This is an irresistible sweet bread, crunchy outside and soft inside, made even more wonderful by the addition of rows of luscious grapes. We refer of course to a sweet focaccia with grapes, excellent at almost any time during the day as a snack, or even as a dessert. This version of focaccia with grapes is sweet but not too sweet, and is what makes it really special. You could also serve it during drinks with friends, maybe cut into large squares and accompanied with cold cuts or a few slices of prosciutto. That combination might seem strange at first, but we guarantee that the slightly sweet grapes and the savoury cold meats will prove truly irresistible for the palate. If that doesn’t convince you, you could serve your sweet focaccia with grapes as a dessert, perhaps accompanied with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. This will also surely tempt even the youngest children!
* approximate values per serving
Grease a 24x36cm baking tray, rest the bread dough in the centre and spread it out with your hands. Cover the tray with a cloth and let it rise for one hour at room temperature. Wash and peel the grapes and make an incision in each with a knife without opening them completely. Then remove the seeds with the tip of the knife and distribute the grapes over the dough, pressing them in slightly. Brush oil over the surface of the dough and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons sugar. Bake in the oven at 240°C degrees for 30 minutes. During the last few minutes of cooking, sprinkle the cake with the remaining sugar and turn on the grill so that it caramelises. Serve the cake warm or cold.
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Knead the dough well and roll it out in a large baking tray
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Cut every grape in half
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Arrange the grapes on the dough, alternating white and black ones
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Sprinkle over the brown sugar and then bake for 30 minutes at 200°C
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The grape focaccia is ready!
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A delicious variant of the traditional sweet focaccia with grapes is the one that includes brown sugar. This version stands out not only for its more intense and caramelized flavor but also for the crispiness that forms on the surface during baking. To prepare it, simply replace regular sugar with brown sugar, generously sprinkling it over the focaccia before baking. The sweet and juicy grapes pair perfectly with this type of sugar, creating a pleasant contrast between sweetness and a slight caramel note. This focaccia is ideal for a tasty snack or as a dessert to serve at the end of a meal. Try it with different varieties of grapes to discover new flavor combinations!
The sweet focaccia with grapes from Aosta Valley is a traditional preparation that perfectly represents the authentic flavors of the Val d'Aosta. In this variant, a bread dough enriched with local ingredients, such as the typical grapes of the region, is used. The focaccia is baked in a wood-fired oven, which gives the final product an unmistakable aroma and unique crispiness. The slow and natural rising, typical of traditional recipes, allows the focaccia to develop a soft texture inside and a crispy exterior. Served warm, this focaccia is a true symbol of Aosta Valley culinary tradition, perfect for accompanying cheeses or as a sweet treat during local festivities.
For those who want a lighter version of sweet focaccia with grapes, it can be prepared without sugar while still maintaining excellent sweetness thanks to fresh fruit. Using whole wheat bread dough and completely omitting sugar, this preparation becomes not only lighter but also healthier. The naturally sweet grape berries add flavor and moisture to the focaccia, making it an ideal option for those following a healthy diet. Additionally, it can be brushed with a little extra virgin olive oil to add an extra touch of flavor. This focaccia is perfect for a nutritious breakfast or a snack during the day, without sacrificing taste.
Sweet focaccia with grapes is a dish that offers several benefits thanks to the ingredients used. Grapes, in particular, are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can help improve cardiovascular health and support the immune system. A serving of sweet focaccia with grapes can contain about 250-300 calories, depending on the amounts of sugar and oil used. By opting for lighter and sugar-free variants, it is possible to significantly reduce the caloric intake. Furthermore, using whole wheat bread dough can increase the fiber content in the recipe, promoting healthy digestion. In short, sweet focaccia with grapes can be an excellent choice for those looking for a tasty yet nutritious dessert.
Sweet focaccia with grapes freezes well, making it a practical solution to always have a tasty dessert on hand. To freeze it, it is advisable to let it cool completely after baking, then wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer bag, ensuring to remove excess air. This way, freshness and flavor are preserved. When you want to consume it, simply let it thaw at room temperature or warm it slightly in the oven. The sweet focaccia retains its softness and flavor, making it perfect for an impromptu snack or a dessert to offer guests.