Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam The Ultimate Brunch Showstopper

Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam is the dessert you didn’t know you needed until now. The basic focaccia is transformed into a sweet, jammy, and completely unforgettable delight with this take on the traditional Italian bread. Whether you’re planning brunch for guests or craving a golden, fruit-filled snack, this raspberry-glazed bread hits all the right notes.

At CookTune, we’ve always believed that baking should be about joy, creativity, and community. What started as a humble recipe blog has turned into a vibrant destination where home cooks find comfort food with a twist. This Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam recipe represents everything we stand for—taking a classic and flipping it with bold flavor and flair. We tested this recipe more than a dozen times to get the perfect balance of fluff, flavor, and that addictive glaze.

Let’s get started on why this version of focaccia is earning its place on every brunch table and sweet board across the U.S.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

The Rise of Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam

What Makes Sweet Focaccia So Unique?

Focaccia has long been celebrated as a savory bread—one that thrives with herbs, olives, and sea salt. But turning this Italian staple into a dessert transforms it into something unexpectedly divine. Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam flips the script, delivering a pillowy, slightly chewy base with a hint of saltiness that beautifully complements the fruity jam.

Unlike cakes or muffins, sweet focaccia has structure. The yeast-driven rise gives it an airiness that pairs beautifully with the stickiness of a good jam. What makes it extra special? The glaze. Once cooled and frosted, it resembles a donut more than a bread loaf. That combination of textures—crisp edges, jam-filled dimples, and sweet glaze—is pure alchemy.

Why Raspberry Jam Is the Perfect Pairing

You could fill those signature poked holes with any spread, but raspberry jam just works. Its slight tartness cuts through the richness of the dough and glaze, adding balance. Raspberry seeds add just the right amount of texture too—especially if you’re using a quality jam like Bonne Maman, which has a reputation for natural flavor and bold fruitiness.

Another reason raspberry jam shines? The color. That ruby red gleam peeking through the golden bread is visual perfection—great for photos and impressive at any brunch table.

Just know that sweet focaccia with raspberry jam accomplishes the flavor trifecta sweet, tangy, and decadent if you’re experimenting with different jam varieties.

The Story Behind This Viral Sweet Focaccia Recipe

About the CookTune Journey

At CookTune, every recipe has a story—and sweet focaccia with raspberry jam is one that struck a chord with thousands. It wasn’t born out of a test kitchen or a trend. It started with an ordinary craving for something soft, sweet, and nostalgic. After years of perfecting savory focaccia recipes, we began wondering: what if this rustic Italian bread could become dessert?

That simple question sparked months of experimenting in the CookTune kitchen. We wanted to keep the integrity of traditional focaccia—olive oil richness, chewy interior—but give it a joyful twist. Raspberry jam was our aha moment. It gave the bread a vibrant flavor that wasn’t too sweet or artificial. And when we added a thick powdered sugar glaze? Game over. Our first test batch disappeared in 20 minutes flat.

We shared the recipe on our site and, within weeks, it went viral. People across the country were recreating it, posting reels and TikToks of jam-filled focaccia oozing with glaze. Bakers from novice to pro tagged us in their creations. That’s when we knew—we had something special.

Discover great ideas like our Simple and Scrumptious Strawberry Rhubarb Cake, another fruity dessert made simple and crowd-friendly.

From Savory to Sweet: How Focaccia Got Its Sweet Side

The leap from savory to sweet wasn’t as far as you might think. Focaccia dough is naturally slightly salty, soft, and porous—ideal traits for absorbing jam and frosting. When treated like a dessert base, it behaves like a mashup between donut and soft bread.

Sweet focaccia isn’t just a trend; it’s a movement in modern baking. More home bakers want bakes that are less sugary than cakes, less technical than pastries, and still bring that wow factor. Sweet focaccia with raspberry jam hits every mark: easy ingredients, flexible prep, show-stopping results.

Its rise also mirrors the greater shift in food culture. We want hybrid recipes—things that blur the lines between breakfast and dessert, sweet and savory, indulgent and nostalgic. And this jam-filled bread is the perfect example.

Plus, it brings back childhood memories. If you ever had a toaster strudel or a jelly donut growing up, this is the grown-up, made-from-scratch version. Except better.

Check out our Chocolate Custard Brioche if you’re into soft breads that play nice with sweet fillings too.

