There’s something truly magical about discovering a recipe that perfectly blends comforting traditions with a playful twist, and that’s exactly what happened when I first made this jam donut focaccia. Picture this: a cozy weekend morning in my kitchen, the air filled with the sweet scent of warm bread mingling with jam. The soft, pillowy texture of focaccia combined with the burst of fruity jam reminded me of classic jam doughnuts, but with a fresh Italian sweet bread spin. This jam donut focaccia wasn’t just a treat—it was a reminder of why I love simple recipes that create those warm, connected moments in the kitchen.
This jam donut focaccia fits perfectly with my philosophy of approachable, comforting meals. It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary morning into a special occasion without any complicated techniques. When I first tested this idea, I was determined to get the balance just right — not too sweet, but with that indulgent jam-filled focaccia goodness you crave. After a few tries, the breakthrough came when I learned how to fold the jam inside the soft dough, creating pockets of flavor that didn’t leak or dry out. That moment was pure joy, knowing this jam donut focaccia would bring a new favorite to your table.
I’m excited to share this recipe with fellow food lovers ready for a sweet focaccia bread experience that’s both familiar and fresh. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for cozy mornings, afternoon snacks, or even special occasions when you want to surprise your family or friends. Plus, if you love filled focaccia recipes or jam doughnut focaccia varieties, you’re going to find this one incredibly fun to make and enjoy. Let’s dive in together and bring a little more comfort and creativity to everyday baking!
If you enjoy recipes that bring sweet comfort to your kitchen, this jam donut focaccia reminds me of another delicious creation, like this copycat Panera potato soup recipe that warms the soul just as well.

Ingredients
This jam donut focaccia ingredient list is surprisingly simple but delivers incredible comfort! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (for soft, tender bread)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for just the right sweetness)
- 1 large egg (adds richness to the dough)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (the secret to amazing jam donut focaccia softness!)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup your favorite fruit jam (I use raspberry or strawberry for a classic jam-filled focaccia)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional but lovely)
You’ll find the best ingredients for this jam donut focaccia at your local grocery store or farmers market. If you want to splurge on one ingredient, make it a high-quality, flavorful jam — it truly makes a big difference in the final taste.
If you’re after customization, try swapping the milk for almond or oat milk for a dairy-free twist. You can also experiment with different jams like apricot or blackberry to create your own sweet focaccia bread versions.
For storage, prep your ingredients at room temperature to help the yeast activate properly. This saves you some stress during the rising process and helps ensure your jam donut focaccia turns out beautifully.
If you love filled focaccia recipes as much as I do, you might enjoy this sweet focaccia with raspberry jam for another fruity touch.
Let’s Make This!
1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, whisk together the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This step is key for the best jam donut focaccia rise.
2. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
3. Knead the dough: Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and slightly sticky. Don’t worry – your jam donut focaccia dough will feel soft and pliable, just how it should.
4. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1 ½ hours. It should double in size. Seeing your dough puff up like this is the exciting start of your jam donut focaccia journey!
5. Shape and fill: Punch down the dough gently to remove air bubbles. Divide it into portions (depending on size) or keep whole for a large pan. Flatten slightly, then spoon generous amounts of jam onto the dough pieces. Fold over and seal the edges well to prevent leaks.
6. Second rise: Place the jam-filled focaccia on a greased baking pan. Cover with a towel and let rise for another 30-45 minutes. This is where your jam donut focaccia transforms into something truly special.
7. Bake with care: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the focaccia for 18-22 minutes until golden brown. The jam may peek through, creating beautiful little spots of caramelized sweetness.
8. Finishing touch: Once cooled slightly, dust with powdered sugar. The sweet focaccia bread is now ready to be enjoyed!
A helpful tip for jam donut focaccia success is to avoid overfilling with jam; too much can cause your bread to become soggy. Also, if you’re curious, this glazed strawberry jam donut focaccia recipe takes a similar concept but adds a lovely sugary glaze that’s worth trying after you master this one.
If something feels off while baking, remember your oven temperatures and baking times can vary. Use visual cues—golden, lightly crispy crust with jam bubbling softly is your perfect indicator.
While your jam donut focaccia is cooking, take a moment to enjoy that amazing aroma filling your kitchen — it’s one of my favorite parts of baking!
For another filled focaccia favorite, check out this jam doughnut focaccia recipe that also mixes fruity sweetness with soft bread beautifully.
