Easy Cinnamon Focaccia Bread Recipe You Will Love

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This Cinnamon Focaccia Bread is a delightful fusion of the classic airy Italian flatbread and the comforting, aromatic flavors of a cinnamon roll. Unlike traditional savory versions, this recipe focuses on a sweet, pillowy dough that acts as the perfect canvas for a rich cinnamon sugar topping. It is designed to be approachable for home bakers while delivering a bakery-quality experience that fills your kitchen with the warm scent of spices and toasted sugar. The result is a bread that is soft on the inside with a satisfyingly crisp, caramelized exterior that makes it an instant favorite for anyone who appreciates the finer points of artisanal baking.

Quick Facts / Recipe Snapshot

The total preparation time for this Cinnamon Focaccia Bread is approximately three hours, which includes the rising stages necessary for a light crumb. This recipe serves eight to ten people and is rated as an intermediate difficulty level, primarily due to the dough handling techniques. The estimated cost is quite low, as it relies on pantry staples like flour, yeast, and sugar. While this version is vegetarian-friendly, it can easily be adapted for vegan diets by substituting plant-based butter and milk, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a slice of this magnificent sweet bread.

What Is Cinnamon Focaccia Bread?

Cinnamon Focaccia Bread is essentially a sweet iteration of the famous Italian focaccia, characterized by its high-hydration dough and signature dimpled surface. Traditionally, focaccia is topped with olive oil, herbs, and salt, but in this sweet version, we replace those savory elements with melted butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar. The texture remains true to its roots, offering a bouncy, open crumb that absorbs the sweet topping, creating pockets of flavor throughout the loaf. It represents a modern shift in baking where traditional techniques meet contemporary flavor profiles, resulting in a versatile dessert or breakfast item.

Origins & Inspiration

The inspiration for this Cinnamon Focaccia Bread stems from the modern American influence on traditional European baking, where “mash-up” recipes create entirely new culinary experiences. While focaccia has its ancient roots in the Mediterranean, the addition of cinnamon and sugar is a nod to the classic American cinnamon roll. This specific version was developed to provide a simpler alternative to rolling dough, offering the same nostalgic flavors with much less effort. It bridges the gap between a rustic loaf of bread and a decadent pastry, making it a unique addition to any baker’s repertoire who enjoys cultural fusions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You will love this Cinnamon Focaccia Bread because it offers an incredible sensory experience without the complexity of traditional pastries. The texture is a marvelous contrast between the soft, cloud-like interior and the crunchy, sugary top layer that crackles with every bite. It is deeply comforting and serves as an excellent centerpiece for a family brunch or a cozy afternoon tea. Furthermore, the simplicity of the process allows you to achieve impressive results with minimal equipment, making the baking journey just as enjoyable as the delicious final product you get to share.

Ingredients & Notes

• 3.5 cups All-purpose flour: Provides the necessary structure; bread flour can be used for a chewier result.
• 1.5 cups Warm water: Essential for activating the yeast; ensure it is between 105°F and 115°F.
• 2.25 tsp Active dry yeast: One standard packet; alternatively, use 1/2 cup of active sourdough discard for depth.
• 2 tbsp Honey or maple syrup: Adds a subtle sweetness to the dough and helps with browning.
• 1 tsp Fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors; do not omit even in a sweet bread.
• 1/4 cup Olive oil: Used for the dough and the pan to ensure a non-stick, crispy bottom.
• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted: The base for the cinnamon sugar topping.
• 3/4 cup Light brown sugar: Creates the caramelized crust; dark brown sugar works for a deeper molasses taste.
• 2 tbsp Ground cinnamon: The star spice; use high-quality Ceylon cinnamon if available for a refined flavor.
• 1/2 cup Powdered sugar (optional): For a simple glaze, mix with a splash of milk or cream.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, honey, and yeast, then let it sit for about five to ten minutes until it becomes frothy and active.
2. Gradually add the flour and sea salt to the yeast mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy, sticky dough forms and no dry streaks remain.
3. Drizzle two tablespoons of olive oil over the dough, cover the bowl with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about ninety minutes or until doubled in size.
4. Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with the remaining olive oil to prevent sticking and to help fry the bottom of the bread.
5. Gently transfer the risen dough to the prepared pan, stretching it toward the corners without forcing it; if it resists, let it rest for ten minutes before trying again.
6. Cover the pan and let the dough undergo a second rise for forty-five minutes, allowing it to become puffy and fill the corners of the pan.
7. Preheat your oven to 400°F while you prepare the topping by mixing the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
8. Use your fingertips to create deep dimples all over the surface of the dough, then pour the cinnamon mixture evenly over the top, ensuring it fills the holes.
9. Bake for twenty to twenty-five minutes until the edges are deep golden brown and the sugar is bubbling and caramelized.
10. Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly in the pan, and drizzle with a simple glaze if desired before slicing and serving warm.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Focaccia Bread Every Time

Achieving the perfect Cinnamon Focaccia Bread requires a balance of moisture and heat. It is vital not to over-flour your dough; a sticky dough is the secret to those beautiful air bubbles and a light, airy crumb. When dimpling the dough, make sure your fingers go all the way to the bottom of the pan to create deep reservoirs for the cinnamon sugar mixture to pool. Monitoring the oven temperature is also crucial, as the high sugar content can lead to burning if the heat is too intense, so keep a close eye during the final minutes of baking.

Variations, Swaps & Add-Ins

This Cinnamon Focaccia Bread is highly customizable to suit various tastes or seasonal availability. You might consider adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for an added crunch reminiscent of a sticky bun. For a fruity twist, pressing fresh, thinly sliced apples or a few blueberries into the dough before baking adds a wonderful tartness that cuts through the sweetness. If you prefer a richer flavor, substituting half of the water with whole milk or adding a splash of vanilla extract to the dough can significantly enhance the overall profile of the bread.

Ingredient Spotlight

The cinnamon used in this Cinnamon Focaccia Bread is more than just a spice; it is a powerful aromatic that has been traded for centuries. Its ability to provide warmth and depth to baked goods is unparalleled, making it the primary driver of this recipe’s success. Additionally, the use of honey in the dough not only provides a natural sweetness but also acts as a humectant, keeping the bread moist for longer periods. Understanding the role of these high-quality ingredients allows you to appreciate the chemistry involved in creating a truly exceptional loaf of sweet bread.

Serving Suggestions (Presentation & Plating)

When serving Cinnamon Focaccia Bread, presentation can elevate the experience from a simple snack to a sophisticated dessert. Slicing the bread into long fingers or uniform squares allows guests to see the beautiful internal structure and the glistening topping. Serving it on a warm ceramic platter helps maintain the soft texture of the bread while it is being enjoyed. For an extra touch of elegance, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few sprigs of fresh mint can add a pop of color and visual interest that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.

Best Sides to Serve With Cinnamon Focaccia Bread

To create a balanced meal, consider serving your Cinnamon Focaccia Bread alongside items that provide a contrast in flavor and texture. A bowl of fresh Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey can offer a creamy, tangy counterpart to the sweet, spiced bread. Fresh seasonal fruit, such as sliced peaches or tart berries, also works exceptionally well to cleanse the palate between bites. If you are serving this for brunch, a savory side like soft scrambled eggs can provide the necessary protein to round out the breakfast and prevent a sugar rush.

Flavor Pairing & Beverage Match

The warm spices in Cinnamon Focaccia Bread pair beautifully with a variety of beverages, depending on the time of day. A robust dark roast coffee or a creamy latte complements the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar perfectly, creating a classic breakfast pairing. For those who prefer tea, a spicy chai or a delicate Earl Grey provides a sophisticated aromatic match that enhances the cinnamon notes. If you are serving this as a late-night treat, a small glass of cold milk or even a dessert wine like a late-harvest Riesling can provide a delightful finish.

Make-Ahead & Storage Guide

Cinnamon Focaccia Bread is best enjoyed on the day it is baked, but it can be successfully stored for later enjoyment. To keep it fresh, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you wish to prepare it in advance, you can perform the first rise in the refrigerator overnight, which actually develops a more complex flavor profile in the dough. To revive the bread, a quick warm-up in a low-temperature oven or a toaster oven will restore the crispiness of the crust and the softness of the crumb.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe? Yes, you can use a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend, though the texture will be denser than the traditional wheat-based version.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked? The edges should be pulling away from the pan, and the top should be a deep golden brown with bubbling sugar.

Can I substitute the brown sugar with a sugar alternative? You can use coconut sugar or a granulated sweetener, but the caramelization may vary depending on the product used.

Is it possible to freeze the baked focaccia? Absolutely, just wrap it tightly in foil and place it in a freezer bag for up to one month; reheat in the oven directly from frozen.

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