Delicious Jam Donut Focaccia for a Sweet Breakfast Treat

When you’re looking for a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe that feels both familiar and a little unexpected, this jam donut focaccia fits the bill perfectly. I remember the first time I made this jam donut focaccia. It was a chilly Saturday morning, and my kids were craving something sweet but different for breakfast. This jam-stuffed focaccia turned out to be just the answer—they loved the soft, sweet focaccia bread filled with their favorite jam, almost like a fun twist on a classic donut. The contrast of the fluffy texture with a sweet filling makes this jam donut focaccia a fantastic treat for any occasion.

The beauty of this recipe is how it fits right into real home cooking. It uses simple ingredients you probably have on hand—meaning no need for a special trip to a fancy bakery or store. Plus, unlike traditional donuts, this jam-filled focaccia is less greasy but still just as satisfying. It’s a delicious fusion that brings together the best parts of jam donuts and Italian dessert bread.

I keep turning to this jam donut focaccia anytime I want to make something special without too much fuss. It’s an excellent weeknight treat or a cozy weekend project that delivers consistent results and happy smiles. If you’re looking for a dependable recipe that feels a bit like a jam donut fusion, but is easy enough to tackle in your own kitchen, this jam donut focaccia is just what you need. I’m excited to share it with you, fellow home cooks!

What You’ll Need:

For this jam donut focaccia, you’ll want straightforward ingredients that get the job done without complication.

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour – the base for your sweet focaccia bread
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast – for that nice rise
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F) – helps activate the yeast
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar – for subtle sweetness
  • ½ tsp salt – to balance the sweetness
  • 2 large eggs – adds richness
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – keeps your jam donut focaccia tender
  • ½ to ¾ cup jam of your choice – strawberry, raspberry, or apricot work beautifully
  • Powdered sugar for dusting – optional but adds a nice finishing touch

Ingredients for jam donut focaccia laid out

No worries if you don’t have all-purpose flour; I often swap in ½ cup whole wheat for added texture without losing that soft crumb. For the jam, feel free to use whatever’s in your pantry. This jam donut focaccia keeps things budget-friendly since these ingredients are usually staples.

You’ll find the yeast in the bakery or baking aisle of the grocery store, and for shortcuts, warm your milk in the microwave to save time. If you end up with leftovers, wrap the focaccia tightly and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days—or freeze slices for longer. I sometimes like adding a little extra butter when mixing for a more tender focaccia that melts in your mouth.

Let’s Make It Together:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Give it a quick stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll see it start to bubble or foam—this means your yeast is alive and kicking for the perfect jam-stuffed focaccia.

2. Add the eggs, melted butter, salt, and half of the flour to the yeast mixture. Use a wooden spoon or stand mixer with a dough hook to combine until smooth.

3. Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until you get a soft and slightly sticky dough. Don’t rush here—taking your time makes this jam donut focaccia easy to handle later.

4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, dust lightly with flour, but keep it soft.

5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, until doubled in size. This step is key to the fluffy jam donut fusion texture.

6. Punch down the dough gently, then roll it out into a rectangle roughly 12×15 inches on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

7. Spread your jam evenly over half of the dough, leaving about a half-inch border.

8. Fold the dough over the jam side and gently press the edges to seal. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; a rustic look just adds to the charm of this jam donut focaccia.

9. Cover, and let it rise for another 30-40 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F.

10. Bake your focaccia for 25-30 minutes until golden and puffed.

11. Once cooled slightly, dust with powdered sugar if desired. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and the sweet focaccia bread will be ready for a warm bite.

Don’t worry if your jam donut focaccia looks a little uneven—this honest baking charm only makes it better for family and friends.

How to Serve & Enjoy:

Freshly baked jam donut focaccia served for breakfast

This jam donut focaccia shines best fresh but also keeps well for a few days. I love serving it sliced with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack.

For a simple approach, try pairing it with a bowl of fresh berries or whipped cream to add some natural brightness to the sweet focaccia bread. On weekends, it’s a family favorite for brunch along with scrambled eggs or a light salad.

