Sweet Focaccia Bread Recipe​

If you’ve ever had focaccia, you know bread gets no better: dense and springy, thick with olive oil and garden herbs. But have you ever eaten a sweet one? Introducing you to the sweet world of Sweet Focaccia Bread Recipe​ ; a recipe that takes your favourite Italian side to straight-up sweet heaven. Tender, fluffy, not overly sweet and the perfect addition to breakfast, dessert or as a snack with your afternoon tea.

I found this recipe for the first time during a family gathering when we needed something special to go with our favourite savoury dishes. The moment the Sweet Focaccia Bread stepped out of the oven, the scent lured the entire house, and all were eager to taste it! Half cake, half bread, it was love at first bite. You can’t go wrong with a slightly sweet interior inside the golden crust.

If you’re acquainted with traditional focaccia bread, then you know that it’s often savoury and garnished with rosemary, garlic and olives. But this Sweet Focaccia Bread is that perfect twist that introduces to your palate not the creamy mother flavour but complementary tones of flavours. New to baking bread? Already an experienced baker? This quick, simple recipe is perfect for sharing with your loved ones. Want to make this heavenly treat? Let’s dive in!

What is Sweet Focaccia Bread?

So what is Sweet Focaccia Bread exactly? Well, it’s a slightly sweet variation on traditional, savoury Italian focaccia bread. Instead of salt, think sugar. It’s a great dessert or sweet snack! Conceptualise a piece of focaccia, but instead of being savoury, it tastes like a sweet bread with a dessert-like texture that’s also fluffy.

Truly the best of both worlds! Have you ever wondered why focaccia is such a big deal in Italy? It can be served with practically any dish, it is very adaptable, and it is rather easy to prepare. “The way to a person’s heart is through their stomach. If anything, this sweet focaccia could capture anyone’s heart because of its tenderness and pillowy softness and the mild sweetness of the sugar. So why not give it a shot, test this relatively simple, considerate recipe, and surprise your friends and family?

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Focaccia Bread Recipe​

There are three things you (yes, you!) will adore about this Sweet Focaccia Bread Recipe​. First, it’s so super-duper easy, no fancy baking skills required here. It’s easy enough to make even if you’re new to cooking. Second, when you make it at home, you know this can cost a small fortune if store-bought! And finally, the flavour! This sweet bread has a delicate texture, a soft crumb that is just barely caramelised on top, and it’s simply melt-in-your-mouth good. Top it with fresh fruit such as berries, a little honey or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra sweet treat.

If you’re a fan of other sweet bread recipes like banana bread or cinnamon rolls, then you’ll love this Sweet Focaccia Bread too. It makes an ideal dessert after a family dinner, or you can cut it into slices for afternoon snacking. It’s a dish you can serve any time, and it’s bound to become a favourite.

How to Make Sweet Focaccia Bread Recipe​

Quick Overview

Sweet Focaccia Bread is so simple to make, with not many ingredients and a quite relaxing process too. Under an hour later, you’ll have a homemade loaf of warm, soft bread. But whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or simply want a good, homemade side dish for weeknight roasts, this recipe will soon be yours. It is a wonderful bread to keep on hand for any occasion!

Key Ingredients for Sweet Focaccia Bread Recipe​

• 500g all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons sugar (plus extra for topping)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 300ml warm water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional toppings: fresh rosemary, berries, honey, or powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Serve and Enjoy: Let the bread cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm, and enjoy the sweet, soft goodness!

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm water with the sugar and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy.

Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, vanilla extract, and olive oil. Stir until everything is combined into a sticky dough.

Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Let it Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Shape and Rest: Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking tray. Stretch the dough into a rectangular shape. Let it rest for another 20-30 minutes.

Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Sprinkle some sugar on top of the dough and optionally add rosemary or berries for flavor. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

What to Serve Sweet Focaccia Bread With

Sweet Focaccia Bread Recipe​ is good to eat by itself, but it goes well with so many other things! Pair it with a fresh salad, a hot cup of tea or even just a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dinner. It can also be served with fresh fruit, whipped cream or a honey drizzle. For breakfast, a cup of coffee or hot chocolate is perfect alongside.

Top Tips for Perfecting Sweet Focaccia Bread Recipe​

• Play Along with Flavours: While rosemary is a standard savoury add-on, try out chocolate chips or even a citrus glaze for the ultimate twist!
• Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise and texture.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: You want to knead until the dough is smooth, but not more than that; you can end up with a very dense loaf.
• Sweet Toppings: For added sweetness, drizzle with honey or sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Keep your Sweet Focaccia Bread Recipe​ in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
• Freezing: It can be frozen for up to one month. Simply wrap it up tightly in plastic wrap and then drop it into a freezer bag.
• Reheating: To give it another lease on life, reheat the loaf in the oven for a minute or two until warmed through, or cut thick slices and toast them for an extra-crispy edge.

Health Benefits of Sweet Focaccia Bread Recipe​

Though it’s absolutely delicious, moderation is key as with anything. The primary health benefit is from olive oil, which contains healthy fats, and yeast, which can aid digestion. But this bread is still a sweet treat, and like all sweet treats, it’s all about moderation.

Sweet Focaccia Bread Recipe​ From OohDish!

Sweet Focaccia Bread

Sweet Focaccia Bread is a delightful twist on the classic Italian focaccia, transforming it into a sweet treat. With its fluffy texture and slightly golden crust, this bread is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack. Easy to make and full of comforting flavors, it’s an ideal recipe for any occasion, and it pairs well with fruits, honey, or whipped cream.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8

Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet or tray
• Damp cloth (for covering dough)
• Oven
• Plastic wrap (optional for storing)

Ingredients

  

• 500 g all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons sugar plus extra for topping
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 300 ml warm water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional toppings: fresh rosemary berries, honey, or powdered sugar

Instructions

 

• Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm water with the sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until frothy.
• Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, vanilla extract, and olive oil. Stir until everything comes together into a sticky dough.
• Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
• Let it Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
• Shape the Dough: Punch down the dough, then transfer it to a greased baking tray. Stretch it into a rectangular shape. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes.
• Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Sprinkle some sugar on top of the dough. Optionally, add rosemary or berries. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and sounds hollow when tapped.
• Serve: Let the bread cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm for the best flavor.

Notes

• For added flavor, try adding a few tablespoons of honey or cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
• You can store the bread in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days at room temperature.
• To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag for up to a month. Reheat in the oven before serving.
• Experiment with different toppings such as chocolate chips, nuts, or fruits like apples or pears for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Keyword easy bread, focaccia with sugar, homemade focaccia, Italian bread recipe, sweet bread recipe, sweet focaccia bread

Conclusion

Sweet Focaccia Bread Alfredo Dietary therapeutic diet 4.35 from 92 votes Print I love focaccia bread. Whether you’re a well-practised baker or new to the practice, this simple recipe will have you baking like a pro in minutes. Featuring tasty texture plus basic ingredients, it’s bound to be a hit with your family! So give it a try and invite the Italian flavours into your home today. Happy baking!

Share Your Twist!

We want to hear about how you make this Sweet Focaccia Bread Recipe​ your own! Did you use a special topping, an unusual flavour combination? Did you make any other tweaks to it? Did you experiment with chocolate chips, citrus zest or a spoonful of honey? Or perhaps you took a creative twist with fresh fruit, berries or apples? Tell us your favourite variation in the comments. And, of course, take a picture, it might inspire you to experiment with kefir’s many possibilities! Happy baking!