The aroma of warm bread baking fills the kitchen, instantly transporting me back to childhood memories of cozy Sunday mornings. Get ready to elevate your brunch game with this Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam, a delightful blend of plush, chewy dough and the tangy kick of sweet raspberries. Not only is this homemade treat a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, but it also comes together surprisingly quickly, making it perfect for even the busiest of weekends. Imagine slicing into a golden loaf, where vibrant jam oozes from the tender crevices, each bite reminiscent of your favorite jelly-filled donut. Are you ready to discover the joy of baking your own bread while indulging in exquisite flavors? Let’s dive in!
Why is This Focaccia So Irresistible?
Easy to Make: This recipe invites you to embrace your inner baker, with simple steps that yield stunning results.
Heavenly Aroma: The tantalizing smell of baking focaccia will fill your home, instantly warming hearts and creating nostalgia.
Unique Sweetness: The combination of chewy dough and tangy raspberry jam creates a sweet and savory experience that’s sure to impress.
Perfect Brunch Treat: Whether you’re hosting a lavish brunch or enjoying a quiet morning, this focaccia pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.
Crowd-Pleaser: Its beautiful presentation and delightful flavors make it a guaranteed conversation starter at any gathering.
You’ll love crafting this delightful bread as much as savoring it—try it alongside Savory Chicken Sauce for a balanced brunch spread!
Focaccia with Raspberry Jam Ingredients
• Gather the essential ingredients to create this delightful Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam that will elevate your brunch game!
For the Dough
- Warm water (105-115°F) – Activates yeast for dough rise; filtered water is best to ensure freshness.
- Sugar – Helps activate yeast and adds sweetness; honey or agave syrup can replace it if desired.
- Active dry yeast – Leavening agent that creates a rise in dough; instant yeast can speed up the process.
- Bread flour – Provides structure and chewiness; all-purpose flour can be used but may yield a softer texture.
- All-purpose flour – Complements bread flour for a balanced dough; feel free to use more bread flour if you prefer.
- Salt – Enhances flavor and strengthens gluten structure; fine sea salt dissolves better for even flavor distribution.
- Olive oil (divided) – Adds flavor and moisture while helping create a crust; can substitute with canola or avocado oil if needed.
For the Sweet Layer
- Raspberry jam – Provides sweetness and fruity flavor swirls; any preferred jam can be substituted for a personal twist.
For the Icing
- Powdered sugar – Essential for creating a glaze that adds sweetness; no substitutions recommended as it’s crucial for texture.
- Milk – Adjusts the icing consistency for desired thickness; any milk type (whole, almond) can be used based on your preference.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
In a small bowl, combine warm water (105-115°F) and sugar, whisking until fully dissolved. Add the active dry yeast to the mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes until it’s frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is activated. This yeast mixture is the foundation for your sweet focaccia’s rise.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Gradually pour in the activated yeast mixture, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to bring the ingredients together, ensuring everything is well incorporated for a deliciously chewy texture in the finished focaccia.
Step 3: First Rise
Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning it to coat all sides in oil. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until it has doubled in size. This first rise is crucial to achieve the perfect fluffiness in your Sweet Focaccia.
Step 4: Transfer Dough to Pan
After the dough has risen, pour a generous amount of olive oil into a 9×13 metal pan, swirling it around to coat the surface. Gently transfer the airy dough into the pan, folding it lightly to ensure it’s coated in the oil. Let the dough rise again for another hour, allowing it to relax and expand beautifully.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
With about 15 minutes left of the second rise, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature will create the perfect crust on your sweet focaccia, resulting in a golden-brown exterior. As you wait, prepare for the fun part of adding the flavorful raspberry jam.
Step 6: Add the Raspberry Jam
Once the dough has risen, use your fingers to poke deep holes evenly across the surface, making sure to celebrate that fluffy texture. Carefully spread the raspberry jam into the holes, allowing it to settle and mingle with the dough. The vibrant jam will seep into every nook, creating a sweet sensation in your focaccia.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it as it bakes; the aroma of your Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam will create an irresistible atmosphere in your kitchen.
Step 8: Enhance the Sweetness
Once baked, remove the focaccia from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Use a straw or the end of a wooden spoon to poke additional holes and fill them with more raspberry jam, creating a gooey center that’ll delight anyone who gets a slice.
Step 9: Prepare the Icing
While your focaccia is cooling, mix together powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until you achieve your desired icing consistency. You want it thick enough to hold on the focaccia but pourable enough to drizzle beautifully on top.
Step 10: Ice and Serve
Once the focaccia is cool enough to handle, drizzle the icing generously over the top and, if desired, the bottom. Slice into generous squares and serve your warm Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam as a delightful treat any time of day.
Make Ahead Options
Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam is perfect for those looking to save time during busy weekends! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix the dough as directed and let it rise, then place it in the refrigerator instead of a warm area. The cold environment will slow down the fermentation but still yield a beautifully soft bread. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and adding the raspberry jam. This method ensures you’ll have fresh, warm focaccia whenever you want, without compromising on flavor or quality!
Variations & Substitutions for Focaccia with Raspberry Jam
Feel free to explore these fun twists on the classic recipe, adding layers of flavor and excitement to your baking experience!
-
Different Jam: Substitute raspberry jam with any other fruit jam like strawberry, blueberry, or peach for a unique flavor profile. Each fruit brings its own sweetness and vibrance to the focaccia, making it a delightful surprise with every bite.
-
Savory Version: Replace jam with a layer of pesto or a mix of fresh herbs and olive oil for a savory focaccia twist. This creates a beautiful balance of flavors, especially when served alongside dishes like Lasagna Shrimp Crab for a distinctive meal option.
