Let me tell you, making cinnamon focaccia is one of my absolute favorite kitchen adventures! There’s just something magical about how the warm, sweet aroma fills the house while it bakes. I remember the first time I tried this delightful bread; it was a chilly Sunday morning, and I wanted to treat myself to something special for breakfast. As soon as it came out of the oven, I was hooked! The crispy edges and soft, fluffy center, combined with that sweet cinnamon topping, made for an unforgettable bite. It’s perfect for breakfast with a cup of coffee or even as a cozy dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be dreaming of it long after the last slice is gone!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this delicious cinnamon focaccia! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your focaccia, giving it that perfect chewy texture.
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast: This helps the dough rise beautifully, so it’s nice and fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for flavor; it balances out the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup sugar: This adds sweetness to the dough, enhancing that delightful cinnamon flavor.
- 1 cup warm water: Make sure it’s warm, not hot! This activates the yeast for a perfect rise.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Adds richness and moisture to the focaccia, making it irresistibly soft.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star of the show! This is what gives your focaccia that warm, aromatic flavor.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: For that extra sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor on top.
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional): These add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, but feel free to leave them out if you prefer.
Once you have everything ready, you’re all set to start baking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the fun part: making your cinnamon focaccia! Follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll be enjoying this sweet bread in no time!
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large bowl and combine the 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of instant yeast, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 cup of sugar. Give it a good stir with a whisk or a spoon until everything is well blended. This step helps ensure that the yeast and salt are evenly distributed, which is super important for that perfect rise!
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, it’s time to add the magic! Pour in 1 cup of warm water—make sure it’s warm, not hot, or you might accidentally kill the yeast—and 1/4 cup of olive oil. The warm water wakes up the yeast, so don’t skip this part! Stir until the mixture starts to come together into a shaggy dough.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Now comes the workout! Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You’ll know it’s ready when it feels soft and springs back when you poke it. Don’t rush this step; it’s crucial for developing that lovely texture!
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Once kneaded, place your dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This is the moment when the magic happens, so be patient; it’ll be worth it!
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
After the dough has risen, it’s time to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough gently to release the air, then spread it out in a greased baking pan. Don’t worry about making it perfect; a rustic look is part of the charm!
Step 6: Add Cinnamon Topping
In a small bowl, mix together 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon and 1/4 cup of brown sugar. Sprinkle this heavenly mixture evenly over the dough. If you’re feeling adventurous, add 1/4 cup of chopped pecans for a delightful crunch—totally optional, but oh-so-good!
Step 7: Bake the Focaccia
Pop your focaccia into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and your kitchen smells like a cinnamon paradise! Once it’s done, let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Trust me, letting it cool just a bit makes slicing so much easier!
Nutritional Information Section
Knowing the nutritional info for this delicious cinnamon focaccia can help you enjoy it guilt-free! Here’s an estimated breakdown per slice:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 3g
These values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients and any variations you might include. Enjoy your baking and indulge in this sweet treat, knowing a slice is still a reasonable treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This cinnamon focaccia comes together in no time, making it perfect for those busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
- Delightful Flavor: The sweet, warm aroma of cinnamon combined with the soft, fluffy texture is simply irresistible—every bite is a hug for your taste buds!
- Versatile Treat: Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even dessert, this focaccia fits any occasion. Pair it with coffee, tea, or a scoop of ice cream for an extra special treat!
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients, like raisins or nuts, to make it truly your own. The possibilities are endless!
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields about 12 slices, making it great for sharing with family and friends. Everyone will want a piece of this sweet goodness!
- Memorable Baking Experience: The process of making this focaccia is fun and rewarding. The joy of pulling a warm, golden loaf out of the oven is something you won’t forget!
Tips for Success
To make sure your cinnamon focaccia turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my best tips to keep in mind:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better your focaccia will taste! Opt for good all-purpose flour and fresh yeast for optimal results. If you can, get some organic cinnamon—it really elevates the flavor!
- Temperature Matters: Make sure your warm water is around 110°F (43°C). Too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold won’t activate it properly. Think of it like a cozy bath for your yeast!
- Knead with Care: When kneading the dough, don’t rush it. Take your time to develop that lovely gluten structure. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour, but avoid adding too much, as it can make the focaccia dense.
- Keep an Eye on Rising: Every kitchen is different, so the rising time may vary. Look for the dough to double in size—if your kitchen is a bit chilly, it might take longer. Patience is key here!
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your focaccia as it bakes. Ovens can vary, so start checking a few minutes before the suggested time. You want that lovely golden brown without any burnt edges!
- Cool Before Slicing: Letting your focaccia cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack helps maintain its shape. Slicing too soon might cause it to become doughy!
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative! Try drizzling some honey or maple syrup over the top before serving for an extra layer of sweetness. You can also mix in different spices or toppings to suit your taste.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking a cinnamon focaccia that everyone will love. Happy baking!
Variations
One of the best parts about making cinnamon focaccia is how easy it is to mix things up! Here are some fun variations to try, so you can cater to different tastes and make it your own:
- Raisin Delight: Add 1/2 cup of raisins to the dough for a sweet, chewy texture that complements the cinnamon perfectly. So good!
- Nutty Crunch: Swap out the pecans for chopped walnuts or almonds. Each nut brings its own unique flavor and crunch, so feel free to experiment!
- Coconut Twist: Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical flair. The coconut pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and adds a lovely chewiness.
- Spiced Up: Add 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth and spice. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
- Chocolate Lovers: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a sweet surprise in every bite. This is perfect for dessert lovers!
- Apple Cinnamon: Toss in 1 cup of diced apples to the dough before baking. This adds natural sweetness and moisture, making it even more delicious!
- Maple Pecan: Replace the brown sugar topping with 1/4 cup of maple syrup and sprinkle with chopped pecans before baking. The maple flavor is divine!
Feel free to mix and match these variations to create a cinnamon focaccia that’s uniquely yours. Each twist brings something special to the table, and I can’t wait for you to try them!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made your delicious cinnamon focaccia, you’ll want to savor every last bite! To keep it fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay soft and tasty for about 2-3 days. If you’re anything like me and can’t resist the temptation of this sweet treat, it might not last that long!
If you want to keep it for longer, consider freezing it. Wrap the focaccia tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, just let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours or pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to warm it up.
For the best flavor and texture when reheating, I recommend slicing the focaccia and toasting it in a skillet or toaster oven. This way, you’ll get those lovely crispy edges while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Drizzle a little butter on top before toasting for an extra indulgent touch—trust me, you’ll thank me later!
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Cinnamon Focaccia: 7 Reasons to Bake This Sweet Wonder
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sweet and aromatic cinnamon focaccia bread, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.
- Add warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients.
- Knead the dough until smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the dough and spread it into a greased baking pan.
- Mix cinnamon and brown sugar, then sprinkle over the dough.
- If using, sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This bread tastes best fresh.
- Feel free to add raisins or other nuts for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breads
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cinnamon focaccia, sweet bread, Italian bread
