Jam Donut Focaccia: The Dessert Bread You Never Knew You Needed

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What happens when you mix the soft, airy texture of homemade focaccia with the nostalgic sweetness of a jelly-filled donut? You get Jam Donut Focaccia — a wildly delicious hybrid dessert that’s fluffy, golden, jammy, and coated in irresistible cinnamon sugar. It tastes like a giant bakery-style donut but has the structure and charm of an Italian focaccia. One bite and you’ll wonder why this dessert isn’t already world-famous.

This recipe has gained popularity for its simplicity and wow-factor. You get to enjoy the comfort of warm, homemade bread without the hassle of frying doughnuts. Instead, the focaccia dough rises beautifully, gets dimpled with dollops of jam, and bakes into a pillowy slab that smells like a donut shop. Then, the whole thing gets brushed with melted butter and sprinkled generously with cinnamon sugar — transforming a humble bread into a dessert masterpiece.

Whether you’re baking for brunch, a family treat, a holiday breakfast, or a creative weekend bake, this Jam Donut Focaccia is guaranteed to impress. It’s easy, fun, and irresistibly delicious.

Why This Recipe Works (And Why You’ll Love It)

✔ Donut flavor without frying

No messy oil, no splatter — just golden, airy bread with a donut finish.

✔ Bakery-level visual appeal

Jam pockets bubble up during baking for a stunning dotted effect.

✔ Easy for beginners

Focaccia is one of the simplest breads to make.

✔ Perfect for brunch & dessert

Not too sweet, but sweet enough to satisfy.

✔ Endless jam options

Strawberry, raspberry, apricot, blueberry, mixed berry — it all works.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dough is simple, forgiving, and pantry-friendly. A few ingredients transform into a luxurious sweet focaccia.

– Ingredients –

Focaccia Dough

  • 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (plus more for pan)

Filling & Topping

  • 1 cup jam (strawberry, raspberry, or mixed berry)
  • 3 tbsp melted butter
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a soft, sticky dough forms.

2. First Rise

Cover the bowl and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

3. Prep the Pan

Generously coat a 9×13 pan with olive oil. This helps create that signature crisp focaccia bottom.

4. Spread the Dough

Transfer dough to the pan and gently stretch it to the edges. Let rest 20 minutes.

5. Dimple & Add Jam

Use oiled fingertips to press deep dimples into the dough.
Spoon small dollops of jam into many of the dimples (about 12–18 pockets).

6. Second Rise

Let dough rise 20–25 minutes while the oven preheats to 400°F (200°C).

7. Bake

Bake 22–26 minutes until golden, puffed, and lightly crisp around the edges.

8. Coat Like a Donut

Immediately brush the hot focaccia with melted butter.
Generously sprinkle cinnamon sugar all over the top.

9. Cool & Slice

Cool slightly before slicing for best texture. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Jam Donut Focaccia

A fluffy, golden focaccia filled with sweet jam pockets and finished with buttery cinnamon sugar. A delicious hybrid of focaccia and jam donuts.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Fusion, Italian-Inspired
Calories: 260

Ingredients
  

Focaccia Dough
  • 2.25 tsp instant yeast
  • 1.5 cups warm water
  • 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 0.25 cup olive oil
Filling & Topping
  • 1 cup jam your choice
  • 3 tbsp butter melted
  • 0.33 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • 9×13 baking pan
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix into a soft dough.
  3. Cover and let rise 1 hour.
  4. Oil a 9×13 pan and spread the dough. Rest 20 minutes.
  5. Dimple the dough and add small spoonfuls of jam into dimples.
  6. Let rise 20 minutes while preheating oven to 400°F (200°C).
  7. Bake 22–26 minutes until golden.
  8. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.
  9. Cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use a variety of jams for a multi-flavor focaccia. Best served warm.

Expert Tips for Perfect Jam Donut Focaccia

Use good-quality jam

The better the jam, the more flavorful the pockets.

Don’t skimp on oil

Olive oil prevents sticking and creates the signature focaccia crust.

Let the dough be sticky

Sticky dough = airy bread. Don’t over-flour.

Add jam generously

More jam equals more donut flavor.

Brush while hot

The melted butter absorbs perfectly into the crust.

Fun Variations

Lemon Custard Focaccia

Replace jam with spoonfuls of lemon curd.

Nutella Donut Focaccia

Add dollops of Nutella for a richer dessert.

Apple Cinnamon Focaccia

Add tiny apple cubes + brown sugar + cinnamon.

Cream Cheese Swirl

Add small cream cheese dollops for a cheesecake-like version.

Serving Suggestions

Jam Donut Focaccia pairs beautifully with:

  • Coffee or cappuccino
  • Brunch boards
  • Yogurt and fruit
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Whipped cream
  • Hot tea

It’s equally perfect warm, fresh, or enjoyed the next morning.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature:

Up to 2 days in an airtight container.

Refrigerator:

Up to 5 days.

Freezer:

Freeze slices up to 2 months. Reheat at 300°F for 8 minutes.

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