Jam Donut Focaccia (Glazed Raspberry Sweet Bread)
Jam Donut Focaccia — Sweet Bread That Tastes Like a Jelly Donut
This jam donut focaccia combines the pillowy softness of classic Italian focaccia with the sweet, jammy filling of a glazed donut. Pockets of raspberry jam nestle into every dimple, and a simple vanilla glaze drizzled on top ties it all together. No deep frying needed — just a sheet pan, a bowl, and about an hour of your time. It is the kind of sweet focaccia bread that works for brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack with coffee.
Why This Sweet Focaccia Recipe Works Every Time
- No frying required — you get all the donut flavor from the oven, not a pot of hot oil
- Soft, pillowy dough — classic focaccia dimples create natural wells for the jam filling
- Sweet vanilla glaze — a two-ingredient drizzle that turns simple bread into a bakery-style treat
- Beginner-friendly — no stand mixer, no kneading, no special equipment needed
- Overnight option — make the dough the night before for a quick morning bake
Ingredients You Need
For the focaccia dough:
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil + extra for the pan
- 1 tsp salt
For the filling and topping:
- 1/2 cup (160g) raspberry jam (or strawberry jam)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 3 tbsp cinnamon sugar (2 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon)
For the vanilla glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Jam Donut Focaccia Step by Step
Step 1 — Make the dough. In a large bowl, whisk flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm water and olive oil. Stir with a spatula until a shaggy dough forms — no kneading needed. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
Step 2 — Shape the dough. Pour olive oil generously into a 9×13 inch baking pan. Transfer the risen dough to the pan. Stretch gently to fill the pan (it does not have to reach the edges — it will spread during the second rise). Cover and let rise 30 more minutes.
Step 3 — Dimple and fill with jam. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Oil your fingers and press deep dimples all over the dough. Drop small spoonfuls of raspberry jam into the deeper dimples. Brush the surface with melted butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the entire top.
Step 4 — Bake. Bake 22-25 minutes until golden on top and the edges pull away slightly from the pan. The jam will bubble and caramelize in the dimples.
Step 5 — Add the glaze. Let cool 10 minutes. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle generously over the warm focaccia in zigzag lines. Slice and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Jam Donut Focaccia
- Use instant yeast — it mixes directly into the flour without proofing in water first
- Press deep dimples — go all the way to the bottom of the pan to create proper jam pockets
- Use thick jam — thin jelly or syrup will run off during baking, so choose a jam with fruit pieces or a thick preserve
- Do not overfill — about 1/2 teaspoon of jam per dimple is plenty, more will overflow and burn
- Serve warm — the texture is best within 2 hours of baking, when the glaze is still slightly tacky
- Overnight dough — refrigerate the dough after mixing for 8-12 hours for a cold rise that develops deeper flavor
Serving Ideas and Storage
Serve this jam-filled focaccia warm with coffee or tea for brunch. It also works as a sweet side for a breakfast spread alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit. For a dessert version, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm slice.
Storage: Cover and keep at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350 degree F oven for 5-8 minutes. The glaze softens when stored, so add a fresh drizzle before serving leftovers.
Freezing: Freeze unglazed slices in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, reheat in the oven, and add the glaze fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make jam donut focaccia ahead of time?
Yes — make the dough the night before and refrigerate it covered. Let it come to room temperature for 1 hour before shaping and baking. The cold fermentation actually develops a better, more complex flavor in the bread.
What type of jam works best for focaccia?
Raspberry and strawberry jam are the most popular choices because they hold their shape in the dimples. Blueberry, apricot, and mixed berry preserves also work well. Avoid thin fruit syrups or jelly — they run off during baking.
Can I use Nutella instead of jam?
Absolutely — Nutella or any chocolate hazelnut spread works beautifully in the dimples. It melts and pools slightly during baking, creating a rich chocolate version of this sweet focaccia.
Can I make this without yeast?
This recipe relies on yeast for the soft, airy focaccia texture. Without it, the bread will be flat and dense. If you need a no-yeast option, look for quick bread or scone-based jelly donut recipes instead.
How do I store leftover jam donut focaccia?
Cover and store at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 3 days wrapped tightly. Reheat in a 350 degree F oven for 5-8 minutes to restore the soft texture. Microwave works in a pinch but the edges will not be as crisp.
Can I freeze this focaccia?
Yes — freeze unglazed slices individually in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and add fresh glaze before serving. The glaze does not freeze well, so always add it fresh.
What makes this different from regular focaccia?
The added sugar in the dough, the jam filling in every dimple, and the sweet vanilla glaze turn classic Italian focaccia into a dessert bread. The base technique is traditional focaccia, but the flavor profile is pure glazed donut.
Can I bake this in a cast iron skillet?
Yes — a 10-inch cast iron skillet produces a thicker focaccia with extra-crispy golden edges. The baking time stays the same at 22-25 minutes. Oil the skillet well before adding the dough.
Is jam donut focaccia good for brunch?
It is perfect for brunch — it feeds a crowd from one pan, requires no special equipment, and can be prepped the night before. Pair it with coffee, fresh fruit, and scrambled eggs for a complete spread.
Can I make mini jam donut focaccias?
Yes — divide the dough into a 12-cup muffin tin for individual portions. Reduce baking time to 15-18 minutes. These are great for parties and make portion control easy.
More Sweet Bread Recipes
- Protein Pancakes
- Leche Flan Doughnuts (Filipino-Inspired Recipe)
- Strawberry Cheesecake Turnovers (Flaky Pastry)
Indulge in the Magical Jam Donut Focaccia for Brunch
A delightful fusion of a classic jam donut and rustic Italian focaccia, the Jam Donut Focaccia offers a unique and indulgent brunch experience. This recipe combines the sweetness of jam-filled donuts with the savory goodness of fluffy focaccia, resulting in a delectable treat that is sure to become a family favorite.
