Homemade Strawberry Chia Jam
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Homemade Strawberry Chia jam is super easy and simple to make. Only requires four ingredients and only 10 minutes of cooking time. Fresh strawberries, maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and chia seeds. Serve it as a classic spread on toast or as a topping in a variety of foods. Such as yogurt, pancakes, waffles, nice cream, etc.
Homemade Strawberry Chia Jam
I have been making this Homemade Strawberry Chia Jam for years and it’s a family favorite. I’ve used chia jam in a few other recipes like my Butternut Squash Chia Pancakes (with Homemade Berry-Chia Sauce) and my PB&J Oatmeal Cups with Homemade Strawberry Chia Jam. This time I wanted to dedicated a whole post and make it a full recipe to share. Chia jam is super easy and simple to make. Only requires four ingredients and only 10 minutes of cooking time. Serve it as a classic spread on toast or as a topping in a variety of foods. Such as yogurt, pancakes, waffles, nice cream, etc.
Ingredients needed to make Homemade Strawberry Chia Jam:
- Strawberries– You can use fresh or frozen. However, fresh does taste better and this is a great way to use up strawberries in the fridge.
- Maple Syrup– To add a bit more sweetness.
- Lemon Juice– Elevates flavor and also helps strawberry chia jam last longer.
- Chia Seeds– They expand and thicken as they sit in the fridge. Which will then thicken the jam.
Equipment needed to make Homemade Strawberry Chia Jam:
- Medium Saucepan– To reduce strawberries.
- Spatula– For mixing and serving.
How to make Homemade Strawberry Chia Jam:
- Step 1– Rinse and pat dry strawberries making sure they are completely dry. Cut off stems and slice strawberries in fourths.
- Step 2– Place prepped strawberries in a medium saucepan and place on stovetop on medium heat. Drizzle maple syrup and lemon juice and bring to a simmer.
- Step 3– Allow strawberries to continue simmering for 10. Stirring and gently pressing down on strawberries occasionally to prevent from sticking and to help them dissolve.
- Step 4– Turn heat off and stir in chia seeds. Stir well making sure chia seeds get well combined with the strawberries. Remove pan from stove and allow it to completely cool-off. About 20-30 minutes at least. Jam may look a little too liquid at first but it will continue to thicken as it sets and chia seeds start to expand. Especially once refrigerated.
- Step 5– Once the jam has cooled-off completely, pour into a mason jar or airtight container. Place in the fridge and keep refrigerated for up to a week. The jam will continue to thicken more in the fridge. Serve on toast, pancakes, waffles, yogurt, nice cream, etc.
Tips and Substitution:
- Use ripe strawberries- Ripe strawberries are sweeter and will make your jam naturally sweet without having to add too much maple syrup.
- Jam may look a little too liquid at first– It will continue to thicken as it sets and chia seeds start to expand. Especially once refrigerated.
- Switch up your fruit- Blueberries, raspberries or even blackberries are great to make this jam and substitutes for strawberries.
- Substitute for maple syrup- Use honey instead.
What to serve Homemade Strawberry Chia Jam with:
Chia jam is great to be served with just about anything. It makes for a delicious topping for muffins, yogurt, oat meal, overnight oats, chia pudding, even ice cream or nice cream! Chia jam is also a great spread on waffles, pancakes, toast and sandwiches (hello classic PB&J). Try chia jam on these other tasty recipes:
- Chocolate Fruit Cups
- Best Gluten-Free Pancakes
- Sweet Potato Waffles
- Red Velvet Waffles
- Green Smoothie Pancakes
- Almond Butter Chocolate Overnight Oats
- Chocolate Zucchini Bread
- Sweet Potato Pecan Muffins
- Banana Nice Cream
Homemade Strawberry Chia Jam FAQ’s:
What is Chia Jam?
Chia jam is simple a homemade jam using fruit that is reduced down to a sauce. Chia seeds are then added to help thicken the fruit reduction. Turning it into an easy jam without the need of refined sugars or pectin.
Can I use chia instead of pectin?
Yes you can! Pectin is a thickener that is usually used to make jam. Chia seeds have gelatinous property which makes the seeds expand when they are added to liquid thickening it after it sits for a while. Chia seeds thickens the jam to a perfect consistency where pectin is not needed.
How long does chia seed jam last in the fridge?
You can keep your homemade chia jam in the fridge for up to a week. Keep in an airtight container such as a mason jar.
Storing Homemade Strawberry Chia Jam:
Place your strawberry chia jam in a 16 oz mason jar. Tightly seal your jar and keep your jam refrigerated. This strawberry chia jam will last in the fridge for up to 5-7 days.
Did you like this Homemade Strawberry Chia Jam recipe? You may also like these other homemade condiment recipes:
- Fresh Peach Salsa
- Pickled Red Onions
- Homemade Applesauce
- Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- Easy Homemade Pumpkin Puree
- Homemade Gluten-Free Gravy
Homemade Strawberry Chia Jam
Homemade Strawberry Chia jam is super easy and simple to make. Only requires four ingredients and only 10 minutes of cooking time. Fresh strawberries, maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and chia seeds. Serve it as a classic spread on toast or as a topping in a variety of foods. Such as yogurt, pancakes, waffles, nice cream, etc.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh strawberries
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
Instructions
Rinse and pat dry strawberries making sure they are completely dry. Cut off stems and slice strawberries in fourths.
Place prepped strawberries in a medium saucepan and place on stovetop on medium heat. Drizzle maple syrup and lemon juice and bring to a simmer.
Allow strawberries to continue simmering for 10. Stirring and gently pressing down on strawberries occasionally to prevent from sticking and to help them dissolve.
Turn heat off and stir in chia seeds. Stir well making sure chia seeds get well combined with the strawberries. Remove pan from stove and allow it to completely cool-off. About 20-30 minutes at least. Jam may look a little too liquid at first but it will continue to thicken as it sets and chia seeds start to expand. Especially once refrigerated.
Once the jam has cooled-off completely, pour into a mason jar or airtight container. Place in the fridge and keep refrigerated for up to a week. The jam will continue to thicken more in the fridge. Serve on toast, pancakes, waffles, yogurt, nice cream, etc.
Recipe Notes
- Use ripe strawberries- Ripe strawberries are sweeter and will make your jam naturally sweet without having to add too much maple syrup.
- Jam may look a little too liquid at first– It will continue to thicken as it sets and chia seeds start to expand. