In Good FlavorQuick Rise Cinnamon Sugar Focaccia is a sweet twist on traditionally savory bread. Rapid rise yeast and stand mixer kneading make this yeast bread quick and easy to prepare—about one hour is all it takes.
Until I visited Eataly, an Italian marketplace in New York City, in the summer of 2014, I had never seen a sweet focaccia. My eyes were drawn to a cinnamon sugar-topped focaccia in a display case, and I knew immediately that it had to be featured on the blog one day. This post was originally published in January 2015. Since then, I have tweaked the recipe ever so slightly to make a yummy bread even yummier. I have also added more detailed instructions to the recipe card.
Below is the original post with new photos and the aforementioned updates.
Enjoy everyone!
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The inspiration for this focaccia came from my trip to NYC last summer. I saw a cinnamon sugar-topped focaccia in an Italian marketplace and decided that I had to make it. Because there were so many eating options that day, I did not have a chance to try the focaccia, but I LOVED the sweet twist on this savory bread. I finally had the chance to play around with a recipe and came up with a version that I am very happy with.
This is a yeast bread, which means yeast is used as a leavening agent and needs time to rise. Now, don’t run away screaming if you have never used yeast—I got it all figured out for you! To make it as easy and painless as possible, I took some steps to ensure that this bread can easily be made in just over one hour, from start to finish. First, I let the stand mixer do all of the kneading—easy on the hands and arms—YEAH! Second, I use rapid rise yeast, so no blooming is necessary. Third, the dough is left to rise and bake in the same pan. Finally, the dough is raised in a warm oven to give the yeast an optimal environment to quickly do its magic.
How does it sound to you now? Not so bad? So glad to hear it!
Try this recipe if you are looking for something different to make and serve. This is a double-duty bread: It can be enjoyed with a cup of coffee, tea, milk, or whatever gets you going for breakfast or as a simple dessert.
Happy eating!
Recommended supplies:
(Affiliate links. The products I recommend are either what I use, are on my wish list, or come highly rated.)
- A 10×15-inch sheet pan for baking the focaccia in.
- This 5.3-quart stand mixer is reasonably priced and has good ratings. It has a 1000W AC motor.
- This 14-inch silicone spatula is great for scraping the dough. It is BPA-free and LFGB-certified Food-Safe Silicone.
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Quick Rise Cinnamon Sugar Focaccia
Description
Quick Rise Cinnamon Sugar Focaccia is a sweet twist on traditionally savory bread. Rapid rise yeast and stand mixer kneading make this yeast bread quick and easy to prepare—about one hour is all it takes.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
For the Topping:
Instructions
- Warm water and 3 tablespoons of oil in the microwave until it’s between 105 – 115 degrees F. Place all of the dry dough ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer that is equipped with a hook attachment. Start on low speed, and slowly add the liquid. Gradually increase to medium-high. The dough should be pulled cleanly away from the side of the bowl and balled up around the hook. There should be a thin ring of batter about 2 inches wide at the bottom of the bowl as it mixes. The dough should be slightly tacky to the touch. If the ring is large or the dough seems sticky and wet, add flour, one tablespoon at a time. If the dough is firm and dry, add one teaspoon of warm water at a time until the right consistency is achieved. Continue to mix on medium-high for 5 minutes.
- While the dough kneads, turn the oven on to the lowest temperature (mine is at 170 degrees F). Shut off the heat when it reaches 120 degrees F. Keep the door closed. Allow the oven to cool slightly while you proceed to the next step.
- Grease the bottom of a medium sheet pan (10 1/4″ x 15 1/4″) with a generous tablespoon of oil. Don’t skimp on the oil; it helps crisp and brown the crust. Transfer the mixed dough onto a lightly greased work surface. With lightly greased hands, press and shape into a rectangle smaller than the size of the baking sheet. Lift and transfer the dough to the baking sheet, reshaping it as best as possible to fit the pan. If the dough does not completely cover the baking sheet’s surface, it is fine. Cover with a greased plastic wrap. Place in the warm oven (should be off) for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Remove sheet pan with dough from oven. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Melt butter on the stovetop or microwave. Mix in cinnamon. Brush onto dough. Using fingertips, poke the surface almost to the bottom of the pan to create dimples throughout. This is what gives focaccia its distinctive look. Sprinkle with sugar. Allow dough to rest, uncovered, for another 5 minutes. Bake for about 12-14 or until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.
- Best eaten the same day. Makes 12 servings.
Notes
- * If you don’t have extra light-tasting olive oil, use a combination of half extra virgin olive and half corn or vegetable oil. Using only extra virgin olive oil would make the focaccia too pronounced in the olive oil taste and overpower the cinnamon’s taste.