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Ingredients Breakdown for Perfect Texture and Flavor

Why the Mix of Bread and All-Purpose Flour Matters

One of the secrets behind the chewy-yet-soft texture of sweet focaccia with raspberry jam lies in the flour combination. While you could use all-purpose flour alone, that would result in a softer, cake-like bread that lacks the right amount of spring and elasticity. On the other hand, using only bread flour would create a denser, tougher structure—too chewy for a dessert bread.

That’s why this recipe uses a 50/50 split between bread flour and all-purpose flour. Bread flour has higher protein content (usually 12–14%), which helps build stronger gluten networks. This is essential for those lovely air bubbles you see in well-proofed focaccia. All-purpose flour, with its more moderate protein content (around 10–11%), balances it out, keeping the final crumb soft and tender.

Ratio Recap Table

Flour Type	Purpose	Amount Used
Bread Flour	Chewiness and air structure	2 cups
All-Purpose Flour	Tenderness and balanced softness	2 cups

Using both creates that signature light but resilient structure—the kind that soaks up jam without falling apart, and stands up to glaze without getting soggy.

Choosing the Right Raspberry Jam (Brands & Tips)

Not all raspberry jams are created equal. The brand you choose dramatically affects the final flavor, texture, and spreadability. For this sweet focaccia recipe, we highly recommend using a high-quality, fruit-forward jam—one without added artificial flavors or excess sugar.

Top Pick:
Bonne Maman Raspberry Preserves – This French jam is thick, flavorful, and made with whole raspberries and natural ingredients. It also has that iconic chunky texture that looks beautiful in the jam-filled wells of focaccia.

Other options include:

• St. Dalfour Raspberry Spread – All-natural, no added sugar.
• Trader Joe’s Organic Raspberry Fruit Spread – Affordable and rich.

Jam Tips:

• Don’t Overheat It: Let the warmth of the freshly baked focaccia slightly melt the jam into the wells. Heating it separately can make it too runny.
• Mix Slightly If Needed: If your jam is too firm straight from the fridge, give it a quick stir to loosen it before spooning it onto the bread.

Also, consider the jam’s seed level. Seeded jam adds a rustic, homemade texture. If you prefer smoother bites, go for seedless—but expect slightly less visual contrast.

Baking Tools and Prep Essentials

Equipment Checklist Before You Start

While the recipe for sweet focaccia with raspberry jam is beginner-friendly, having the right tools makes a huge difference. From activating the yeast to applying the glaze, here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Tool	Why You Need It
Stand Mixer with Dough Hook	Essential for creating a smooth, sticky dough without overworking it by hand.
Large Mixing Bowl	Needed for the first rise; must be big enough for dough to double in size.
Silicone Brush	Ideal for spreading olive oil evenly across the pan and dough surface.
9×13 Metal Baking Pan	A metal pan provides better heat conduction than glass, ensuring the bottom bakes evenly and gets a light crust.
Plastic Wrap or Damp Towel	To cover the dough during proofing and lock in moisture.
Spoon or Small Spatula	For spreading jam into the grooves and wells.
Large Straw (Reusable or Bubble Tea Straw)	Used to create deep holes after baking to fill with jam.
Electric Hand Mixer	Needed to beat the glaze until smooth and glossy.
Wire Rack (optional)	Useful if you want to frost the bottom like a donut after flipping the focaccia.

Don’t worry if you don’t own a stand mixer—you can knead by hand, although it will require extra time and elbow grease. However, the dough is sticky, so using a mixer simplifies the process and results in a more consistent texture.

Setting Up the Kitchen for Focaccia Success

Before diving into baking, a little prep goes a long way. Here’s how to set your space up:

1. Create a Warm Proofing Zone: Focaccia dough rises best in warm environments (ideally 75°F–85°F). If it’s a cool day, place your dough near a window with sunlight or inside an OFF oven with the light on.
2. Pre-measure Ingredients: This helps the recipe flow smoothly and reduces mistakes. Pre-measuring also ensures that the yeast activates properly without delays.
3. Oil Everything: Olive oil is key in this recipe—not just for flavor but for preventing sticking. Oil the bowls, your hands, and the pan. Don’t skimp!
4. Clean as You Go: With sticky dough and sugary glaze, a clean surface makes the baking experience more enjoyable and prevents disasters.

