Easy Berry Chia Seed Jam (Printable)
A quick, naturally sweetened berry spread thickened with chia seeds. Ready in 15 minutes.
# Ingredient List:
→ Fruit Base
01 - 2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
→ Sweetener
02 - 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey, adjusted to taste
→ Thickener
03 - 2 tablespoons chia seeds
→ Flavor Enhancers
04 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
05 - 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
# How to Make:
01 - Place mixed berries in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until berries begin to break down and release their natural juices, approximately 5 minutes.
02 - Use a fork or potato masher to mash the cooked berries until reaching your preferred texture, whether chunky or completely smooth.
03 - Stir in maple syrup (or honey), chia seeds, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until thoroughly combined.
04 - Remove saucepan from heat. Let mixture stand for at least 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to distribute chia seeds as they absorb liquid and thicken the jam.
05 - Taste the jam and add additional sweetener if needed to achieve desired sweetness level.
06 - Transfer jam to a clean glass jar. Allow to cool completely at room temperature before sealing with lid and refrigerating.
# Helpful Tips:
01 -
- No canning equipment required and it comes together in under 15 minutes
- The chia seeds create the perfect jam texture naturally without pectin
- You control exactly how sweet it goes and can use whatever berries look best at the market
02 -
- This jam is not shelf stable and must be kept refrigerated, unlike traditional canned jams
- The texture continues to develop overnight, so it tastes even better on day two
- Frozen berries release more water than fresh, so you may need an extra minute of simmering time
03 -
- Make a double batch during berry season and freeze extra jars for up to 3 months
- Use a wide mouth jar for easier scooping as the jam gets low