Serving & Presentation
People always smile when I serve this jam donut focaccia at brunch or as a surprise weekend treat. It’s perfect served fresh and warm, sitting on a pretty platter dusted lightly with powdered sugar.
Pair your jam donut focaccia with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk for a comforting combo. It’s an effortless crowd-pleaser at family breakfasts or casual gatherings. I’ve found that small bites of this sweet focaccia bread alongside yoghurt or fresh fruit create a balanced and inviting spread.
For leftovers, toast a slice lightly to refresh the texture, or warm it for a soft, jam-filled bite that tastes just as lovely the next day.
On seasonal note, swapping jams based on the time of year makes this recipe versatile. Cherry jam in summer or spiced apple preserves in fall bring festive vibes to your table. You can even explore savory filled focaccia recipes if you want to switch gears.
If this recipe brings you joy, you’ll love pairing it with comforting sides inspired by recipes like the Samoa caramel apple slices I adore for their cozy sweetness.
Simple plate it with a cloth napkin beside your favorite mugs, and watch how this jam donut focaccia naturally creates sweet conversation and smiles at your table.
FAQs
Can I make this jam donut focaccia ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge for a slow fermentation that deepens flavor. Then bake fresh when ready. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before baking for best results.
What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
Instant yeast works wonderfully too—use about 25% less than active dry yeast and mix it directly with the flour. This keeps your jam donut focaccia rise perfect without extra fuss.
How do I know when my jam donut focaccia is perfectly done?
Look for a golden-brown crust and a soft interior that springs back when lightly pressed. The jam should be bubbly but not burnt, filling the bread pockets beautifully.
Can I substitute the jam with other fillings?
Yes! Cream cheese, Nutella, or even fresh fruit chunks work great. This flexibility makes jam doughnut focaccia a recipe you can tailor to your tastes.
My dough feels sticky – is that okay?
Yes! Slight stickiness is normal for soft focaccia dough. Use a little flour on your hands while kneading, and avoid over-flouring so your jam donut focaccia stays tender.
Does the jam leak during baking?
Sealing edges carefully during shaping helps prevent leaks. A helpful technique is to pinch and fold the dough well around the jam, creating little pockets of flavor that stay intact.
Will the jam donut focaccia store well?
It stores best in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can freeze leftovers wrapped tightly, then thaw and warm for fresh enjoyment.
Community feedback has been so heartwarming. Many fellow food lovers say this jam donut focaccia quickly became their new go-to for sweet focaccia bread!
If you want more sweet treats, try the chocolate mint crinkles delight for another baking favorite.
Why This jam donut focaccia Will Become Your New Favorite
This jam donut focaccia represents everything I stand for—simple ingredients, joyful process, and delicious results that bring people close. It’s a sweet focaccia bread that’s approachable for any skill level yet impressive enough to create warm memories.
My jam donut focaccia Success Tips:
– Always proof your yeast in warm milk for a bubbly, lively dough.
– Don’t overfill the dough with jam to avoid sogginess or leaks.
– Let the dough rise fully so your jam donut focaccia is soft and airy.
Over time, I’ve experimented with variations like adding a simple sugar glaze, mixing different jams for layered flavors, and shaping mini individual jam-filled focaccias perfect for parties. The version with raspberry jam gets the most smiles at my table every time.
I encourage you to make this jam donut focaccia part of your baking routine, to enjoy the sweet, comforting moments it brings to your kitchen and those around you. I’m confident your jam donut focaccia will turn out beautifully — and I can’t wait to hear about your results!
Don’t forget to share your delicious creations and memories. Recipes like this are about bringing joy and connection, one soft, jam-filled bite at a time.

jam donut focaccia
Jam donut focaccia is a delightful fusion of fluffy Italian focaccia bread infused with sweet jam pockets, offering a unique treat that blends bread and pastry.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ⅓ cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- ½ cup fruit jam (strawberry or raspberry recommended)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water and sprinkle yeast over. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a baking sheet or focaccia pan.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Transfer to the prepared pan.
- Using your fingers, create shallow dimples evenly across the dough surface.
- Spoon small dollops of jam into some of the dimples, gently pressing them in so they are nestled but not overflowing.
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the top and sprinkle lightly with salt.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from oven and cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar if desired. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For extra indulgence, serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.