This Fluffy Jam Donut Focaccia is a sweet twist on a classic bread! Soft, pillowy dough is topped with your favorite jam, making each bite a delightful treat.
It’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. I can’t resist sneaking a piece when it’s warm out of the oven—so good! 🍩❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is your base ingredient. For a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat flour, but you may need to adjust the liquid slightly since it absorbs more moisture.
Active Dry Yeast: If you have instant yeast, you can use that directly without proofing. Just mix it with the dry ingredients. Look out for fresh yeast for a quicker rise, but you might need to adjust the quantity.
Granulated Sugar: This is for sweetness and helps activate the yeast. You could swap some or all with honey or maple syrup, keeping in mind the sugar dissolves in liquid. It’s best to reduce the overall liquid slightly.
Milk: Warm milk is essential for activating the yeast. You can use almond or oat milk if you’re dairy-free. Just ensure it’s warm but not too hot!
Jam: Mixed berry jam is delicious, but feel free to switch it up! Apricot, strawberry, or a homemade fruit compote work well too. Check that it’s not too chunky so it spreads easily.
How Do I Make the Perfect Dough?
The dough is key to fluffy focaccia! Here’s how to ensure it’s soft and airy:
- Proofing the Yeast: Always let the yeast foam up in warm milk. This indicates it’s active and ready to work.
- Kneading: When kneading, aim for a smooth texture. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, but avoid making it too dry.
- First Rise: Be patient! Let the dough double in size—this usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Warmer places work best, like near an oven.
- Punch and Shape: After the first rise, punch down the dough gently to release air. Shaping is important; make sure your pieces are of uniform size for even cooking time.
Enjoy making your Fluffy Jam Donut Focaccia—with these tips, it will turn out deliciously every time!
Fluffy Jam Donut Focaccia
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil or canola oil for deep frying
For Topping and Filling:
- 1 cup mixed berry jam or your favorite jam
- 1 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2-3 tbsp milk (for glaze)
- Optional: fresh berries for garnish
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus approximately 2 to 2.5 hours total for rising and frying. You’ll spend a bit of time mixing, shaping, and frying, but the results are worth it—fluffy, jam-filled goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by dissolving the yeast in warm milk with 1 teaspoon of sugar in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy—this means the yeast is active! In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter to your dry ingredients. Mix until the dough starts to come together. Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Shape and First Proof:
Once your dough has risen, gently punch it down to release some air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1-inch thickness. Using a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large and one small for the hole), cut the dough into donut shapes. Alternatively, cut it into squares or rectangles if you prefer the focaccia style.
Place the shaped pieces onto a parchment-lined tray, cover them loosely with a towel again, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
3. Frying the Dough:
Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop a few dough pieces into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry each side for about 1-2 minutes until they are golden brown and puffed up. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels.
4. Add Jam and Glaze:
While the donuts are still warm, generously spoon jam on top of each donut or focaccia piece. To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until it’s smooth and pourable. Drizzle the glaze over the donuts and dust with additional powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
5. Serve:
Enjoy your Fluffy Jam Donut Focaccia right away or warm for the best fluffy texture and flavor. You can garnish with fresh berries or a sprig of mint for a lovely touch.
Delight in your airy, jammy, and irresistibly sweet creation!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can! Whole wheat flour will give it a nuttier flavor and a denser texture. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly, as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture than all-purpose flour.
How Should I Store Leftover Focaccia?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven to refresh the texture!
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Jam?
If you don’t have jam, you can use fruit preserves or even chocolate hazelnut spread for a delicious filling. Fresh fruit compote or lemon curd also makes a tasty alternative!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, punch it down, and then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just bring it back to room temperature and let it rise again before frying.