-
Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough for an extra crunch. The nutty texture complements the soft bread and fruity accents perfectly, making each slice even more satisfying.
-
Zesty Citrus: Incorporate a touch of lemon or orange zest into the dough for a refreshing hint of citrus. The zesty flavor harmonizes beautifully with the sweetness of the jam, giving a bright finish to your focaccia.
-
Herb Infusion: Add fresh rosemary or thyme into your dough for a fragrant herbal note. The herbal aroma infuses the bread as it bakes, enhancing its overall flavor profile, and pairs superbly with a range of jams and spreads.
-
Extra Sweetness: Drizzle honey or a maple syrup glaze over the warm focaccia post-baking for an added layer of sweetness. This creates an indulgent treat that’s reminiscent of a delightful breakfast pastry, perfect for serving at brunch gatherings.
-
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose and bread flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. Be sure to add a binding agent like xanthan gum if your flour blend doesn’t include it, ensuring a well-structured dough.
Don’t hesitate to experiment, as every tweak can turn your Sweet Focaccia into a new favorite of its own! Pair your creation with warm drinks or alongside hearty dishes, just like the Ube Scones Ube for a delightful treat any time of day.
What to Serve with Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam
Set the stage for an unforgettable brunch by pairing this Sweet Focaccia with delightful side dishes that elevate every bite into a truly magical experience.
-
Creamy Ricotta: The smoothness of ricotta adds a rich, creamy contrast that beautifully complements the sweetness of the focaccia. Spread it on warm slices for a luxurious touch.
-
Fresh Berries: A medley of strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries creates a refreshing contrast, making every bite feel light and invigorating. These berries echo the flavor of the raspberry jam, enhancing the fruity experience.
-
Honey Yogurt: Drizzle honey over a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy, sweet addition. The acidity balances the sweetness of the bread, providing a well-rounded flavor.
-
Citrus Salad: A vibrant citrus salad with oranges and grapefruits adds zing and freshness, invigorating the palate after the sweetness of the focaccia. The bright colors are inviting and perfect for a brunch spread.
-
Pistachio Crumbles: Sprinkle finely chopped pistachios for an added crunch and nutty flavor. They enhance the texture, creating a delightful contrast to the soft focaccia.
-
Herbal Tea or Coffee: Brew a pot of chamomile or a rich coffee. The warm beverages enhance the sweetness and make each bite more comforting, perfect for a relaxing brunch atmosphere.
Expert Tips for Focaccia with Raspberry Jam
- Check Your Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh. It should foam in warm water; if not, start over for better results.
- Don’t Rush the Rises: Allow ample time for the dough to rise at each stage; this is crucial for achieving the perfect fluffy texture in your focaccia.
- Use Plenty of Oil: Generously oil your pan and dough to keep the focaccia moist and help create that lovely crust.
- Jam Placement: Poke deep holes to keep the raspberry jam from bubbling over as it bakes; this will enhance flavor absorption into the dough.
- Serve Warm: Focaccia with Raspberry Jam is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for that dreamy, gooey experience.
How to Store and Freeze Focaccia with Raspberry Jam
Room Temperature: Store unused focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the bread soft and flavorful.
Fridge: If you want to extend freshness, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. However, this may affect the texture, making it less fluffy.
Freezer: For long-term storage, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, simply place the slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through. This method restores the focaccia’s soft, chewy texture, making it a delightful treat once again!
Focaccia with Raspberry Jam Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my ingredients are ripe or of good quality?
Absolutely! When selecting raspberries for your focaccia, look for berries that are bright, plump, and free from dark spots. A deep color and a fragrant scent indicate ripeness. If you’re using jam, choose high-quality brands that list fruit as the first ingredient for the best flavor.
What’s the best way to store Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam?
I recommend storing the focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its delightful texture. If you have leftovers and want to keep them longer, refrigerating is an option, but it might alter its fluffy consistency.
Can I freeze Focaccia with Raspberry Jam?
Certainly! To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
Very! If your focaccia dough isn’t rising as expected, it could be due to inactive yeast. Check if your yeast is fresh by mixing it with warm water and sugar—if it doesn’t foam within 5 minutes, it’s time to get new yeast. Also, ensure your rising environment is warm enough; you can create this by placing the dough in a turned-off oven or near a warm stove.
Is this recipe pet-friendly or allergy-sensitive?
The ingredients in Focaccia with Raspberry Jam are generally safe for humans, but not for pets, especially due to the sugar and jam components. If you’re concerned about allergens, always double-check labels on the jam and other ingredients for potential allergens like gluten or dairy.
Can I substitute the raspberry jam with other types?
Absolutely! Other fruit jams like strawberry, blueberry, or even peach work beautifully in this recipe. Just follow the same method for spreading the jam into the dough’s holes, and you’ll have a delightful variation.
Heavenly Focaccia with Raspberry Jam – Your New Brunch Obsession
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, combine warm water (105-115°F) and sugar, whisking until fully dissolved. Add active dry yeast and let sit for 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Gradually pour in the activated yeast mixture, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
- Lightly oil a large bowl, place dough inside, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Pour olive oil into a 9x13 pan, swirl to coat. Transfer dough into pan, folding it lightly. Let rise for another hour.
- Preheat oven to 425°F with 15 minutes left of the second rise.
- Poke holes in the risen dough and spread raspberry jam into the holes.
- Bake in preheated oven for 18-22 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven, poke additional holes and fill them with more raspberry jam.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk until desired icing consistency. Drizzle icing over the cooled focaccia.
- Slice into squares and serve warm.
Leave a Reply