I still remember the first time I made jam donut focaccia. It was a chilly Sunday morning, and I wanted something cozy and sweet but also a little different from the usual pastries. I’d seen a couple of nifty takes on this jam doughnut focaccia hybrid floating around online and decided to give it a whirl. The results? Absolutely wonderful—a warm, soft focaccia with pockets of fruity jam melting inside. It quickly became a staple for weekend breakfasts and casual gatherings with friends. What made it memorable wasn’t just the taste but the ease of making something so special using simple ingredients already in my pantry.
Jam donut focaccia fits right into my everyday cooking because it’s a hybrid between that familiar doughy jam doughnut and the rustic, pillowy charm of sweet Italian focaccia. This jam-filled focaccia is approachable and forgiving, perfect for home cooks wanting to impress without overcomplicating things. And honestly, once it’s in the oven, the smell alone has people gathering around, asking what you made. It’s that kind of dessert focaccia recipe that feels indulgent yet down-to-earth.
If you’re someone who loves the idea of fruit jam stuffed bread but also enjoys the rustic vibes of focaccia, then this jam donut focaccia recipe will charm you too. I’ve learned a few tips along the way to keep it light, flavorful, and reliably soft. If you’re after a new crowd-pleaser that’s just as good for a laid-back weekend snack as it is for a holiday breakfast spread, stick with me. This recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again, and I want to share all the kitchen wisdom that makes it work.
By the way, if you enjoy this jam donut focaccia, you might also like trying my butternut squash apple coffee cake, which brings warmth and sweetness in a different way. You can find the recipe here. I promise both are super friendly for home cooks and perfect when you want something special without fuss.
What You’ll Need:
For this jam donut focaccia, the ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (you can swap half with bread flour for a chewier texture)
- 2 tsp instant yeast (easy to find in the baking aisle)
- 1/3 cup sugar (gives that sweet note without being overpowering)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F; room temp works in a pinch)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted (soft but not hot)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup fruit jam of your choice (I love strawberry or raspberry for this jam-filled focaccia)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional but adds a nice finishing touch)
No problem if you don’t have milk—water with a touch of extra butter works fine for this jam donut focaccia. Same goes if you only have regular sugar; granulated is good, but I’ve also tried brown sugar for a deeper flavor. This jam-filled focaccia is affordable because most of these ingredients are kitchen staples.
Pro tip: I add a little extra butter to the dough than usual. It helps make the focaccia soft and rich, more like a classic jam doughnut texture. Also, having your fruit jam ready before making the dough keeps you organized, especially when it’s a busy day.
If you end up with extra jam, store it in the fridge—your fruit jam stuffed bread is likely a good excuse to use it up quickly! And for storing the jam donut focaccia itself, keep it wrapped tightly at room temp for two days or freeze for longer. Reheat slightly to bring back soft freshness.
If you’re curious about other savory or sweet focaccias, check out this overnight sourdough focaccia recipe from BRIGHT MOMENT CO. online—they have a lovely basic technique that’s easy to adapt for sweet variations.
Let’s Cook It Together!
Making jam donut focaccia is like a little culinary adventure that feels effortless once you get started. From start to finish, this jam donut focaccia takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, including rising times, but most of that is hands-off waiting.
- First, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large bowl. For budding home cooks, this dry mixture is your base, so don’t rush this part.
- In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Pour this into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. If it feels sticky, add a sprinkle more flour, but keep it slightly tacky for that tender crumb.
- Knead the dough gently on a floured surface for about 6 to 8 minutes. You want it smooth but still soft.
- Place your dough back into a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled—usually about 1 hour depending on your kitchen warmth. Meanwhile, tidy up or pour yourself a drink; multitasking is always a kitchen win.
- After rising, gently punch down the dough, then roll it out into a rectangle about 9×12 inches—a decent thickness to hold the jam.
- Spread your fruit jam evenly over half the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to seal.
- Fold the dough over the jam to enclose it, pressing the edges firmly. Then, transfer this seam-side down onto a greased baking sheet.
- Cover again and let this jam doughnut focaccia hybrid rise for another 30 minutes so it stays soft.
- Now for the finishing touch—brush the surface lightly with melted butter or an egg wash if you want a shiny crust.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden and smells incredible. Keep an eye on it from 20 minutes onward to avoid overbaking.
If your jam donut focaccia looks a little puffier or less shiny than expected, don’t worry. That’s just part of the charm—it still tastes deliciously soft, with the jam melted inside for a pleasant surprise in every bite.
Sharing this jam doughnut focaccia hybrid recently with friends, I learned that some love to add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar right before baking for a cozy twist. Feel free to experiment!
For more inspiration, the Strawberry Jelly Donut Sourdough Focaccia on this Facebook group post gave me the idea to use jam fillings with a bread base that melts beautifully.
