Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia is a delightful mash-up that takes two beloved baked goods and combines them into one incredible treat. Imagine the airy, chewy texture of focaccia paired with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples, all finished off with a luscious drizzle of icing. This recipe has become a favorite of mine not just for its taste, but for the delightful scent that fills the kitchen as it bakes—perfect for cozy weekends or festive gatherings. Best of all, it’s a fantastic way to use that active sourdough starter you have on hand.

What Makes This Recipe Special

There are countless reasons to get excited about Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia. First and foremost, it beautifully marries two popular recipes into one showstopper that’s sure to impress. It makes a charming addition to brunch tables, holidays, or even as a special snack throughout the week.

The use of sourdough starter adds a depth of flavor that regular dough simply can’t match. Plus, foccacia’s texture is incredibly airy yet sturdy, making it perfect for soaking up the sweet apple and cinnamon flavors. This recipe is also budget-friendly and uses simple ingredients that you most likely have in your pantry already.

"I never thought focaccia could be this sweet and satisfying! The apples and icing truly make it a standout." – A Happy Baker

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia can feel monumental, but don’t fret—it’s straightforward with just a few steps. Begin by creating the dough the night before, which saves time and enhances the flavor. After letting the dough rise, you’ll add butter, sugar, and spices, then sprinkle the apples in for a delightful twist. Finally, after a short wait, it’s ready to bake and fill your home with irresistible aromas.

Gather Your Ingredients

Everything You Need for This Recipe

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 your choice of cooking spray
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)

Tip: You can substitute the apples with pears for a different twist, or try adding nuts for a bit of crunch.

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Preparation Steps

Night Before Baking: In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, warm water, salt, and unbleached flour. Using a spatula or your hands, mix until fully incorporated. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise overnight at room temperature.
Prepare the Next Day: Preheat your oven to 375℉ and grease your baking dish with melted butter.
Make the Dough: Once your dough has risen, add the remaining salted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Mix until well blended, then fold in the diced apples gently.
Shape the Focaccia: Pour the dough into your prepared baking dish. Let it rise again for about 30 minutes to an hour until puffy.
Bake: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Prepare the Icing: While the focaccia is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Drizzle the Icing: Once the focaccia is baked, let it cool for a few minutes, then drizzle the icing on top to finish it off.

Perfect Pairings for Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia

This delectable focaccia is versatile enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Serve it warm with a cup of coffee or tea for an indulgent breakfast or afternoon snack. You could also add a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an even sweeter experience. For a festive touch, serve alongside spiced cider or mulled wine during the holidays.

Keeping Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia Fresh Longer

To keep your Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia at its best, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to prolong its freshness, you can refrigerate it for a week. To reheat, warm slices in the oven at a low temperature until they regain their delightful texture.

Pro Chef Tips

Use fresh apples for the best flavor and texture. Look for varieties that hold up well during baking, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
Don’t rush the rising times. Allowing sufficient time for the dough to ferment and rise builds flavor and texture.
Consider adding toppings like nuts or a sprinkle of coarse sea salt before baking for added depth.

Creative Twists

If you want to infuse your Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia with different flavors, consider these variations:

Substitute different fruits like pears or berries.
Add a splash of maple syrup to the dough for a rich sweetness.
Experiment by incorporating spices such as nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist.

Helpful FAQs

How long does it take to make Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia?

Including the overnight rise, this recipe takes about 12-14 hours. The hands-on time is relatively short, making it quite manageable.

Can I use a different flour?

Yes! While unbleached flour provides great results, you can experiment with bread flour for added chewiness or whole-wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.

How can I ensure my focaccia is safe to store?

Always store leftover focaccia in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from the refrigerator. If freezing, wrap it tightly in plastic or foil to avoid freezer burn.

Sourdough Apple Fritter Focaccia

Total Time: 755 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delightful mash-up of focaccia and apple fritters, combining airy texture with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples and icing.

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 your choice of cooking spray
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 large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, warm water, salt, and unbleached flour. Mix until fully incorporated and let rise overnight.
Prepare the Next Day: Preheat your oven to 375℉ and grease your baking dish with melted butter.
Make the Dough: Add remaining salted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon to the risen dough. Mix well, then fold in the diced apples gently.
Shape the Focaccia: Pour the dough into the prepared baking dish and let it rise for 30 minutes to an hour until puffy.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Prepare the Icing: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Drizzle the Icing: Let the focaccia cool for a few minutes, then drizzle the icing on top.

Notes

Use fresh apples for the best flavor, and don’t rush rising times. Experiment with adding toppings like nuts for extra texture.

Prep Time: 720 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 piece
Calories: 300
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: sourdough, apple focaccia, dessert, baking, festive treats