There’s something magical about the combination of apples and freshly baked bread. Imagine biting into a warm, golden slice of Sourdough Apple Focaccia, where the sweet, caramelized apples dance with the tangy notes of sourdough. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, enticing everyone nearby to come and investigate this delightful creation.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Sourdough Apple Focaccia</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What can I substitute if I don’t have sourdough starter?
- How do I know when my focaccia is done baking?
- Can I make this focaccia ahead of time?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now, picture this: it’s a crisp autumn afternoon, and you’re gathering with friends for a cozy get-together. The air is filled with laughter and the scent of cinnamon and baked goodness. You set down this showstopper right in the center of the table, and suddenly, it becomes the star of the evening. With one bite, everyone is transported to a world where happiness resides in every fluffy layer.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Sourdough Apple Focaccia is easy to prepare and perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers
- It boasts a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors that will impress your guests
- The visual appeal is stunning, making it an attractive centerpiece for any occasion
- Versatile enough for breakfast or dessert, it suits any time of day!
I’ll never forget the first time I made this recipe for my family during Thanksgiving. Their delighted expressions were priceless as they devoured every last crumb.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Sourdough Starter: A bubbly starter adds that signature tang; feeding it beforehand ensures optimal rise.
All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for better structure; organic options work wonders too.
Fresh Apples: Choose tart varieties like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor; they hold up beautifully when baked.
Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances richness; don’t skimp on this!
Honey: Adds natural sweetness; feel free to adjust based on apple tartness.
Cinnamon: This spice elevates flavors; use fresh ground cinnamon if possible.
Salt: Essential for taste; sea salt brings out all the flavors beautifully.
Water: Make sure it’s lukewarm to help activate your starter effectively.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Sourdough Apple Focaccia
Prepare Your Dough: In a large bowl, mix together active sourdough starter with warm water until well blended. Gradually incorporate all-purpose flour until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead Like You Mean It: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You want it to feel like a soft pillow under your hands.
Add Flavorful Fillings: Fold in diced apples, honey, and cinnamon gently into the dough until evenly distributed. The smell alone will have you dreaming about autumn!
Let It Rise & Shine: Place your dough into an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours or until doubled in size.
Shape Your Focaccia: Gently punch down the risen dough on a floured surface to release air bubbles. Shape it into a rectangle about 1-inch thick before transferring to an oiled baking sheet.
Dimple & Drizzle: Use your fingers to create dimples across the surface of the focaccia; drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt for that mouthwatering finish.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake focaccia for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top and fragrant throughout your kitchen.
And there you have it! Your Sourdough Apple Focaccia is ready to be devoured—just try not to eat it all yourself! Invite friends over or simply savor each slice while basking in its delightful aroma filling your home.
You Must Know
- Sourdough Apple Focaccia marries the tangy delight of sourdough with sweet, juicy apples
- The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking for a slice
- This delightful treat is perfect for brunch or as a cozy dessert
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing your sourdough starter and water before adding flour and salt. Let it rise while you slice the apples and prepare a quick caramel glaze. This sequence ensures everything is ready for baking without any chaos.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with toppings like cinnamon, nuts, or even a drizzle of honey. Swapping traditional apples for pears or adding a pinch of nutmeg brings exciting new flavors to your focaccia.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Sourdough Apple Focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat slices in the oven for five minutes at 350°F to regain that fresh-baked texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Make sure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active for the best flavor
- Use a light hand when mixing to keep the focaccia airy
- A sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances sweetness perfectly, elevating each bite to heavenly levels
Sometimes, I bake this focaccia for family gatherings, and it always steals the show! Watching everyone devour it reminds me why I love baking so much.
FAQ
What can I substitute if I don’t have sourdough starter?
You can use active dry yeast instead; just adjust rising times accordingly.
How do I know when my focaccia is done baking?
It should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Can I make this focaccia ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance and store it in an airtight container.
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Sourdough Apple Focaccia
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Sourdough Apple Focaccia is a delightful blend of tangy sourdough and sweet, caramelized apples, offering a warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen. This easy-to-make, visually stunning bread is perfect for any occasion, whether as a breakfast treat or a cozy dessert. Its fluffy texture and rich flavors will impress your guests and create lasting memories.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough starter
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup diced fresh apples (preferably Granny Smith)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¾ cup lukewarm water
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter and lukewarm water until smooth. Gradually add in the flour to form a shaggy dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Gently fold in the diced apples, honey, and cinnamon until evenly incorporated.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough on a floured surface and shape it into a rectangle about 1-inch thick. Transfer to an oiled baking sheet.
- Create dimples with your fingers on top of the focaccia, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (70g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg





