer the dough onto a greased baking sheet. Using your fingers, gently spread it out to fit the shape of the pan. You can make it as thick or thin as you like.
3. With your fingers, press down to create little indentations all over the surface of the dough. This is where the raspberry preserves will go, so don’t be shy!
4. Fill each indentation with a generous dollop of raspberry preserves. You want to make sure each bite has that sweet jammy goodness.
5. Cover the focaccia with a towel again and let it rise for another 30 minutes. This ensures it stays fluffy and puffy.

Bake the Focaccia

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature for creating a gorgeous golden crust!
2. Once the focaccia has risen, pop it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until it’s beautifully golden brown. Keep an eye on it, as ovens can vary!

Glaze the Focaccia

1. While the focaccia is baking, make your glaze by mixing 2 cups of confectioners' sugar with 2-4 tablespoons of whole milk. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more until you reach a drizzly consistency that you love.
2. Once the focaccia is out of the oven and has cooled for about 10 minutes, drizzle that sweet glaze all over the top. It’s going to look so irresistible; I can hardly contain my excitement!

Variations

• Swap raspberry preserves for your favorite fruit jam, like strawberry or apricot, for a different twist.
• Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a cozy flavor boost.
• Try a dairy-free glaze using almond milk and powdered sugar.
• For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the wheat flours.
• Top with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt before baking for a sweet and salty combo.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

Cut the Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia into squares or wedges and serve warm for that melt-in-your-mouth experience. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for brunch. You can also sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for a pretty finish!

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Just let it thaw at room temperature before enjoying again!

Helpful Notes

• If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as you knead.
• For a fun twist, add chocolate chips along with the raspberry preserves.
• Use almond milk in the glaze for a dairy-free option.
• Feel free to substitute the raspberry preserves with any fruit jam you love.
• This recipe can be made vegan by using a plant-based milk in the glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia?

Yes, you can freeze the focaccia! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it at room temperature or pop it in the oven for a quick reheat.

What can I use instead of raspberry preserves?

You can absolutely swap raspberry preserves for other fruit jams or preserves! Strawberry, apricot, or even blueberry would work wonderfully. Just choose your favorite flavor, and it’ll be delicious!

How long does the focaccia last?

Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. After that, it’s best to freeze any leftovers to keep it from going stale.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, my friends! Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia is not just a recipe; it’s an experience filled with warmth, sweetness, and a little bit of nostalgia. I hope you feel inspired to roll up your sleeves and give this delightful treat a try. Whether it’s for a special brunch or a cozy evening at home, I promise this focaccia will bring smiles and happy memories to your table. So gather your ingredients, unleash your inner baker, and let the delicious aromas fill your home. You’ve got this, and I can’t wait to hear how it turns out!

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