I remember Sunday mornings at my grandmother’s house. The aroma of baking bread always filled the air. She’d whip up the most incredible focaccia – salty, olive-oil soaked, and perfect for dipping in balsamic vinegar. But one day, she got a little playful. She drizzled the dough with honey, sprinkled it with toasted almonds, and dolloped generous spoonfuls of raspberry jam on top before baking. It was a revelation! That’s how the idea for this Simple Jam Donut Focaccia was born, a delightful fusion of savory focaccia dough and the sweet indulgence of jam-filled donuts. It’s easier to make than either individually, and the result is truly magical.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t your typical complicated baking project. Forget fussy techniques and endless ingredient lists. This Simple Jam Donut Focaccia is all about approachable deliciousness. Here’s why you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again:
- Unexpectedly Delicious: The combination of the chewy, savory focaccia and the fruity sweetness of jam is utterly addictive.
- Super Easy: Seriously! It’s a beginner-friendly recipe that comes together in about an hour.
- Customizable: Don’t love raspberry jam? Use strawberry, apricot, or even fig! (More on that later!)
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Brunch, dessert, a unique afternoon snack… this focaccia shines in any setting.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s guaranteed to disappear quickly, especially among kids (and let’s be honest, adults too!).
The Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s get practical. Here’s what you’ll need to create your own Simple Jam Donut Focaccia:
For the Focaccia Dough:
- 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp dry active yeast
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) lukewarm water (around 110°F / 43°C)
- ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing
For the Topping & Jam Filling:
- ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- 1 tsp coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
- 1 cup (approx. 200g) of your favorite jam (raspberry, strawberry, apricot, fig – all work beautifully!)
- Optional: Toasted sliced almonds, chopped pistachios, or sesame seeds for garnish
Let’s Bake: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, let’s get to the fun part! Here’s how to bring this Simple Jam Donut Focaccia to life:
1. Bloom the Yeast:
- In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm water and yeast.
- Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes foamy. This means the yeast is alive and kicking!
2. Make the Dough:
- Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture.
- Mix well with a wooden spoon (or your hands) until a shaggy dough forms.
- Add ¼ cup of olive oil and continue kneading for 5-7 minutes. The dough will be slightly sticky – that’s perfect!
- If the dough is too wet, add flour a tablespoon at a time.
3. First Rise:
- Grease a large bowl with olive oil.
- Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat with oil.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel.
- Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape and Second Rise:
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with olive oil.
- Gently punch down the dough to release the air.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan.
- Use your fingertips to gently stretch and press the dough to fill the pan. Don’t worry if it doesn’t reach the corners perfectly.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a damp towel again.
- Let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
5. Create the Donut & Jam Design:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Use your fingertips to press several deep wells (donut holes!) into the dough. Space them about 2-3 inches apart.
- Spoon a generous dollop of jam into each well. Don’t be shy!
6. Bake it to Golden Perfection:
- Drizzle the entire focaccia with the remaining ¼ cup of olive oil.
- Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- If desired, sprinkle with toasted almonds, pistachios, or sesame seeds.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and cooked through. The jam will be bubbling – that’s a good sign!
7. Cool and Enjoy!
- Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan before slicing and serving.
Tips, Variations, & Serving Suggestions
Want to elevate your Simple Jam Donut Focaccia even further? Here are a few ideas:
- Jam Variations: Experiment with different jams! Blackberry, blueberry, or even a spicy chili jam would be delicious.
- Herb Infusion: Add a tablespoon of dried rosemary or thyme to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Grate the zest of a lemon or orange into the dough for a bright, zesty twist.
- Sweet & Savory Combo: Drizzle the baked focaccia with a balsamic glaze after it’s cooled for a delightful sweet and savory contrast.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of chilled milk. It’s also wonderful as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Protein: 8-10g
(Note: These values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.)
Your New Favorite Treat Awaits!
This Simple Jam Donut Focaccia is a delightful creation that’s sure to impress. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and indulgence, and incredibly easy to make. Don’t be intimidated by the name – this recipe is foolproof! So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience a truly unforgettable treat. We believe you’ll love it as much as we do. Happy baking!
