Peach Focaccia

Who says peaches are only for pies and cobblers? This peach focaccia with a cinnamon-sugar outer crust will have you  wishing peach season lasted year-round.

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It’s amazing where inspiration will strike for my next recipe. Last week while at the farmer’s market, I sampled some peach focaccia from a local artisan bakery and fell in love. I couldn’t get home fast enough to bake my own loaf.

And if possible, my homemade version was even better than the bakery’s. It was soft and chewy, and the cinnamon and peach were such a great combination that I couldn’t stop myself. About 5 minutes after pulling them out of the oven, one of these little focaccias had already disappeared.

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And 10 minutes later another one met the same fate.

This peach focaccia is just sweet enough that it tastes like a treat, but not so sweet that you’ll need to wait till dessert to serve it.

I am more in love with the peaches this summer than ever before, and I’m so happy to have one more way to incorporate them into my baking. If only peach season lasted year-round!

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get the recipe

Peach Focaccia

Yield: 1 14-inch round loaf

A light and chewy bread, topped with cinnamon sugar and fresh peaches. Only slightly-sweet, it can be enjoyed any time of day, and not just for dessert.

Print Recipe ^[6]

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (237 ml) water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2-3 cups (240-360 grams) bread flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
• 2 1/4 teaspoon (1 package, 7 grams) active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, divided
• 2-3 medium peaches, sliced
• Additional olive oil, for brushing

Directions:

1. Heat the water and olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat until it just comes to a simmer. Remove from heat and let cool for about 5 minutes, or until temperature is 120-130 degrees F.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, combine 1 cup of the bread flour with the salt, 1 tablespoon sugar, yeast, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Add the water mixture and mix until it forms a wet dough, scraping down the bowl as necessary.
3. Add the remaining bread flour 1/4 cup at a time while mixing until dough clears the bowl and is tacky but doesn't stick to your fingers when touched. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place bowl in a greased bowl and turn to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
4. Punch down dough and knead a few times to remove air bubbles. Shape dough into a rough 14 inch circle on a sheet pan (alternately, shape into 3-4 smaller loaves as pictured in this post), cover, and let rise for an additional 15 minutes. Use your fingers to dimple the dough, pressing your fingers all the way down.
5. Combine the remaining 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Brush the bread with olive oil and sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar. Top with peach slices.
6. Bake at 375 degrees until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. Serve warm or cool.
7. Focaccia is best consumed the day it is made, but will keep well wrapped at room temperature for a few days.