How to Make Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam Step-by-Step

Making Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam from scratch might sound like a project, but it’s surprisingly approachable—and the reward is worth every step. Whether you’re a seasoned home baker or new to bread recipes, this guide will walk you through the entire process with confidence.

Activating Yeast for Fluffy Bread

To kick off the recipe for sweet focaccia with raspberry jam, you’ll need to activate your yeast properly. This step is non-negotiable—it’s the difference between pillowy success and flat failure.

In your stand mixer bowl, combine:

• 1¾ cup warm water (between 105°F–115°F)
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 packet of active dry yeast

Quickly whisk by hand to dissolve the sugar and mix the yeast evenly. Then let it sit for 5 minutes. You should see bubbling and a bit of foam—if not, your yeast may be expired, and you’ll need to start fresh.

Yeast needs a warm, sugary environment to come alive, and this activation creates the foundational rise for your sweet focaccia with raspberry jam.

Mixing, Rising, Folding, and Proofing the Dough

Once your yeast is foamy, it’s time to build the dough. Attach the dough hook and add:

• 2 cups bread flour
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt

Mix until a sticky, slightly elastic dough forms. This will take about 3–5 minutes on medium-low speed. It should pull slightly from the sides of the bowl but still be tacky.

In a separate large bowl, drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil around the inside and transfer your dough in. Coat the top of the dough with a little more oil using your hands. Cover with plastic wrap and place it in a sunny spot or warm area. Allow it to rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

The dough’s rise is a crucial part of the texture in sweet focaccia with raspberry jam. Don’t rush it. Gluten is forming, air pockets are developing, and that iconic chewiness is coming to life.

After rising, brush a 9×13 metal pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Gently transfer the dough into the pan. Fold it over itself a few times—this helps with gluten development and evenly spreads oil. Press the dough lightly to stretch it across the pan. Cover again, and let it rise another hour until it fills the pan completely.

Creating Those Signature Jam Wells and Baking to Perfection

Now comes the part where sweet focaccia with raspberry jam earns its name.

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Remove the plastic wrap. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil on the surface. Use your fingertips to poke deep dimples across the dough, creating tiny craters that will hold flavor and texture after baking.

Spoon ¼ cup of raspberry jam over the unbaked dough. Gently spread it around, allowing it to seep into the dimples. You don’t need a thick layer here—just enough to swirl sweetness through the surface.

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy. The smell at this point? Unbelievable. It’s like a jam donut met an artisan bread oven.

When you remove it from the oven, act fast: use a large reusable straw to poke about 35 holes across the surface. Don’t be shy—these tunnels are where you’ll add even more jam. Let the bread rest for about 10 minutes.

Using a small spoon, fill each hole with a bit more raspberry jam. The warmth of the bread will slightly melt the jam and pull it deep into the crumb. That’s what makes sweet focaccia with raspberry jam so addicting—each bite is soft, fruity, and gooey in the best way.

The Ultimate Raspberry Glaze

No sweet focaccia with raspberry jam is complete without a thick, sugary glaze that gives it a donut-like charm. While the jam brings the fruity punch, the glaze adds balance with its rich, creamy sweetness and glossy finish. It’s what transforms this from a humble sweet bread into a bakery-style showstopper.

Making the Perfect Icing with Just the Right Consistency

The glaze used for sweet focaccia with raspberry jam is simple, but it must be done right. Too thick, and it won’t spread. Too runny, and it will soak through the bread and disappear. The goal is a smooth glaze that spreads easily but sets into a slightly hardened shell—think donut frosting.

You’ll need:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2–4 tablespoons milk (whole milk preferred)

Start by adding the powdered sugar to a mixing bowl. Pour in 2 tablespoons of milk, then beat the mixture with an electric hand mixer. Add more milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a pourable but thick consistency. You want it to fall slowly off the spoon—not watery, but not clumpy either.

Pro Tip: Add a tiny drop of vanilla or almond extract to enhance the glaze flavor if desired, but it’s optional since the raspberry jam already provides depth.

This glaze brings out the best in sweet focaccia with raspberry jam by seeping gently into the top layer, locking in moisture while creating a sugary contrast to the tart fruit.

Glazing Top and Bottom for a Donut-Like Finish

This is where the magic happens.

Once your focaccia has cooled slightly—but not completely—drizzle the glaze generously over the top. Let it run into the cracks, grooves, and jam wells you made earlier. If you’re aiming for bakery-style results, wait until the top glaze sets slightly, then do something bold…

Flip the entire focaccia onto a wire rack and glaze the bottom.

