Apple Focaccia with Caramelized Apples and Sweet Glaze Recipe
Introduction
Apple focaccia offers a delightful twist on a classic Italian bread, pairing a soft, airy dough with sweet, caramelized apples and a cinnamon glaze. It’s an easy-to-make treat perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special snack any time of day.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) instant yeast
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water
- 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
- 3 1/4 cups (390g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil, plus extra for brushing
- 2 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons (30g) butter
- 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons (15–30ml) milk
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
- Step 2: Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms, then knead by hand or with a stand mixer for 5 to 6 minutes until smooth.
- Step 3: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Step 4: While the dough is rising, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add apple slices, sugar, and cinnamon, then sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the apples are softened and caramelized. Set aside.
- Step 5: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to an oiled 9×13-inch pan. Stretch the dough evenly to fit the pan.
- Step 6: Arrange the caramelized apples on top and press them lightly into the dough. Cover and let the dough rise again for 30 minutes.
- Step 7: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the focaccia for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it turns golden brown.
- Step 8: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth to create the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm focaccia. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, try using browned butter instead of regular melted butter for the apple topping.
- Feel free to sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before the second rise for added crunch.
- Substitute honey or maple syrup for the glaze for a different sweetness profile.
- If apples are not in season, pears make an excellent substitute and pair well with cinnamon.
Storage
Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore crispness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can substitute fresh yeast for instant yeast by using about twice the amount. Dissolve it in the warm water and sugar before mixing with dry ingredients.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the dough the day before and refrigerate it overnight after the first rise. Allow it to come to room temperature and complete the second rise before baking.
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Apple Focaccia with Caramelized Apples and Sweet Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicious and easy Apple Focaccia recipe combines a soft, fluffy focaccia dough with caramelized cinnamon apples and a sweet glaze, making it a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to make this delightful fruity bread perfectly every time.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) instant yeast
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water
- 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
- 3 1/4 cups (390g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil, plus extra for brushing
For the apple topping:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons (30g) butter
- 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the glaze:
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons (15–30ml) milk
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, granulated sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Make the Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer for about 5 to 6 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Apple Topping: While the dough is rising, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced apples, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the apples are softened and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to an oiled 9×13-inch pan. Stretch and press it evenly to fit the pan.
- Arrange Apples and Second Rise: Arrange the caramelized apples evenly on top of the dough, pressing them lightly into the surface. Cover and let the dough rise again for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the focaccia for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust turns golden brown.
- Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm focaccia. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use a firm apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil.
- Ensure the water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- For a more rustic look, you can leave the apple slices less evenly distributed.
- The glaze adds sweetness but can be omitted for a less sweet bread.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Apple focaccia, caramelized apples, cinnamon apple bread, sweet focaccia, easy focaccia recipe, Italian bread, fruit focaccia
