Savoring the Delight of Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia

Imagine walking into a cozy kitchen filled with the warm aromas of freshly baked bread and sweet cinnamon wafting through the air. That’s exactly what happens when you bake Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia. A unique twist on the classic apple fritter, this recipe combines the airy, light texture of focaccia with the indulgent sweetness of apples and a crunchy glaze. It’s perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch or a comforting dessert after a hearty dinner. Believe me, once you’ve tasted this delicious concoction, it’s bound to become a regular on your table.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia isn’t just another baked good; it is a culinary experience that brings the best of both worlds together—sourdough bread and the nostalgic flavors of apple fritters. One of the key appeals is that it’s a fantastic way to use your active sourdough starter, making it a smart and resourceful choice for those who love sourdough baking.

Moreover, the recipe strikes a wonderful balance between the tanginess of the sourdough and the sweetness of apples and cinnamon, making it a hit at any gathering. Whether it’s a family brunch, festive holiday, or a simple dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, your loved ones will rave about it.

“This focaccia is a game-changer! The combination of sourdough and apple flavor is simply unbeatable. I can’t stop making it!” – Happy Home Baker

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia is easier than you might think! With a preparation time that’s manageable and a hands-on process that allows for creativity, anyone from novice bakers to seasoned pros can whip this up.

You’ll be starting with a straightforward sourdough dough, letting it rise overnight, before layering it with sweet apples and a delightful glaze that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Everything You Need for This Recipe

Before diving in, let’s gather what you’ll need:

200 g active sourdough starter (about 1 cup)
400 g warm water (about 1 ⅔ cups; ensure it’s 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 your choice (for the mixing bowl)
30 g salted butter, melted (about 2 Tablespoons for the baking dish)
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)
120 g powdered sugar (about 1 cup)
30 g milk (about 2 Tablespoons)
2 g vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon, for icing)

Make sure you have everything ready before starting to keep your baking flow smooth.

Step-by-Step Directions

Night Before Baking: In a mixing bowl, combine your active sourdough starter, warm water, salt, and unbleached flour. Mix until fully incorporated, then cover and let it rise overnight.
Prepare the Next Day: The next morning, preheat your oven to 375℉. Grease your baking dish with melted butter, ensuring that it’s well coated.
Make the Dough: After the dough has risen, add in the remaining salted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Mix until well combined. Gently fold in the diced apples.
Shape the Focaccia: Pour the dough into the prepared baking dish and allow it to rise for another 30 minutes to an hour.
Bake: Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Prepare the Icing: While the focaccia is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Drizzle the Icing: Once baked, let the focaccia cool slightly before drizzling the icing on top.

Best Way to Serve

This Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia is best enjoyed warm, preferably right out of the oven. Slice it into squares and serve it as a delightful centerpiece on your brunch table. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent experience. A drizzle of caramel sauce can also elevate the sweetness, making it feel like a gourmet dessert.

Keeping Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia Fresh Longer

To keep your focaccia fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze slices for later enjoyment—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, ensuring they stay fresh up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw and reheat in the oven for that just-baked taste.

Tips and Tricks

Using Active Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before starting the dough. This is crucial for a good rise.
Apple Selection: Choose tart apples like Granny Smith for a beautiful contrast against the sweetness of the brown sugar and cinnamon.
Don’t Rush the Rise: Give your dough ample time to rise. Overnight fermenting develops deeper flavors and a better texture.
Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of sugar to suit your taste—less for a more bread-focused flavor and more for a sweet treat.

Creative Twists

Feel free to get creative! Consider adding nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch, or swap out apples for pears or even berries for a different flavor profile. A sprinkle of nuts or a handful of chocolate chips can also add a delightful twist to the classic recipe.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to make this focaccia?
Preparation takes about 30 minutes, with an overnight rise time. Baking time is approximately 30-35 minutes.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of unbleached?
Yes, all-purpose flour can be substituted for unbleached flour; however, it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
What’s the best way to enjoy leftovers?
Warmed up with a drizzle of icing or a scoop of ice cream is highly recommended!

Embrace the joy of baking with this uniquely delicious Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia, and get ready to impress family and friends. Happy baking!

Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia

Total Time: 65 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delightful combination of sourdough bread texture and sweet apple fritter flavors, perfect for brunch or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

200 g active sourdough starter (about 1 cup)
400 g warm water (about 1 ⅔ cups)
10 g salt (1 ½ teaspoons)
510 g unbleached flour (about 3 ½ cups)
Avocado cooking spray or cooking spray of your choice
30 g salted butter, melted (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)
120 g powdered sugar (about 1 cup)
30 g milk (about 2 Tablespoons)
2 g vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon, for icing)

Instructions

Night Before Baking: In a mixing bowl, combine your active sourdough starter, warm water, salt, and unbleached flour. Mix until fully incorporated, then cover and let it rise overnight.
Prepare the Next Day: Preheat your oven to 375℉ and grease your baking dish with melted butter.
Make the Dough: After the dough has risen, add in the remaining salted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Mix until well combined and gently fold in the diced apples.
Shape the Focaccia: Pour the dough into the prepared baking dish and allow it to rise for another 30 minutes to an hour.
Bake: Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Prepare the Icing: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Drizzle the Icing: Once baked, let the focaccia cool slightly before drizzling the icing on top.

Notes

For a different flavor profile, consider adding nuts or swapping apples for pears or berries.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 280
Sugar: 21g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: sourdough, focaccia, apple fritter, dessert, brunch