This cinnamon roll-inspired focaccia combines the fluffy texture of traditional focaccia with the sweet, spiced flavor of cinnamon rolls. The dough is light and airy, and it’s topped with a delicious mixture of cinnamon, brown sugar, and coconut sugar, which caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Topped with a simple icing sugar glaze, this warm and gooey treat is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Whether you’re looking for a unique breakfast, brunch, or dessert option, this cinnamon roll focaccia is a must-try!
Why You'll Love This Recipe: You’ll love this cinnamon roll focaccia for its light, airy dough combined with the rich flavors of cinnamon and caramelized sugar. The recipe combines the best of both worlds, giving you the soft, pillowy texture of focaccia and the sweet, spiced topping of a cinnamon roll. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a special treat. Plus, the dough is easy to work with and the overnight rise adds an extra layer of flavor and simplicity to the process.
Perfect Occasion: This cinnamon roll focaccia is perfect for a weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, or even as a dessert. It’s an excellent option when you want something sweet yet unique, and it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who loves cinnamon rolls. You can serve it as part of a breakfast spread, or enjoy it on its own with a cup of coffee or tea.
Decoration Tips: For a beautiful finish, drizzle a generous amount of icing sugar glaze over the warm focaccia right after baking. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or dust with extra icing sugar for a classic touch. Serve it in squares or rustic pieces for a cozy presentation. This recipe is also great for adding a few raisins, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of melted vegan chocolate for an extra indulgence!
Ingredients for the Dough:
- 400g strong white bread flour
- 1 tbsp white/cane/caster sugar
- 6g sea salt
- 5g instant yeast
- 330g water
- 12g olive oil
Ingredients for the Cinnamon Topping:
- 3 tbsp cinnamon
- 50g coconut sugar
- 50g brown sugar
- 50g melted vegan butter
For the Icing Glaze (Optional):
- Icing sugar
- Plant milk (enough to achieve desired drizzle consistency)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, sea salt, instant yeast, water, and olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms. Cover the bowl with cling film and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Fold the Dough:
- After resting, fold the edges of the dough into the center, working your way around the dough to add air. Cover again and let it rest for another 30 minutes.
- Coil Folds:
- Perform a series of coil folds by lifting and folding the dough for about a minute. Cover and let the dough rest for another 30 minutes. Repeat this process once more.
- Refrigerate the Dough:
- After the final coil fold, cover the dough and place it in the fridge to rest overnight (or for about 8 hours).
- Shape the Dough:
- The next day, remove the dough from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 2 hours. Once ready, transfer the dough to a well-oiled baking dish and let it rest for another hour.
- Make the Cinnamon Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the melted vegan butter with the coconut sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined.
- Top and Dimple the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, pour the cinnamon mixture over the top. Use your fingers to dimple the dough as you would with traditional focaccia, ensuring the cinnamon mixture gets distributed throughout.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan) and bake the focaccia for 28-30 minutes. The top will start to brown due to the caramelizing cinnamon sugar, so don’t worry if it darkens.
- Add the Icing Glaze (Optional):
- While the focaccia is still warm, drizzle with the icing glaze made from icing sugar and a little plant milk, mixed to your desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Slice the cinnamon roll focaccia and enjoy it warm, with the perfect balance of gooey cinnamon goodness and fluffy focaccia!
Enjoy this sweet twist on focaccia, perfect for any time of day!