Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia is a delightful twist on traditional focaccia that combines the flavors of cinnamon rolls with the airy texture of bread. This easy, fluffy recipe using sourdough will have your kitchen filled with irresistible aromas in just about an hour!
Growing up, Saturdays were spent in the kitchen with my mom, and we often experimented with unique blends of flavors like in this Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls. Making Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia now with my daughters brings back those cherished moments, filling our home with warm memories and delicious treats.
Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia
- Easy to prepare: Requires minimal ingredients, allowing even the busiest home cooks to whip it up effortlessly.
- Fluffy texture: The dough and cinnamon create a perfectly fluffy, light bread that’s comforting and satisfying.
- Flexible for toppings: Add nuts, dried fruits, or a drizzle of icing to customize it.
- Perfect for sharing: Makes a generous batch, ideal for family brunches or gatherings.
- Visual appeal: The cinnamon swirl makes it a stunning centerpiece to impress your guests.
Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia
- Total Time: 22 hrs 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 focaccia (8 parts)
Description
Cinnamon roll focaccia is crispy on the outside, sweet on the inside – filled with ribbons of cinnamon sugar swirled throughout and topped with a cream cheese glaze. This is my unique take on a sweet focaccia and it’s a crowd pleaser.
Ingredients
Levain (1:10:10 ratio, ready in 10-12 hours at 78ºF)
- 5 grams sourdough starter, ripe and active, about 1 teaspoon
- 55 grams flour (all-purpose or bread flour), scant 1/2 cup
- 55 grams water, about 1/4 cup
Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Dough
- 100 grams levain, ripe and active, scant 1/2 cup
- 385 grams water, about 1 2/3 cup
- 20 grams granulated sugar, 4 teaspoons
- 10 grams salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons
- 500 grams bread flour, about 3 1/2 cups
- 40 grams olive oil, reserved for the pan, about 3 Tablespoons
Cream Cheese Icing
- 75 grams powdered sugar, 2/3 cup
- 30 grams cream cheese, 2 Tablespoons
- 15 grams milk, about 1 Tablespoon
- 4 grams vanilla extract, about 1 teaspoon
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients to create a wet and sticky dough. This will be the foundation of your focaccia, so make sure to mix until everything is well incorporated. - Step 2: First Rise
Cover the bowl with a cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 4 to 6 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when it has doubled in size and is bubbly at the top. - Step 3: Prepare for Baking
After the first rise, pour the dough onto a generously oiled baking sheet. Gently stretch and shape it into a rectangular form without deflating too much air from the dough. - Step 4: Second Rise
Cover the shaped dough again and let it rise for another 2 to 3 hours. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect focaccia texture. - Step 5: Create Indentations
Once the dough has risen, use your fingers to create deep dimples all over the surface. This allows the flavors to seep in and adds a delightful texture. - Step 6: Add Toppings
Spread a mixture of cinnamon, sugar, and butter over the top of the dough. Feel free to get creative with additional toppings like nuts or fruits that you enjoy. - Step 7: Bake the Focaccia
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. The aroma of cinnamon will fill your kitchen! - Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the focaccia to cool for a few minutes. Slice it up and serve warm to enjoy it at its best.
Notes
Sourdough Starter: I make a levain for all of my sourdough recipes because it gives more consistent results. If you don’t want to use that method, you can substitute ripe, bubbly, active sourdough starter for the same amount of levain.
Bread Flour: This is a high hydration recipe. If you choose to use a flour with a lower protein content than bread flour (lower than 12.5%), you will want to decrease the water in the recipe.
Olive Oil: Choose an olive oil that is light in flavor and taste. An extra virgin olive oil often has more olive flavor than a light-tasting olive oil, which can transfer over to the sweet focaccia dough.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 309kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 337mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
Keywords: Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Focaccia, Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients to create a wet and sticky dough. This will be the foundation of your focaccia, so make sure to mix until everything is well incorporated. - Step 2: First Rise
Cover the bowl with a cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 4 to 6 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when it has doubled in size and is bubbly at the top. - Step 3: Prepare for Baking
After the first rise, pour the dough onto a generously oiled baking sheet. Gently stretch and shape it into a rectangular form without deflating too much air from the dough. - Step 4: Second Rise
Cover the shaped dough again and let it rise for another 2 to 3 hours. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect focaccia texture. - Step 5: Create Indentations
Once the dough has risen, use your fingers to create deep dimples all over the surface. This allows the flavors to seep in and adds a delightful texture. - Step 6: Add Toppings
Spread a mixture of cinnamon, sugar, and butter over the top of the dough. Feel free to get creative with additional toppings like nuts or fruits that you enjoy. - Step 7: Bake the Focaccia
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. The aroma of cinnamon will fill your kitchen! - Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the focaccia to cool for a few minutes. Slice it up and serve warm to enjoy it at its best.