- If using a smaller size sheet pan, adjust the cooking time accordingly, as it may increase the baking time.
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This looks SO delicious! I love making focaccia bread, but I never thought to make it sweet by adding cinnamon and sugar – brilliant! Btw, I have a bad rap with plants too. I've killed bamboo on several occasions… I didn't think that was possible!
YUMMM! Doesn't NYC have the best food?! My husband is from Long Island and their deli's over there are the BEST… nothing compared to NH if you ask me. The breads have so much flavor- the cheeses too.. and of course th e meats. I'll definitely have to try this sometime, I love where you got your inspiration from! 🙂
Thank you so much, Kathleen! As far as the bamboo…been there, done that too! Unlike my mom who can grow a tropical garden in her little lot of sand in Arizona, I have been cursed as a gardener 🙁
Thanks, Stephanie! My husband and I (and our kids) love NYC! We have such a good time there. Sight seeing is great, but the search for food is so much more fun!
I bet the house smells wonderful while this bread is cooking! So perfect with a hot cup of tea or coffee on one of these cold days. 🙂 How fun that whenever you make/eat this recipe, you will remember your fun trip to NYC.
What an awesome idea! I never would have thought to do something like this! Maybe I will get some inspiration on my NYC trip next weekend!
You're so right, it does smell fabulous! I can't wait to see what inspiration is waiting for me the the next time I am in NYC. Thanks for stopping by, Wendy!
Thank you, Michelle! If you have not been there already, I recommend a visit to Eataly. It is a good place to be inspired (and have some good eats as well). Have a great time in NYC!!
This looks totally irresistible! Thanks for linking up with What's Cookin' Wednesday!
Thank you, Karly.
Oh my, we will just love your Cinnamon Sugar Focaccia! Thanks so much for sharing this awesome post with Full Plate Thursday and come back soon!
Miz Helen
Thank you! It goes great with a hot cup of coffee.
Wow that's a very unlikely focaccia, I bet it tastes wonderful 🙂
Thank you. It does 🙂
Love, love LOVE the sweet twist on this focaccia! I've never thought to do that. I remember the best food in NYC. I've only been once, but I can't wait to go back and sample some more 😉
I don't think I've ever seen a sweet focaccia either, but I'd sure eat one! Focaccia was one of the first breads I learned to bake when I was young and it's always been a favorite of mine. I'm very happy you didn't eat any of this in NY and had to make it at home. lol! There are so many good things to eat there, that you have to be choosy!
Our main destinations when we go to NYC is are places to eat. It is such a fun experience as well as provide inspiration for recipe ideas. I hope you'll have a chance to go back soon, Katherine!
I can see why it focaccia has a special place in your heart, Karrie. You can probably make it in your sleep 🙂 There is certainly no shortage of places to eat in NYC. I love a place where you can try out different things all day long, 24/7, day after day (and come across a celebrity or two)!!
I have never had sweet focaccia, it definitely sounds and looks delicious. I am crazy about cinnamon and anything made with yeast, so I just know I would love this. I wish you all the best for the holidays!
I think you will, Adina! Happy holidays to you too! I hope had a wonderful day withnyour family!
oooh i've never had sweet focaccia before! but i love cinnamon sugar, so i'm sure i'd love this one (: i went to dean & deluca's for the first time today, and it reminded me so much of eataly. there's no seating inside, and the food they have is more to go style/less fancy, but still very cool.
I've never been to Dean & DeLuca but will have to make it a destination the next time I'm in NY. I know I would like it 🙂
I've never tried a sweet focaccia before. What a wonderful twist! Cinnamon and sugar is such a great combination and the bread looks so delicious and soft.
Thanks Marie. This sweet focaccia makes me look at the bread in a whole new different light.
I've seen lots of different kinds of focaccia but never a sweet version. What a great idea.
Thank you Karen. I'm excited about coming up with other sweet versions!
Hi, Thao.
First of all, I want to greet you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I never tried Quick Rise Cinnamon Sugar Focaccia before, but I'll guess that I will surely like this because I love anything with cinnamon.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you too! I'm happy to hear you like this. Thank you for stopping by!
I love this sweet version of focaccia! I have a feeling there wouldn't be any leftovers at all! Happy New Year—and hope you had a wonderful Christmas!!
cinnamon sugar focaccia is new recipe for me..i will try this food..thanks for sharing this recipe..
Thanks Liz. It goes quickly around my house. I hope you had a great Christmas and New Year too!!
I'm glad you like it 🙂
Focaccia is one of my fave breads! I love the sweet cinnamon version, so good!! Happy New Year! Take care.
Thank you Stacey! I hope you had a great start to 2018!