Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia

If you’re looking for a delightful twist on traditional bread, let me introduce you to my beloved Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia. This recipe is a heavenly combination of soft, gooey bread and sweet, cinnamon sugar apples, topped with a luscious vanilla glaze. It’s not just a treat but an experience that fills your home with warmth and delicious aromas.

This focaccia is perfect for various occasions—whether you want to impress guests at a brunch, surprise your family on a busy weeknight, or simply indulge yourself in something sweet. Trust me; once you try it, you’ll understand why this Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia has earned a special place in my heart!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any advanced baking skills. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create such a delicious treat!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love this gooey focaccia! The sweet apples and cinnamon sugar make it appealing for even the pickiest eaters.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough the night before and bake it fresh in the morning, making it an ideal breakfast or brunch option.
• Irresistible Flavor: With the warm spices, sweet apples, and creamy glaze, each bite is bursting with flavor that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia is quick and easy. These wholesome items come together beautifully to create something truly special.

For the Dough

• 200 g active sourdough starter (about 1 cup)
• 400 g warm water (about 1 ⅔ cups; warm water between 110℉-110℉, no hotter)
• 10 g salt (1 ½ teaspoons)
• 510 g unbleached flour (about 3 ½ cups)
• Avocado cooking spray or cooking spray of choice (for spraying 2nd mixing bowl)

For the Filling

• 30 g salted butter, melted (reserved for baking dish, about 2 Tablespoons)
• 115 g salted butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick)
• 100 g brown sugar (1/2 cup)
• 2 g vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon)
• 12 g ground cinnamon (2 Tablespoons)
• 3 medium apples, cored, peeled, and finely diced

For the Glaze

• 120 g powdered sugar (about 1 cup)
• 30 g milk (about 2 Tablespoons)
• 2 g vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon)

Variations

The beauty of this Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia lies in its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Change the Fruit: Swap out apples for other fruits like pears or berries for a different flavor profile.
• Add Nuts: Toss some chopped nuts into the filling for added crunch and texture. Pecans or walnuts would be wonderful choices!
• Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom alongside cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour blends to make this recipe suitable for those avoiding gluten.

How to Make Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by mixing your active sourdough starter with warm water in a large bowl. This step is crucial as it activates your starter and encourages fermentation. Add in salt and flour gradually until combined. Knead until smooth; this helps develop gluten, which gives your focaccia its delightful texture.

Step 2: Rest the Dough

Cover your dough with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rest in a warm place for about an hour. This resting period allows the dough to rise beautifully as yeast works its magic. You’ll see it puff up nicely!

Step 3: Make the Filling

In another bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and diced apples until everything is evenly coated. The mixture becomes flavorful as the apples soak up all those aromatic spices—yum!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Once your dough has risen significantly, stretch it gently onto a well-greased baking dish. Spread your apple filling evenly over the top of the dough. Ensure every corner gets some love! This way, each slice will have that delicious apple goodness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at around 375℉ (190℃) for about 30 minutes until golden brown and smelling divine. Keep an eye on it towards the end so that it doesn’t over-bake!

Step 6: Drizzle with Glaze

While your focaccia cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this heavenly glaze over your warm focaccia before slicing into squares. This final touch adds sweetness that perfectly complements the spiced apples beneath.

Enjoy every bite of your homemade Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia! I promise you’ll want to share this delightful treat with everyone you know!

Pro Tips for Making Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia

Making this delightful sourdough apple fritter focaccia can be a breeze when you follow these helpful tips!

• Use an active starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active before using it. This will give your focaccia the perfect rise and texture.
• Warm water is key: The water should be warm, not hot. This temperature helps activate the yeast in your starter without killing it, leading to a fluffier bread.
• Don’t rush the rising process: Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size. Patience here pays off with a light and airy focaccia.
• Experiment with apples: Different varieties of apples bring unique flavors. Try using a mix of tart and sweet apples for a more complex profile in your focaccia.
• Glaze while warm: Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the focaccia while it’s still warm from the oven. This allows the glaze to soak into the bread, enhancing the sweetness.

How to Serve Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia

This gorgeous focaccia can be enjoyed in multiple ways, making it perfect for breakfast or dessert!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: A sprinkle of walnuts or pecans adds a delightful crunch that complements the soft texture of the focaccia.
• Cinnamon sugar dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar over the top just before serving enhances both flavor and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt: A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt on the side adds a refreshing tang that balances out the sweetness of the focaccia.
• Fresh fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a light, refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of this dish.
• Herbal tea: Pair your focaccia with a warm cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or peppermint, for a comforting afternoon treat.
• Vanilla ice cream: For those who enjoy decadence, serve slices of this focaccia alongside vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your sourdough apple fritter focaccia is sure to impress family and friends alike! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its deliciousness over several days. Here’s how to store it properly so you can relish each bite!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the focaccia to cool completely before storing.
• Place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Slice the focaccia into individual pieces for easier thawing.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove from the freezer and unwrap the slices.
• Place on a baking sheet and warm in the oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Have questions? You’ve come to the right place! Here are some common queries about this delightful recipe.

Can I use a different type of apple for the Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests using any medium apples, you can opt for Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples based on your preference. Each variety will give a unique flavor twist!

How do I know when my Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia is done baking?

Your focaccia is ready when it turns a golden brown color on top and sounds hollow when tapped lightly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Can I make this Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute unbleached flour with a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure that it contains xanthan gum or add some if not included.

Final Thoughts

This Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia truly stands out as a warm, gooey treat that brings comfort and joy to any breakfast or dessert table. I hope you enjoy making this delightful recipe as much as I loved sharing it with you! Remember, it’s not just about baking—it’s about creating wonderful memories around food. Happy baking!