Notes
- Tip 1: Use Active Starter
Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for the best results. A good starter makes all the difference in the dough’s rise. - Tip 2: Experiment with Toppings
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings or flavors. Nuts, chocolate chips, or glazes can create a unique dessert experience. - Tip 3: Baking Time Variation
Keep an eye on your focaccia near the end of the baking time, as ovens can vary. Aim for a golden brown crust for the perfect texture.
Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia – A Closer Look
There’s something truly magical about the way the flavors meld in this recipe for Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia. The blend of sweet, spicy cinnamon with the tangy notes from the sourdough creates a symphony of taste that dances on your palate. Each bite offers a tender, airy crumb reminiscent of traditional focaccia, but with a twist that feels warm and inviting. The process of shaping and baking this unique loaf connects you to the age-old traditions of bread-making, making it an experience to savor as much as the delightful final product.
Bringing It to Your Kitchen
Imagine pulling a warm tray of Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia from the oven, the fragrant aroma filling your home, wrapping your loved ones in a cozy hug. This bread is perfect for a relaxing weekend brunch or a delightful late-night snack shared with friends. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as part of a family gathering, this focaccia can turn ordinary moments into treasured memories, inviting smiles and warmth around the table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When baking Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia, one common mistake to be mindful of is the dough’s temperature. If your kitchen is too cold, the dough may not rise properly, leading to denser bread. Always check to ensure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active to achieve the best texture. Additionally, avoid overworking the dough; gentle handling maintains the airiness that makes focaccia so delightful. Lastly, keep a close eye on your baking time to prevent over-browning. Enjoying this delicious bread is as simple as following these tips!
Cook Techniques
Kneading the Dough
To create the base for your Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia, start by mixing your sourdough starter with flour, water, and salt. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, approximately 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a mixer. This process helps develop gluten, which gives the focaccia its structure. Once kneaded, allow it to rest for a few minutes before moving on to the next step.
Shaping the Focaccia
After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently stretch the dough into a rectangle that fits your baking pan. Make sure to handle it gently to preserve the air bubbles. Once shaped, let the dough rest for about 30 minutes to relax.
Creating Dimples
Once your Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia dough is shaped in the pan, use your fingers to press dimples all over the surface. This technique allows the focaccia to capture flavors and toppings while baking. Press firmly yet gently to ensure the essence of the dough remains intact.
Baking to Perfection
Preheat your oven to a high temperature, around 425°F (220°C). Place your focaccia in the oven and bake until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. The high heat helps create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. To finish, brush the top with melted butter or olive oil for extra flavor.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
With a Sweet Glaze
Drizzle a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk over your Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia once it’s cooled slightly. This adds a visually appealing shine and an extra layer of sweetness that complements the flavors beautifully.
Serve with Fresh Fruit
Accompany your focaccia with a side of fresh berries or sliced fruits like strawberries and kiwis. Not only do they provide a pop of color, but they also enhance the dish’s overall flavor profile, making it a perfect breakfast or brunch item.
Top with Cinnamon Sugar
Sprinkle a mix of cinnamon and sugar on top of the focaccia just before baking. This not only creates a crunchy topping but also adds an aromatic scent that entices guests as they are served.
Plate Like a Pro
For an elegant presentation, cut your Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia into perfect squares and arrange them on a rustic wooden board. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a pop of color and added fragrance.
Conclusion
The Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia is a delightful fusion of chewy, slightly tangy bread and sweet cinnamon swirls. It’s ideal for any occasion—perfect for weekday breakfasts or elegant holiday gatherings.
Preparation is straightforward, involving simple mixing and baking techniques. As it bakes, the aroma fills your kitchen, promising a delicious experience. Serve this eye-catching dish to impress guests and enjoy a restaurant-like affair at home.
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