San Francesco’s focaccia is a typical Umbrian dessert with roots going back to the Middle Ages. It is said that it was prepared on religious holidays, combining the simplicity of ingredients with the sweetness of tradition. This soft and fragrant focaccia is a true embrace of authentic flavors. Perfect for breakfast dipped in milk, as a snack, or to accompany a good glass of sweet wine, the San Francesco’s focaccia is a pleasure to enjoy. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can prepare a focaccia that will conquer the palate of the whole family. San Francesco’s focaccia is a classic of Umbrian pastry that cannot be missed at your table.
If you like sweet leavened products, also try:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Very economical
- Rest time: 8 Minutes
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 20 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Electric oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
- Energy 172.70 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 27.15 (g) of which sugars 8.34 (g)
- Proteins 4.65 (g)
- Fat 5.80 (g) of which saturated 3.26 (g)of which unsaturated 2.12 (g)
- Fibers 1.22 (g)
- Sodium 205.60 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 50 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for San Francesco’s Sweet Focaccia
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.63 oz fresh yeast
- 3 large eggs (about 3 eggs)
- 0.5 cup milk
- 2 tbsps wildflower honey
- 0.5 cup butter
- 2 tsps salt
- 1 lemon (grated zest)
- 1 cup raisins
- to taste granulated sugar (for the surface)
- to taste extra virgin olive oil (for the baking tray)
Tools
- Stand mixer
- Baking tray
- Bowls
- Parchment paper
How to Make San Francesco’s Sweet Focaccia
To prepare San Francesco’s sweet focaccia, start with the basic dough preparation. It’s a leavened product, so I recommend using (if you have) a stand mixer or a food processor. If you don’t have one, you can proceed by hand. Put the lukewarm or room temperature milk into the stand mixer bowl, add the weighed eggs and the flour, all at once. Turn it on and mix for 2 minutes.
Then add the crumbled fresh yeast, honey, and salt. Knead until you get a homogeneous mixture.
Add the grated lemon zest, turn on the machine and gradually add the soft butter while the machine is working. Remove the dough, place it in a bowl, and let it rest for 1 hour.
Meanwhile, soak the raisins in lukewarm water and let them soften for an hour. After the resting time, take the dough again, roll it out on a work surface, and incorporate the raisins. Place the ready dough for rising in a large bowl.
Cover the bowl with cling film and let it rest in the lower part of the fridge for 5-6 hours. After this time, take the dough, which will have risen very little, and put it into a 12×16-inch tray lined with parchment paper. Grease the parchment paper with a little oil. Spread the dough while it’s still cold (it will spread a little) and let it rest for 15 minutes. Then spread it out completely and sprinkle the surface with granulated sugar. Let it rise for 2 hours. After the two hours, add more sugar on the surface. Preheat the oven to static mode at 340°F and bake the sweet focaccia in the center of the oven for 30 minutes. Let it warm up, cut into squares, and serve. Enjoy your meal!
Storage
The sweet focaccia can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you want to store it longer, you can wrap it in cling film and freeze it, or put it in pieces in an airtight container.
FAQ
Can I customize the recipe of San Francesco’s sweet focaccia?
Yes, many versions allow for variations, such as the addition of honey, jam, or different combinations of dried fruits and candied fruits according to personal tastes.
Is there a vegan version of San Francesco’s sweet focaccia?
Yes, it is possible to make a vegan version by replacing the milk with plant-based milk and the eggs with alternatives such as soy yogurt or flax seeds.
What is the history of San Francesco’s sweet focaccia?
San Francesco’s sweet focaccia has ancient origins and is linked to the figure of Saint Francis, who was known for his simplicity and sobriety. The recipe reflects the saint’s humility, with simple and local ingredients.
Can I use a different yeast from fresh yeast?
Yes, you can also use active dry yeast or sourdough starter. The doses and rising times might slightly vary.
Can I use something alcoholic to soak the raisins?
Certainly, the original recipe actually calls for soaking the raisins in rum. You can use rum, vodka, whiskey, whatever you prefer, if it’s not going to be consumed by children as well.