If you’re looking to mix things up, you can slice leftover jam-filled focaccia and toast it lightly. It turns into a delightful sweet bread snack, perfect with a spread of nut butter or cream cheese.

This jam donut fusion works beautifully for casual gatherings, holiday breakfasts, or as a playful dessert bread after dinner. Presentation doesn’t need to be fancy—dusting with powdered sugar or adding a drizzle of honey is all it takes to make it look inviting.

I’ve even tried seasonal variations adding cinnamon or swapping jams like blueberry or cherry. Each time, I love how this Italian dessert bread keeps its sweet, comforting personality while tasting just a little new.

Your Questions Answered:

Can I make this jam donut focaccia ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and jam filling the night before and let it do the first rise in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking the next day. This way helps fit jam-stuffed focaccia into busy mornings without rushing.

What’s a good substitute for all-purpose flour?
I’ve had good luck swapping in bread flour for a chewier texture or half whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. Just remember to adjust liquids slightly if your dough feels dry.

Can I use fresh fruit instead of jam?
Yes! Using fresh fruit requires a bit more care. Chop berries or stone fruits finely and mix with a little sugar and cornstarch to thicken before spreading it on. This keeps your jam donut focaccia from getting soggy.

How do I store leftovers?
Wrap jam donut focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for up to three days, or freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw and lightly toast slices for a fresh taste.

Can I double this recipe to make a larger focaccia?
You can! Just keep the dough proportionate and increase rising times slightly. If baking larger sheets, watch the oven as baking times may vary.

Is there a savory version of this focaccia?
While this one’s sweet, I sometimes make a savory variant with herbs and cheese, but nothing replaces the fun of this jam-filled focaccia.

What jams work best for this jam donut focaccia?
Thicker jams like raspberry, apricot, or strawberry are best since they hold up during baking without running too much.

Final Thoughts:

This jam donut focaccia holds a special place in my recipe collection because it blends the joy of jam donut fusion with the comfort of homemade bread. Every time I bake it, it warms the kitchen with sweet, inviting aromas, and the result is a crowd-pleaser every time.

My best jam donut focaccia tips include:

  • Don’t skip the second rise—it’s what keeps the bread fluffy and soft.
  • Use a thick jam to prevent sogginess.
  • Let the dough rest enough; rushing here will affect texture.

I’ve tested variations like adding cinnamon sugar on top, folding in chopped nuts, or spreading cream cheese beneath the jam. The classic strawberry jam version gets requested most often, especially by the kids.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own—try new jam flavors, add a sprinkle of zest, or serve it with your favorite drink. I hope you’ll love how this jam donut focaccia brings a little extra sweet comfort to your everyday cooking.

If you’re looking for more crowd-pleasers, your family might also enjoy the Chicken Piccata Pasta recipe or a slice of Juicy Pineapple Cake. And for a flavorful snack to go alongside, try the Cranberry Jalapeño Dip.

For some inspiration, check out the jam donut focaccia recipe on TikTok or try the Jam Glazed Focatta Bread from another popular kitchen favorite. I also love the Golden Corn & Blackberry Brioche for a different type of sweet bread that’s just as comforting.

This jam donut focaccia is straightforward, satisfying, and a dependable addition to your baking routine. Happy baking, cooking friends!

Print

jam donut focaccia

Jam donut focaccia combines the fluffy, yeasted texture of focaccia with a sweet, jam-filled twist, making a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.

  • Author: Carrisa Monroe
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup fruit jam (strawberry or raspberry recommended)
  • Vegetable oil for drizzling
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tbsp sugar in warm milk; let sit until foamy, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add softened butter and yeast mixture, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Knead dough on floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down dough and roll out into a 12×9 inch rectangle.
  5. Using fingers, create dimples across the dough surface. Spoon small dollops of jam into some of the dimples, spacing evenly.
  6. Drizzle with vegetable oil and cover lightly. Let dough rest for 20 minutes to puff slightly.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  8. Remove from oven, cool slightly, then dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

For extra indulgence, serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of melted chocolate.

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