Apple Fritter Focaccia

Hey y'all! Ever wanted to merge the cozy, cinnamon-kissed flavors of apple fritters with the fluffy, chewy bite of Italian focaccia? You're in luck! This Apple Fritter Focaccia is a complete showstopper, combining juicy caramelized apples and a golden crust with a drizzle of sweet vanilla glaze. It's perfect for brunch, dessert, or simply for treating yourself to something truly special (no deep frying required!). Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This

• The dough is soft, airy, and baked—no frying mess here.
• Packed with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples that caramelize as they bake.
• Finished with a vanilla glaze for the ultimate Apple Fritter flavor.
• Perfect make-ahead treat for brunch, holidays, or snacks.
• Beginner-friendly and customizable for different tastes!

Apple Fritter Focaccia Ingredients

• 2 large apples (about 2 cups), peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup olive oil, plus extra for greasing and drizzling
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• For the glaze:
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Caramelize the Apples

1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 7-8 minutes, until apples are soft and golden. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Focaccia Dough

3. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and honey in warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
4. Add flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Stir just until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Add ¼ cup olive oil and knead for 5-8 minutes (by hand or with a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic.
6. Grease a clean bowl with olive oil. Place dough inside, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Focaccia

7. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper. Press the dough evenly into the pan.
8. Gently dimple the surface with your fingertips.
9. Spread the cooled caramelized apples evenly over the top. Press lightly so they nestle into the dough. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil and a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.
10. Cover and let rise for another 20-30 minutes until puffy.

Step 4: Bake

11. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
12. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until golden brown and edges are crisp. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Glaze & Serve

13. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable.
14. Drizzle the glaze over the warm focaccia. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Notes

• To ensure the dough rises well, let it proof in a warm, draft-free area.
• For extra flavor, use a blend of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith.
• You can prep the apples a day ahead and store them, chilled, until ready to use.

Variations

• Pecan Crunch: Sprinkle ½ cup chopped pecans over the apples before baking.
• Maple Glaze: Replace some of the milk in the glaze with pure maple syrup.
• Berry Fritter Focaccia: Add ½ cup fresh blueberries or blackberries with the apples.

Required Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stand mixer (optional, for kneading)
• Large skillet
• Rubber spatula
• 9x13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Small whisk

Storage & Shelf Life

Store Apple Fritter Focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat slices briefly in the oven or microwave to refresh texture. Focaccia can also be frozen (slice first for easy thawing) for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast.
• Pair with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Bring to brunch gatherings or holiday potlucks—it's a guaranteed hit!

Pro Tips

• Let the focaccia cool for at least 10 minutes before glazing to avoid melting the glaze completely.
• Dimple the dough generously—this helps create the trademark focaccia texture and holds the apple topping.
• Don’t overbake; once the top is golden and edges crisp, it’s done—the inside should stay fluffy.

FAQ

• Can I make this dough ahead of time?
  Yes! Cover and refrigerate after the first rise for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature before shaping and baking.
• Can I use instant yeast?
  Yes, you can substitute instant yeast using the same amount. Just skip proofing and mix directly with flour.
• Is this focaccia very sweet?
  Nope! It’s pleasantly sweet from apples and glaze, but still balanced enough for breakfast or dessert.

Prep time: 25 minutes
Rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes

★★★★★ 4.50 from 35 ratings

Apple Fritter Focaccia

yield: 8 servings

prep: 30 mins

cook: 25 mins

total: 50 mins

A unique twist on classic focaccia, this Apple Fritter Focaccia brings together fluffy Italian bread and sweet, caramelized apples, finished with a vanilla glaze. Perfect as a dessert, brunch treat, or an afternoon snack.

🖨️ Print Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 large apples (about 2 cups), peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup olive oil, plus extra for greasing and drizzling
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• For the glaze:
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. 1
   Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. 2
   Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 7-8 minutes, until apples are soft and golden. Set aside to cool.
3. 3
   In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and honey in warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
4. 4
   Add flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Stir just until a shaggy dough forms.
5. 5
   Add ¼ cup olive oil and knead for 5-8 minutes (by hand or with a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic.
6. 6
   Grease a clean bowl with olive oil. Place dough inside, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
7. 7
   Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper. Press the dough evenly into the pan.
8. 8
   Gently dimple the surface with your fingertips.
9. 9
   Spread the cooled caramelized apples evenly over the top. Press lightly so they nestle into the dough. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil and a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.
10. 10
    Cover and let rise for another 20-30 minutes until puffy.
11. 11
    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
12. 12
    Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until golden brown and edges are crisp. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
13. 13
    In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable.
14. 14
    Drizzle the glaze over the warm focaccia. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 270 caloriescal

Protein: 4gg

Fat: 8gg

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 0mg

Potassium: 0mg

Total Carbs: 46gg

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 0g

Net Carbs: 0g

Vitamin A: 0

Vitamin C: 0mg

Calcium: 0mg

Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

Did you make this recipe?

Please consider Pinning it!