Name: Sweet Raspberry Jam Focaccia with Powdered Sugar Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 4 h
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups warm water (105-115°F); 2 tsp sugar; 1 packet active dry yeast; 2 cups bread flour; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp salt; 6 tbsp olive oil, divided; 1 jar raspberry jam (Bonne Maman recommended); 2 cups powdered sugar; 2-4 tbsp milk (used whole milk)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 20 reviews

If you are looking for a dessert or breakfast that feels like a warm hug, the Sweet Raspberry Jam Focaccia with Powdered Sugar Glaze Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This recipe combines a perfectly airy and tender focaccia dough with luscious swirls of raspberry jam, then finishes off with a delicate powdered sugar glaze that melts in your mouth. Imagine biting into golden, fluffy bread with pockets of sweet raspberry jam and a light sugary finish reminiscent of your favorite jelly donut. It’s an irresistible treat that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a rectangular metal baking pan filled with dough that has a thick layer of bright red fruit sauce spread unevenly on top, creating a textured surface with visible swirls and lumps. The dough underneath is pale and soft with some areas slightly raised, giving a puffy look. The sauce is shiny and glossy, with darker red patches of fruit pieces scattered throughout. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is crucial, but don't worry—this recipe calls for straightforward, simple pantry essentials that come together to create complex flavor and texture. Each item contributes something special, from the bread and all-purpose flours that build structure, to the raspberry jam that injects that wow factor of sweetness and fruitiness.

Warm water (1 ¾ cup at 105-115°F): Perfect temperature to activate the yeast without killing it.
Sugar (2 tsp): Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the dough.
Active dry yeast (1 packet): The magic behind the airy, fluffy texture.
Bread flour (2 cups): Has higher protein content for better gluten development.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): Balances the texture for a tender crumb.
Salt (2 tsp): Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity.
Olive oil (6 tbsp, divided): Keeps the dough moist and adds richness, plus helps create that beautifully crisp crust.
Raspberry jam (1 jar): The vibrant, fruity filling that makes this focaccia unique—Bonne Maman or your favorite brand works wonderfully.
Powdered sugar (2 cups): For the sweet glaze that ties everything together.
Milk (2-4 tbsp): Adjusts glaze consistency; whole milk provides a creamy texture.

How to Make Sweet Raspberry Jam Focaccia with Powdered Sugar Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining warm water and sugar in your stand mixer bowl, giving it a quick whisk to dissolve the sugar. Adding the yeast now allows it to bloom and become bubbly, which is your sign that it’s alive and ready to help your dough rise beautifully. This is the foundation of your focaccia, so be sure you see that bubbling action before moving on.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Next, switch to the dough hook and add both flours along with the salt. Blend these ingredients into a sticky dough, which might feel wetter than typical bread dough—don’t be alarmed. This high hydration is key for the focaccia’s light crumb and open texture.

Step 3: First Rise

Generously oil a large mixing bowl before transferring the dough, then brush the dough itself with olive oil. Cover with plastic wrap and place it somewhere warm for about an hour. This warmth encourages the dough to double in size and develop that irresistible airy quality.

Step 4: Shape and Second Rise

After the first rise, coat your baking pan with olive oil and transfer the dough. Fold it in thirds gently, flip it to coat with oil, and let it rise again covered for another hour. This second rise ensures your focaccia gets that classic pillowy softness and golden crust.

Step 5: Prep for Baking

Once the dough has doubled and spread edge to edge, preheat your oven to 425°F. Drizzle the remaining olive oil on top and use your fingers to poke plenty of holes all over. These dimples are not only iconic but essential to trap pockets of olive oil and your jam filling.

Step 6: Add Raspberry Jam and Bake

Spread about a quarter of your raspberry jam evenly over the dough’s surface, making sure it seeps into the grooves. Bake for 18-22 minutes until the top is golden and cooked through. The aroma alone will have your mouth watering!

Step 7: Jam Injection

Here’s a fun trick: using a large straw, poke many holes in the bread once it’s out of the oven. Then drop spoonfuls of jam into each hole. The warmth allows the jam to penetrate deeply, creating luscious sweet bursts in every bite.

Step 8: Powdered Sugar Glaze

Whip up your powdered sugar glaze using an electric mixer, adding milk slowly until you reach a smooth but firm consistency. While the bread is slightly cooled, spread or drizzle the glaze on top, and if you’re feeling fancy, flip the focaccia to glaze the bottom for a true glazed donut effect!

How to Serve Sweet Raspberry Jam Focaccia with Powdered Sugar Glaze Recipe

The image shows an L-shaped pastry on a gold wire cooling rack. The pastry has two layers: the base is light golden brown and flaky, and the top layer is covered with a white icing that is slightly translucent, showing red strawberry jam swirled throughout. To the right of the pastry, there is a small white bowl filled with white powdered sugar. Next to the bowl, a fresh red strawberry with green leaves rests on the wire rack. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate presentation and flavor, fresh raspberries and a sprinkle of lemon zest add a refreshing brightness that complements the sweetness. A light dusting of extra powdered sugar just before serving gives that bakery-fresh look that wows guests.

Side Dishes

This focaccia pairs perfectly with a cup of rich coffee or a nourishing tea, making it an ideal component of a cozy brunch spread. Serve alongside creamy mascarpone or a spoonful of Greek yogurt to balance the sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut into small squares for a charming finger food at gatherings or drizzle additional raspberry sauce artistically on your serving platter. Wrapping individual pieces in parchment tied with twine makes for a thoughtful homemade gift too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra focaccia fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This will maintain the bread’s moisture and the glaze’s sweetness without getting soggy.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this treat later, freeze the focaccia in well-wrapped slices for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature and refresh briefly in a warm oven to revive its just-baked charm.

Reheating

Reheat your slices gently in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. This warms the jam filling perfectly and revives the glaze’s delicate texture, giving you that fresh-baked feel again.

FAQs

Can I use other types of jam instead of raspberry?

Absolutely! While raspberry jam provides a wonderful balance of tartness and sweetness, strawberry, blueberry, or even apricot jams work beautifully in this recipe. Each will give a unique twist to your focaccia.

How important is the olive oil quantity?

Generous use of olive oil is essential to achieving the moist, tender crumb and crisp exterior focaccia is known for. If you skimp on it, your bread might turn out dry, so don’t hesitate to be liberal, especially in coating the dough and pan.

Can I make this focaccia without a stand mixer?

You sure can! Mixing and kneading by hand is entirely doable. It might take a bit more elbow grease to achieve the sticky consistency, but combining flours and kneading on a floured surface will still yield delicious results.

What if my yeast doesn’t bubble in Step 1?

This means your yeast might be inactive, which can happen if it’s old or the water temperature wasn’t quite right. It’s best to start fresh with new yeast and ensure the water is warm but not hot to save your dough from disappointment.

Is this recipe suitable for breakfast or dessert?

Absolutely! Its balanced sweetness and rich raspberry flavor make it versatile enough to enjoy any time of day, whether as a morning treat or a delightful after-dinner indulgence.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Sweet Raspberry Jam Focaccia with Powdered Sugar Glaze Recipe enough if you’re looking to wow your friends or family with something both comforting and special. It’s a recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth and fills your heart with joy. Give it a try, and I promise this will become your new favorite go-to for special breakfasts and sweet gatherings.