Yes, the bottom.

This trick gives sweet focaccia with raspberry jam a full-glaze coverage that resembles an iced donut or sticky bun. It’s messy, indulgent, and unforgettable. If you’re entertaining or serving it at brunch, this little step will wow your guests.

Optional garnish ideas:

• Dust with extra powdered sugar
• Add freeze-dried raspberries or crushed nuts on top
• Slice into squares and stack on a tiered dessert tray

Check out our sugar glaze 101 tutorial for tips on thickening, flavoring, and storing icing like a pro.

By now, your kitchen smells amazing, your focaccia is beautifully glazed, and it’s time to start thinking about how to serve it.

Serving Ideas and Sweet Pairings

Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam isn’t just a treat—it’s a versatile crowd-pleaser. Its soft texture, jammy flavor, and glossy glaze make it ideal for almost any occasion. Whether you’re hosting brunch, packing a lunchbox surprise, or serving dessert at a holiday table, this sweet focaccia can shine.

Serving Suggestions for Brunch, Dessert, and More

One of the best things about sweet focaccia with raspberry jam is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ideas to help you present and serve it like a pro:

Occasion	Serving Style
Weekend Brunch	Slice into squares and serve warm alongside fresh fruit and eggs. It’s a perfect sweet counterpoint to savory breakfast foods.
Afternoon Tea	Pair small slices with lemon tea or hibiscus herbal blends. Add clotted cream or mascarpone on the side for a luxurious bite.
Holiday Dessert Table	Stack slices in a tiered stand alongside holiday cookies and cakes. The jam and glaze add vibrant color to the table.
Picnic or Potluck	Wrap slices in parchment paper. The glaze and jam hold up well while traveling.
School or Office Treat	Cut into mini squares and place them in cupcake liners for a grab-and-go option that still looks polished.

Pro Tip: To add even more decadence, serve your sweet focaccia slices with raspberry jam a little warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Discover great ideas like our chocolate chip muffin tray bake for another crowd-friendly sweet that’s easy to share.

Pairing with Beverages: Coffee, Tea, and Wine

Pairing the right drink with your sweet focaccia with raspberry jam takes it to a whole new level. The bread’s subtle saltiness, fruity filling, and sugar glaze offer a broad canvas for flavor combinations.

Perfect drink pairings:

• Coffee: A bold espresso or dark roast balances the sweetness beautifully. For a homey café atmosphere, add a dash of cinnamon.
• Tea: Go floral or citrus—think chamomile, earl grey, or lemon verbena. They bring brightness that complements the raspberry.
• Milk: A glass of cold milk works wonders, especially for younger guests or a nostalgic late-night snack.
• Sparkling Water: Try raspberry- or lime-infused water for a refreshing and palate-cleansing match.
• Wine: For a more adult twist, pair with a semi-sweet rosé or a sparkling Moscato. These wines enhance the fruity notes in the jam and create an elegant finish.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Once you’ve baked your irresistible Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam, the next big question is: how do you store it so it stays fresh, soft, and flavorful? Unlike dry cakes or dense breads, sweet focaccia with raspberry jam has a moist crumb, fruity filling, and sugary glaze—all of which require thoughtful storage to prevent sogginess or staleness.

How to Store Sweet Focaccia to Keep It Fresh

Proper storage is essential if you want to enjoy sweet focaccia with raspberry jam beyond the day you bake it. Here’s the best way to keep that soft interior and glazed top intact:

Short-Term (1–2 days):
Place slices in an airtight container at room temperature. Add a small square of parchment paper between slices to prevent the glaze and jam from sticking together. Keep the container in a cool, dry place—never the fridge, as refrigeration can dry out bread and make the glaze rubbery.

Medium-Term (3–5 days):
Wrap individual squares of sweet focaccia with raspberry jam in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. This double protection helps retain the jam’s moisture and keeps the bread from hardening.

Long-Term (up to 2 months):
Yes, you can freeze sweet focaccia with raspberry jam. After slicing the focaccia into separate parts, securely wrap each one in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Place the wrapped slices into a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge or let sit at room temperature for an hour. Then reheat (see below).

Don’t miss our guide to freezing baked goods to learn how to store all your favorite treats the right way.