How to Serve & Enjoy It!
This jam donut focaccia shines when served warm, fresh from the oven. The contrast of the soft dough and sweet jam pockets makes it a treat any time of day.
I like to slice it into thick squares and dust with a bit of powdered sugar for a simple presentation that feels special. It’s perfect at brunch alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea, especially on chilly mornings. Sometimes, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns it into a quick dessert focaccia recipe.
Pairing this sweet Italian focaccia with fresh fruit or a side of creamy mascarpone balances the sugary jam nicely. It’s a crowd-pleaser for casual get-togethers and a reliable choice when I want something homemade but fuss-free.
Leftovers? Wrap them well and reheat in the oven for 5-10 minutes. My family loves having these slices for an afternoon snack, sometimes with a smear of nut butter for extra richness.
Jam donut focaccia also adapts well for holiday twists. Try spreading spiced cranberry jam or apricot preserves for festive flavors. I like to feature it alongside savory items like roasted chicken or a Mediterranean chicken and orzo dish when hosting—check out that recipe here.
Whether you’re serving it for a cozy night or feeding a crowd, this jam-filled focaccia brings smiles for its homey flavor and approachable style. Your guests might even ask for seconds!
Your Questions Answered
Can I make jam donut focaccia ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the day before, refrigerate it overnight to slow the rise, then shape and fill with jam in the morning. This also helps develop flavor. The baked focaccia keeps well wrapped at room temp for a couple of days or freezes nicely.
What’s the best substitute for eggs in this jam doughnut focaccia hybrid?
I’ve used unsweetened applesauce (¼ cup per egg) and also mashed banana to keep the dough moist. Both work well, but bananas will add slight flavor changes.
Can I swap the fruit jam for fresh fruit?
Great question! While fresh fruit can work, it tends to release water, affecting texture. I prefer using thicker jams or preserves for that fruit jam stuffed bread effect.
How do I adjust this recipe for more or fewer servings?
This recipe scales up well. For larger batches, double ingredients and bake in a bigger pan, just keep an eye on baking times.
What if my jam donut focaccia feels dense?
Sometimes overmixing or not enough rise time causes this. Patient rising and gentle handling keeps it light.
Can I make it gluten-free?
I haven’t tested a gluten-free version myself, but I’ve heard great feedback from folks using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Give it a try and share your experience!
Any tips for packing it for picnics or travel?
Wrap the jam donut focaccia in parchment and foil; it stays soft without squishing. Keep it cool if it’s hot out.
For more ideas on fun bread recipes, check out the Jelly Donut Focaccia Bread Recipe on TikTok. It’s a neat jam donut focaccia variation full of visual appeal and flavor twists.
Final Thoughts
Jam donut focaccia holds a special spot in my kitchen because it combines comfort with a little playful twist. It’s reliable, approachable, and has that fruit-filled sweetness that makes it stand out from everyday bread.
My best jam donut focaccia tips:
– Be patient with your dough rising—it makes a noticeable difference.
– Use a good-quality jam with minimal runniness for best results.
– Don’t shy away from brushing the top with butter or egg wash for a polished look.
I’ve tested variations like swapping raspberry jam for apricot, folding in cinnamon, or using whole wheat flour for a nuttier profile. The version that gets requested most often is the classic strawberry jam doughnut focaccia hybrid with just sugar dusted on top.
I encourage you to make this jam donut focaccia your own. Adjust the jam flavors, try different shapes, or add a topping sprinkle to suit your taste.
What I hope you’ll love most is how this recipe brings ease and warmth to your table—a simple way to share a beautiful, flavorful bread that’s a little nostalgic and a lot delicious. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be baking jam donut focaccia regularly.
If you’re looking for other easy crowd-pleasers, give this Mediterranean chicken and orzo dish a try here. It’s a wholesome meal that pairs well with many sides, perfect when you need a reliable dinner idea.
Happy baking, fellow home cooks! Your jam donut focaccia awaits.
jam donut focaccia
Jam donut focaccia is a delightful fusion treat combining the airy texture of Italian focaccia with the sweet, fruity filling of classic jam donuts. This unique baked good offers a perfect balance of soft bread and luscious jam for a comforting snack or dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup raspberry or strawberry jam
- Vegetable oil, for drizzling
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter, stirring to form a soft dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Gently deflate the dough and press it into a greased baking pan, about 1-inch thick.
- Using your fingers, create deep dimples across the surface of the dough.
- Spoon jam generously into each dimple to fill the indentations.
- Drizzle vegetable oil lightly over the top to keep the focaccia moist and shiny.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Allow to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For an extra indulgent touch, warm the jam before filling the dimples, and serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.