There’s something magical about the marrying of sweet, pillowy bread and vibrant fruit, and Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam does just that in the most delightful way. This recipe transforms classic savory focaccia into a luscious, dessert-worthy treat, starring swirls of raspberry jam nestled into tender, golden bread and finished with a snowy glaze. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or brand new to yeasted doughs, this showstopper comes together with simple ingredients and a little patience, rewarding you with each fluffy, jammy bite.

Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam truly special, every ingredient does its part. From creating a rich, chewy crumb to bright pockets of jam and a creamy glaze, here’s what you’ll need—and why it matters.

Warm water (1 ¾ cup, 105-115°F): Gives the yeast the perfect environment to wake up and get bubbly, forming the foundation of our delicious dough.
Sugar (2 tsp): Just a hint to feed the yeast and help the bread bloom with beautiful airiness.
Active dry yeast (1 packet): The powerhouse that gives our focaccia its cloudlike texture—make sure yours is fresh and lively!
Bread flour (2 cups): Contains higher protein for chew and structure, so your bread stands tall yet stays wonderfully soft.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): Balances out the bread flour for a tender, easily worked dough.
Salt (2 tsp): Just enough to bring out all the flavors; don’t be tempted to skip it!
Olive oil (6 tbsp, divided): Essential for an authentic Italian texture and that crisp, golden crust—plus zero sticking in the pan.
Raspberry jam (1 jar): The star flavor—choose a quality, fruit-forward jam like Bonne Maman for intense raspberry goodness.
Powdered sugar (2 cups): For the simple yet irresistible glaze that turns each bite into a treat.
Milk (2-4 tbsp, whole milk preferred): Loosens the glaze to a smooth, pourable consistency—add it gradually for perfect results.

How to Make Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by pouring your warm water into the bowl of a stand mixer. Whisk in the sugar until dissolved, then sprinkle on the yeast and give it another quick mix. Let it sit for about five minutes—if you see bubbles and foam, you’re in business! If not, sadly, it’s best to start again with fresh yeast; this initial bloom is non-negotiable for fluffy focaccia.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Attach your dough hook and add both flours and the salt into the yeast mixture. Set the mixer to low and watch as the simple ingredients come together into one sticky, cohesive dough. It should look a bit shaggy and tacky—that’s exactly what you want for a light, tender crumb.

Step 3: First Rise

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a large mixing bowl, coating the sides so the dough won’t stick. Transfer your dough into the bowl, drizzle and gently coat it with olive oil, then cover tightly with plastic wrap. Place the bowl near a sunlit window or warm spot (the warmth really helps the dough rise) and let it rest for about an hour, until doubled in size.

Step 4: Prepare the Pan and Shape the Dough

Coat a 9×13-inch metal baking pan with another 2 tablespoons of olive oil (trust me, it makes a difference!). Scrape your risen dough out, and fold it in thirds over itself a few times so it’s evenly coated in oil. Give it a gentle knead right in the pan—a few stretches go a long way in developing chewy strands. Cover and let it rise for another hour in your warm spot, letting it stretch to the edges of the pan.

Step 5: Add the Jam and Dimple

Now for the fun part: after the dough’s second rise, preheat your oven to 425°F. Uncover the pan and drizzle over the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Using your fingers, poke deep holes all over the dough to create classic focaccia dimples—don’t be shy! Then, spoon about a quarter of your raspberry jam into the indentations, swirling it across the top so it oozes into every nook.

Step 6: Bake

Slide the pan into your hot oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the focaccia is puffed and beautifully golden. The edges should be crisp and you’ll see jammy swirls bubbling—your kitchen will smell heavenly. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 7: Fill with More Raspberry Jam

Once just cool enough to handle, take a large straw and poke lots (about 35 or more) of holes all over the bread. Use a small spoon to stuff each opening with more raspberry jam, allowing the heat to gently draw the jam into the bread. This step makes every bite burst with sweet, fruity flavor!

Step 8: Glaze and Finish

In a bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together powdered sugar and enough milk to make a smooth glaze—add the milk a tablespoon at a time until luxuriously thick but pourable. Drizzle the glaze generously across the top of the focaccia (flip it and glaze the bottom for donut-like decadence if you’d like!). Cut into squares, marvel at your creation, and serve!

How to Serve Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam

Garnishes

Give your Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam a finishing touch by scattering extra powdered sugar, some fresh raspberries, or even finely chopped pistachios over the glaze. A sprinkle of lemon zest will brighten up the flavors, while a few edible flowers or mint leaves amp up the visual wow factor for special occasions.

Side Dishes

This sweet focaccia makes a gorgeous addition to brunch alongside creamy Greek yogurt, a fruit salad, or a simple cheese platter. You can also serve it as a surprising dessert at dinner, paired with coffee or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming twist, layer slices of Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam on a pretty cake stand and add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel for extra drama. Individual squares wrapped in parchment and tied with twine make irresistible edible gifts, or try cutting them into fun shapes for a playful kids’ party snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days; the bread stays moist and the jam keeps things deliciously tender. For longer freshness, refrigerate, but allow it to come to room temperature before indulging so the texture remains just right.

Freezing

Go ahead and freeze extra slices for future cravings—just be sure the focaccia has cooled completely. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep happily for up to two months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven magic, pop slices of Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam into a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave (15–30 seconds) will warm things up, though the oven keeps it nice and crisp.

FAQs

Can I substitute another fruit jam for raspberry?

Absolutely! While raspberry jam brings a lovely tartness, you can easily swap in strawberry, apricot, or blackberry jam for your own personal twist—just choose one with vibrant, real-fruit flavor.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No worries! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It’ll take a little elbow grease, but the result will be just as scrumptious, with the same fluffy crumb and jammy pockets.

Is it possible to make Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based milk for the glaze and ensure your jam is vegan-friendly. Double-check your sugar, too—some brands use bone char in refining, so opt for organic if needed.

Why did my dough not rise properly?

If your focaccia seems flat, the most common culprit is inactive yeast. Always check the date and proof as described; cold environments can also slow rising, so keep your dough warm for best results.

Can I make Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam ahead of time?

Absolutely! This focaccia is even better the next day once the glaze and jam have soaked in. Bake, glaze, and keep well covered until serving—or freeze ahead for an easy, impressive treat any time.

Final Thoughts

If you love baking, crave something sweet, or just want an easy way to wow your brunch guests, Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam is an absolute must-try. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make on repeat—and, once you taste that fluffy, jam-studded goodness, you’ll see exactly why. Happy baking!