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Sweet Berry Focaccia Bread with Fresh Fruits and Coarse Sugar Recipe

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4.3 from 58 reviews

This Sweet Focaccia Bread recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic Italian focaccia by incorporating fresh summer berries and a touch of sugar for sweetness. The dough is soft and airy, topped with a colorful arrangement of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, then baked until golden and fragrant. Perfect as a dessert or brunch item, this versatile recipe is easy to make and sure to impress with its beautiful presentation and delicious flavors.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm water (not hot)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for greasing and drizzling)

For the Toppings

  • ½ cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • ½ cup fresh raspberries
  • ½ cup fresh blueberries
  • ½ cup fresh blackberries
  • 2 tbsp coarse sugar or pearl sugar
  • Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish after baking)

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast until well combined. Pour in the warm water and olive oil and stir until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for 8–10 minutes, until the dough is smooth, soft, and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm location for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in volume.
  2. Prepare the Pan: Line a 9x13 inch baking tray with parchment paper and drizzle the surface generously with olive oil. Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the prepared tray. Gently stretch the dough toward the edges of the pan without tearing, using your fingertips to create an even thickness. Press dimples all over the surface with your fingers. Cover with a clean towel and let the dough rest and rise again for 30 minutes.
  3. Decorate and Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the berries on top of the dough in floral patterns, gently pressing them in place—use strawberries as petals, blueberries for flower centers, and raspberries and blackberries to form blossoms. Sprinkle coarse sugar or pearl sugar evenly across the top for added texture and a touch of sweetness. Optionally drizzle with a bit more olive oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the focaccia is puffed and golden around the edges. Let it cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before garnishing with fresh mint leaves, if desired.

Notes

  • Use room temperature water that is warm but not hot to activate yeast properly without killing it.
  • You can substitute the berries with other fresh fruits like peach slices or figs for different seasonal variations.
  • Allow the dough to rest and rise fully to achieve the soft and airy texture characteristic of focaccia.
  • Press dimples evenly into the dough to help hold toppings and create a traditional focaccia texture.
  • Drizzle olive oil generously on the pan and dough to enhance flavor and browning.
  • For a vegan version, ensure sugar is vegan-friendly and omit any optional garnishes like honey-based glazes.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian