Sweet Cinnamon Swirl Focaccia Recipe
This sweet cinnamon swirl focaccia combines the soft, airy texture of traditional Italian focaccia with a delightful cinnamon sugar filling. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, this recipe offers a unique twist on classic focaccia by incorporating warm spices and a sweet, buttery swirl that bakes into a golden, aromatic loaf.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 focaccia loaf, about 8 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F / 45°C)
- 2 teaspoons honey or sugar
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (470 g)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ cup olive oil (plus more for greasing and topping)
For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar (100 g)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
Optional Topping:
- Extra cinnamon sugar
- Powdered sugar glaze (½ cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tsp milk)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Combine warm water, honey, and yeast in a bowl. Let sit until foamy, about 5–10 minutes, to ensure the yeast is active and ready for baking.
- Mix the Dough: Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture, then mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead in olive oil until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5-7 minutes using a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- First Rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size, which helps develop the dough’s airy texture.
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, stir together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter or olive oil until well combined, creating the sweet cinnamon swirl filling.
- Shape the Dough: Transfer the risen dough to a well-oiled baking sheet. Gently press it out evenly to fit the baking sheet, then dimple the top using your fingers to create the characteristic focaccia texture.
- Add the Cinnamon Swirl: Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough surface. Using a knife, gently swirl the filling to create a marbled effect without overly mixing.
- Second Rise: Let the dough rest for 20–30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). This brief rise ensures the dough is light before baking.
- Bake: Bake the focaccia for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly, resulting in a crisp exterior and soft, flavorful interior.
- Finish: Let the focaccia cool slightly. Optionally, drizzle with a powdered sugar glaze or sprinkle with extra cinnamon sugar before serving to enhance sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- Allow both rises for the best airy and soft texture in the finished bread.
- Don’t over-swirl the cinnamon filling—visible ribbons of cinnamon add to the visual appeal and texture.
- Use high-quality olive oil for enhanced flavor and golden, crispy edges.
- For deeper flavor, chill the dough overnight to allow a slow, cold rise.
- Enjoy warm with butter, coffee, or a light drizzle of icing for a comforting treat.
Keywords: sweet cinnamon swirl focaccia, cinnamon bread, Italian sweet bread, cinnamon sugar focaccia, breakfast bread, sweet focaccia recipe
Find it online: https://liamjayne.com/sweet-cinnamon-swirl-focaccia-recipe/
