Description
This Chia Seed Jam recipe offers a healthier, homemade alternative to store-bought jams. It’s naturally sweetened with fruit and a touch of maple syrup, honey, or agave, and thickened with chia seeds in just 15 minutes. Enjoy a vibrant, flavorful spread packed with fiber and omega-3s, perfect for breakfast or snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (300 g) fresh or frozen fruit (such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or peaches)
- 2 tablespoons (20 g) chia seeds
- 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) maple syrup, honey, or agave (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit: Wash and chop fresh fruit into small pieces. If using frozen fruit, use directly without thawing.
- Cook the fruit: Place the fruit in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the fruit softens and releases its juices. Mash the fruit to your desired consistency using a potato masher or fork.
- Add sweetener and lemon juice: Stir in the maple syrup (or other sweetener) and lemon juice. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- Add chia seeds: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the chia seeds thoroughly to distribute them evenly.
- Let it thicken: Allow the jam to sit undisturbed for about 10–15 minutes. The chia seeds will absorb liquid and thicken the mixture into a spreadable consistency.
- Adjust and store: If the jam is too thick, stir in an extra tablespoon of water or fruit juice. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Transfer the Chia Seed Jam to a clean jar and refrigerate. It will continue to set as it chills.
Notes
- Use ripe, flavorful fruit for the best taste.
- Adjust sweetness based on the fruit’s tartness.
- Allow at least 10 minutes for the chia seeds to thicken the jam properly.
- For a smoother texture, blend the jam after it cools.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- This recipe is versatile and can be made with various fruits for different flavor combinations.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Spread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: negligible
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg