Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia

Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia is my favorite way to surprise breakfast guests with something they’ve never seen before. This ingenious fusion takes fluffy Italian focaccia and transforms it into a sweet, jammy treat that tastes like your favorite donut but with that signature airy focaccia texture.

I stumbled upon this recipe idea after making regular focaccia one weekend and thinking about how those dimples would be perfect for holding jam. The first time I pulled this beauty from the oven and dusted it with powdered sugar, my kids thought I’d brought home bakery donuts. This sweet focaccia bread combines the best of both worlds with minimal effort and no fancy equipment. The dough requires no kneading, and watching the jam bubble in those golden dimples while it bakes is pure kitchen magic.

What You Need for Jam Donut Focaccia

I always use instant yeast for this Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia because it activates quickly and delivers consistent results. Pro tip: Any jam flavor works beautifully here, but raspberry and strawberry create the most classic donut experience.

• 3 1/2 cups (500g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil, plus more for greasing
• 1/2 cup (120g) strawberry or raspberry jam
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Pro tip: The dough should feel very sticky when you first mix it. Resist the urge to add extra flour because that stickiness is what creates the light, airy texture in your finished focaccia.

How to Make Sweet Focaccia Bread

I recommend using your fingertips when creating the dimples because they make the perfect size pockets for holding jam without tearing the dough.

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 2: Add the warm water (around 100°F to 110°F) and 1/4 cup olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. The dough will look rough and wet at this stage, which is exactly what you want.

Step 3: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size. The dough should look puffy and full of air bubbles when properly risen.

Step 4: Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking sheet with olive oil, coating the bottom and sides. Transfer the risen dough to the prepared pan and gently stretch it to fit the shape of the pan. If the dough resists and springs back, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before stretching again. This relaxation time makes stretching much easier.

Step 5: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until noticeably puffy and almost doubled in thickness.

Step 6: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position a rack in the center of the oven.

Step 7: Drizzle a little more olive oil over the top of the risen dough. Use your fingertips to dimple the dough all over, pressing down firmly to create deep pockets. These dimples should go almost to the bottom of the pan for the best jam-holding capacity.

Step 8: Spoon small dollops of jam (about 1 teaspoon each) into the dimples across the dough. Don’t overfill or the jam will overflow during baking and burn on the pan.

Step 9: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the focaccia is golden brown on top and cooked through. The edges should be deeply golden and slightly crispy. You’ll see the jam bubbling in its little pockets.

Step 10: Let the Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This brief cooling prevents the bottom from getting soggy.

Step 11: Once completely cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar through a fine-mesh sieve. Slice and serve while still slightly warm for the best flavor and texture.

Pro tip: For an extra touch of flavor, add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the dough in step 2. This creates an even more donut-like experience.

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Jam Donut Focaccia

This sweet focaccia bread pairs wonderfully with beverages and makes a perfect addition to brunch spreads.

Hot Coffee or Espresso: The rich, bitter notes of coffee balance the sweetness of the jam and powdered sugar perfectly, just like classic donuts and coffee.

Chai Tea Latte: Warm spices in chai complement the sweet jam filling and create a cozy breakfast or snack pairing.

Fresh Orange Juice: Bright citrus cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing contrast to this indulgent treat.

Vanilla Greek Yogurt: Serve slices alongside creamy yogurt for a balanced breakfast that combines protein with your sweet focaccia.

More Delicious Baked Treats to Try

This Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia pairs beautifully with other sweet and savory baked goods. For more bread recipes with creative twists, try our fluffy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins or explore our collection of Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread for savory options.

When planning a brunch spread, serve this sweet focaccia alongside protein-packed options like our Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls for a balanced meal. For more breakfast inspiration, check out our comforting Pastina Soup Recipe or browse our complete collection of breakfast and brunch ideas.

Keeping Your Focaccia Fresh

Store your Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The texture is best when enjoyed on the day it’s made, as the focaccia will gradually lose its soft, fluffy quality.

To refresh day-old focaccia, warm individual slices in a 300°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes. This brings back some of the original texture and makes the jam slightly gooey again.

Pro tip: I recommend avoiding refrigeration because it makes the bread dry out faster. If you must store it longer, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and warm before serving.

Your Jam Donut Focaccia Questions Answered

Print