Easy Berry Chia Seed Jam (Printer-Friendly)
A quick, vibrant spread made with mixed berries and chia seeds for natural sweetness and perfect texture.
# What You'll Need:
→ 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 & Flavor
03 - 2 tablespoons chia seeds
04 - ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
05 - ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
# How to Make It:
01 - Place the berries in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the berries begin to break down and release their juices, about 5 minutes.
02 - Use a fork or potato masher to mash the berries to your preferred consistency—chunky for texture or smooth for a uniform spread.
03 - Stir in the maple syrup (or honey), chia seeds, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly to distribute the chia seeds evenly.
04 - Remove from heat and let the mixture sit for at least 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The jam will thicken as the chia seeds absorb the liquid.
05 - Taste the jam and add more sweetener if needed, stirring well to incorporate.
06 - Transfer the jam to a clean jar. Allow to cool completely before sealing. Refrigerate for up to 1 week—this spread is not shelf-stable.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together in fifteen minutes flat, no canning skills required
- The chia seeds create the perfect jam texture without any pectin or refined sugar
- You can customize the berry combination based on whats in season or on sale
02 -
- This jam is not shelf stable and must be refrigerated
- The texture continues developing in the fridge, so it gets thicker overnight
- Frozen berries work just as well as fresh, sometimes releasing more juice
03 -
- For a completely smooth jam, use an immersion blender after cooking and before adding chia seeds
- Mix the chia seeds thoroughly so they do not clump together