Sweet (No-Knead) Focaccia: Is that Really a Thing?
Did you know sweet Focaccia was a thing? I didn’t! I still don’t know if it is truly authentic, but I became familiar with the concept after visiting Supermoon Bakehouse in the Lower East Side (New York) on a trip there last year. Who knew this would eventually lead to this Sweet Cherry Almond Focaccia recipe in Texas?!
It was a sweet berry (maybe with honey, too) Focaccia, if I remember correctly. Sadly, I had so many other goodies and still had to walk over and cross Brooklyn Bridge, so I didn’t have tummy or carrying space to try it.
The idea of a sweet Focaccia had been nagging at me ever since, and I finally decided to try it when I entered a Cherry Contest and had to use cherries as a main ingredient. (And I won, woot woot!)
Cherries and Almonds are Relatives
When I was researching and developing this recipe, I was surprised to learn that cherries and almonds are actually related!
Almonds are actually fruits! As such, they are actually more closely related to cherries than other nuts. Both almond and cherry trees are part of the Prunus genus. These drupes, or stone fruits, also include prunes, plums, peaches and apricots.
Almonds, however, are a little rebellious: unlike its cousins, the outer part (mesocarp) is tough and the inner part (endocarp) is edible.
Sweet Focaccia Recipe Ingredients
This sweet Focaccia recipe base can be used with different toppings. It’s a no-knead Focaccia recipe, so if kneading isn’t your thing, this is for you!
Sweet Focaccia Base:
- Flour
- Water
- Yeast (learn more about yeast here)
- Sugar (or Sugar and Honey)
- Salt
Cherry Almond Flavor Additions:
- Almond Extract (optional)
- Frozen Cherries (or fresh)
- Butter
- Sliced Almonds
- Granulated Sugar
How to make this Sweet Cherry Almond Focaccia
- Mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry.
- Allow the dough to rest for a few minutes and perform two stretch and folds.
- Rest again and perform two more stretch and folds.
- Form into a tight ball, and rest until doubled in size.
- Place dough into a greased 9×9 (22×22) pan. Dimple the Focaccia and spread the cherries.
- Brush melted butter, some reserved cherry juice, sugar and almonds.
- Bake for 20 minutes and allow to cool. Enjoy!
Storing the Sweet Cherry Almond Focaccia
Like most Focaccia, it is best enjoyed the same day. However, you can store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Sweet Cherry Almond Focaccia
Description
This sweet Focaccia recipe features the flavors of two relatives: cherries and almonds. It's an easy no-knead recipe, using just the bowl and baking pan (no counter work needed).
The Focaccia dough is sweetened with sugar and honey, and topped with frozen cherries, reserved cherry juice, melted butter and sugar (to add some yummy caramelization) and sliced almonds.
This makes a batch of 9 square slices in a 9x9in (22x22cm) pan.
Ingredients for Sweet Cherry Almond Focaccia
Ingredients
How to make Sweet Cherry Almond Focaccia
Method
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Mix flour, yeast, sugar and salt in a large bowl. In a separate cup, mix the warm water, honey and almond extract if using.
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Add the water mixture to the flour mix and stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until everything comes together. The dough will be sticky. Scrape the sides and let the dough rest covered for 15 minutes.
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After 15 minutes, perform two sets of stretch and folds. Cover and rest.
Stretch and Fold Instructions: Imagine the dough as a diamond shape.
- Pull and stretch one side (or imaginary corner) of the dough up until you feel resistance, then lay it over the center of the dough.
- Turn the bowl a quarter turn, and stretch and fold again.
- Repeat until all four "corners" have been stretched and folded over the center.
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After 20 minutes, perform another two sets of stretch and folds, forming a tight ball. Cover and rest until doubled in size, about 1-1 ½ hours.
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Grease a 9×9in (22x22cm) high-edged pan with melted butter.
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Carefully lift your dough out of its bowl and place into the greased pan (don't knock too much air out).
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Gently stretch the dough to fit the pan and dimple it all over. Spread the cherries and press them in. Cover and rest about 45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400 Fahrenheit / 205 Celcius.
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Brush melted butter and some cherry juice (from frozen cherries) all over the dough. Sprinkle granulated sugar, then spread almonds. You can brush more melted butter and sprinkle more sugar if you like.
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Bake for about 20 minutes until lightly golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and eating.
Recipe Notes
Alternatives:
- Other Flours: I have not tested gluten-free flours. I'd expect slight changes in texture, but it will still be delicious!
- Cherries: I used frozen cherries, as I can get them any time of the year and they are more affordable. A great alternative is jarred cherries as you will also have some juice. Fresh cherries can also be used, but you'll have to skip the brushing of cherry juice step.
Storing Sweet Cherry Almond Focaccia
Like most Focaccia, it is best enjoyed the same day. However, you can store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
