This Cinnamon Sugar Focaccia with Cream Cheese Icing brings together the fluffy, airy texture of classic focaccia with the sweet warmth of cinnamon sugar. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet, buttery crunch with the tangy undertones of sourdough, creating a unique twist on traditional breakfast treats. Perfect for brunch gatherings or a cozy weekend bake, this recipe combines simplicity with indulgence. The luscious cream cheese drizzle adds a creamy finish that pairs beautifully with the golden, cinnamon-dusted crust. Enjoy it warm, straight from the oven, or as a sweet afternoon snack with a cup of coffee.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (to adjust icing consistency)
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine sourdough starter, warm water, and flour. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Add salt and olive oil, kneading gently until the dough is smooth. Cover and let rise at room temperature for 8–12 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil.
- Stretch the dough gently onto the prepared sheet, pressing it out with your fingers to create dimples.
- Brush the melted butter generously over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.
- Let the dough rest for 20 minutes, then bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- While the focaccia cools, whisk cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle the cream cheese icing over the warm focaccia before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus rising time) | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes (excluding rising)
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
The Origins of Focaccia: A Bread with Ancient Roots
Focaccia, an iconic Italian flatbread, has been around for centuries, dating back to ancient Rome. The name “focaccia” comes from the Latin word focus, meaning “hearth” or “fireplace,” which refers to the traditional method of baking the bread over hot coals. Its simplicity made it a staple for many cultures throughout history—just flour, water, yeast, olive oil, and salt. While we typically associate focaccia with savory flavors, it’s a wonderfully versatile bread that serves as a blank canvas for both sweet and savory toppings. In Italy, you’ll even find sweet versions in certain regions, often adorned with sugar, honey, or fruit. This recipe takes inspiration from that versatility, merging it with flavors reminiscent of cinnamon rolls—a beloved breakfast pastry in many parts of the world.
What Makes Cinnamon Sugar Focaccia with Cream Cheese Icing Special?
1. A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tangy
This focaccia strikes a delightful balance between the tanginess of sourdough and the warmth of cinnamon sugar. The sourdough starter gives the bread its signature airy texture and a subtle, complex flavor profile that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cinnamon-sugar topping. The cream cheese icing adds a creamy, slightly tangy finish, reminiscent of what you’d find on a classic cinnamon roll but with a more sophisticated depth.
2. Incredibly Easy to Make
Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, which require rolling, cutting, and multiple rises, this sweet focaccia is much more forgiving. You simply stretch the dough onto a baking sheet, dimple it with your fingers, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar, and bake. It’s rustic, relaxed, and doesn’t require the precision of more intricate pastries. Perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros.
3. Versatile for Any Occasion
This recipe isn’t just for breakfast. It’s a versatile treat that works for brunch gatherings, holiday tables, cozy afternoon snacks, or even as a light dessert. You can serve it warm, straight from the oven, or enjoy it at room temperature with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s the kind of bake that feels special without requiring hours of effort.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Insights
While we won’t claim this is a health food, there are a few reasons why this recipe is a more wholesome indulgence compared to many commercial sweet treats:
Sourdough Benefits:
The use of sourdough starter isn’t just for flavor. Sourdough is often easier to digest than bread made with commercial yeast. The fermentation process breaks down some of the gluten and phytic acid, making nutrients more bioavailable. It also results in a lower glycemic index, meaning it won’t spike your blood sugar as quickly as traditional white bread.
Simple, Natural Ingredients:
Unlike store-bought pastries that often contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and excess sugar, this recipe relies on whole, recognizable ingredients—flour, water, butter, cream cheese, and natural sweeteners like cinnamon and sugar.
Customizable Sweetness:
You can easily adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe to suit your taste. Want it less sweet? Reduce the sugar or skip the icing altogether for a simpler, more bread-like version.
Baking Tips for Perfect Sweet Focaccia
To ensure your Cinnamon Sugar Focaccia comes out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips:
- Don’t Overwork the Dough:
Focaccia is known for its light, airy crumb. Over-kneading can lead to a denser texture. Mix until combined, then let the sourdough fermentation do the rest. - Use High-Quality Olive Oil:
Olive oil adds moisture and flavor to the dough. A good quality, fruity olive oil can elevate the taste significantly. - Create Deep Dimples:
When dimpling the dough, press your fingers deep enough to create little pockets. This helps the cinnamon sugar melt into the bread, creating those delicious caramelized spots. - Adjust Icing Consistency:
For a thicker, more decadent drizzle, use less milk in the cream cheese icing. If you prefer a thinner glaze that seeps into the bread, add a bit more milk until you reach the desired consistency.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Focaccia
- Warm for Breakfast:
Serve it slightly warm with a cup of coffee or tea. The cream cheese icing will be slightly melty, creating an ooey-gooey texture that’s irresistible. - Brunch Board Star:
Cut it into small squares and include it on a brunch board with fresh fruit, yogurt, cheeses, and other baked goods. - Dessert Twist:
For a more decadent dessert, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side. The contrast of warm focaccia and cold ice cream is heavenly. - On-the-Go Snack:
Since it doesn’t require refrigeration immediately, it’s great for packing into lunchboxes or taking on picnics.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Apple Cinnamon Focaccia: Add thin slices of apple on top before baking for an autumn-inspired twist.
- Maple Glaze Instead of Cream Cheese: Swap out the cream cheese icing for a maple glaze made with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of cream.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon sugar layer for added crunch and flavor.
- Lemon Zest Brightness: Add a bit of lemon zest to the cream cheese icing to give it a fresh, citrusy note.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
At its core, this Cinnamon Sugar Focaccia with Cream Cheese Icing is about comfort. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with the warm scent of cinnamon and fresh bread, wrapping you in cozy, nostalgic vibes. It’s simple enough to whip up on a lazy weekend but special enough to share at a holiday gathering.
Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, there’s no meticulous rolling or slicing—just stretch, sprinkle, bake, and drizzle. The sourdough gives it a unique character, with its tangy undertone beautifully complementing the sweetness of the topping.
Whether you’re a seasoned sourdough baker looking for a fun new challenge or a newbie eager to explore sweet bread recipes, this focaccia is the perfect project.
So preheat your oven, dust off your sourdough starter, and get ready to enjoy a sweet, pillowy, cinnamon-kissed delight that’s bound to become a favorite in your household.
Conclusion
When you think of focaccia, your mind likely jumps to savory flavors—rosemary, olive oil, sea salt, and perhaps a sprinkle of parmesan. But what if we told you that focaccia could just as easily be transformed into a delightful, sweet treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert? Enter the Cinnamon Sugar Focaccia with Cream Cheese Icing, a recipe that beautifully blends the rustic charm of traditional focaccia with the cozy, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls.
