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Sweet Focaccia Bread - Soft, Golden, and Gently Sugared

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • All-purpose flour – 4 cups (500 g)
  • Warm water – 1 3/4 cups (415 ml), about 105–110°F
  • Active dry yeast – 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet)
  • Granulated sugar – 1/4 cup (plus extra for topping)
  • Honey – 2 tbsp
  • Kosher salt – 1 1/2 tsp (plus flaky salt for topping, optional)
  • Extra-virgin olive oil – 1/3 cup (plus more for pan and drizzling)
  • Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
  • Optional toppings – thin-sliced apples or pears, blueberries, raspberries, lemon zest, orange zest, cinnamon sugar

Method
 

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, whisk warm water, honey, and yeast. Let sit until foamy, 5–10 minutes. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be expired or the water too hot/cold.
  2. Make the dough: Stir in sugar, vanilla, and salt. Add flour and olive oil. Mix with a spatula until a shaggy dough forms. It will be sticky—that’s good.
  3. Knead briefly: Knead in the bowl or on a lightly oiled surface for 2–3 minutes, just until smooth. Avoid adding extra flour. The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky.
  4. First rise: Oil a clean bowl, add the dough, and turn to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 60–90 minutes.
  5. Pan and rest: Generously oil a 9x13-inch pan or a large sheet pan. Gently transfer dough to the pan, stretching it toward the edges. If it springs back, rest 10 minutes and stretch again until it fits.
  6. Second rise: Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes, until puffy. Meanwhile, heat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  7. Dimple and top: Drizzle 2–3 tbsp olive oil over the dough. With oiled fingers, press deep dimples all over. Sprinkle generously with sugar (2–3 tbsp). Add fruit, zest, or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar, if using. For a sweet-salty edge, add a pinch of flaky salt.
  8. Bake: Bake 20–25 minutes, until golden with caramelized edges. The top should feel set and lightly crisp.
  9. Finish and cool: Drizzle a final thread of olive oil while warm. Cool 10–15 minutes before slicing so the crumb sets.