Reheating Without Ruining the Glaze

Reheating sweet focaccia with raspberry jam takes a little finesse. You want to warm the bread and revive the jam’s texture without melting the glaze too much or drying out the dough.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Room Temp Option (Best for Glaze):
   Let your focaccia come to room temperature naturally. This keeps the glaze glossy and intact while still softening the bread.
2. Oven Method (Best for Texture):
   Preheat your oven to 300°F, and place slices of sweet focaccia with raspberry jam on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely with foil and warm for 6–8 minutes. This will refresh the crumb without melting the glaze entirely.
3. Microwave Shortcut:
   Lay a slice on a dish and use a paper towel to loosely cover it. Microwave for 10–15 seconds max. This method softens the bread but may affect the glaze’s texture slightly.

Avoid high heat or overbaking—it will harden the glaze and make the jam bubble, altering the intended texture of sweet focaccia with raspberry jam.

Optional Pro Trick:
If reheating after freezing, re-glaze with a small drizzle of fresh icing to revive the shine and moisture.

Troubleshooting & Expert Tips

Even though Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam is a forgiving recipe, a few small missteps can impact the final texture or flavor. Luckily, most issues are easy to avoid or fix. Below, we’ll walk through the most common problems people face when baking Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam, and share professional tips to help you get that bakery-quality result every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the top pitfalls bakers encounter when making Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam—and how to dodge them:

1. Yeast Didn’t Activate
If your yeast doesn’t bubble during the activation step, stop and start over. Inactive yeast = flat bread. Always use fresh yeast and water between 105°F–115°F.

2. Underproofed Dough
Rushing the rise leads to dense focaccia. Let the dough double in size each time. Use a warm environment—especially in colder seasons.

3. Using Too Much Jam Before Baking
While it’s tempting to slather on jam before baking, too much can cause soggy centers and prevent even baking. Stick to the recommended ¼ cup for the pre-bake layer. Save the rest for post-bake jam wells.

4. Overbaking
Overbaked focaccia becomes dry and loses that soft interior. Bake just until the top is golden—18–22 minutes is the sweet spot.

5. Incorrect Glaze Consistency
A glaze that’s too thin will soak in. Too thick won’t spread. Aim for a smooth pourable texture that drips slowly from the spoon.

Avoiding these common mistakes will take your Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam from good to absolutely unforgettable.

Pro Secrets for Golden Brown Perfection

Want that crisp-edged, golden-brown crust with a tender, jam-filled interior? These expert tips can make your Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam better than any bakery version:

1. Use a Metal Pan
A 9×13 metal pan conducts heat more efficiently than glass or ceramic. It helps the bottom get crisp while the top stays soft and airy—ideal for Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam.

2. Poke Like a Pro
Don’t be shy with the poking! Use a large straw or even a chopstick to make deep wells for jam after baking. The more holes you make, the more jam you can pack in, and the more flavor you’ll deliver with every bite.

3. Double the Glaze (Optional)
If you really want to lean into dessert territory, glaze once while warm, allow it to set, flip the bread over, and glaze the bottom. This gives your Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam an indulgent, donut-like finish.

4. Let It Rest Before Cutting
Let the focaccia cool for at least 15–20 minutes before cutting. This allows the glaze to harden slightly and gives the jam time to settle into the crumb. It also makes slicing easier and cleaner.

5. Serve Slightly Warm
Reheat slices just before serving. Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam tastes best when it’s slightly warm and the jam is gooey, but the glaze is still intact.

6. Add a Little Texture
Want to get fancy? Sprinkle chopped pistachios, sliced almonds, or freeze-dried raspberries on top of the glaze for added texture and presentation flair.

Conclusion: Why Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam Belongs in Every Kitchen

There’s something truly special about Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam—a dessert bread that offers the perfect balance between chewy and soft, fruity and sweet, indulgent and approachable. With its jam-filled wells, tender olive oil dough, and a donut-style glaze, it’s easy to see why this recipe has captured hearts (and taste buds) all over.

Whether you serve it warm at brunch, sliced up for dessert, or wrapped as a gift for friends, sweet focaccia with raspberry jam never fails to impress. It’s a bake that brings joy, nostalgia, and pure satisfaction in every bite.

Looking for something soft and cinnamon-sweet? These Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars from GrandmaRecipesFlash offer everything you love about sticky rolls in a bar form.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam

Sweet Focaccia with Raspberry Jam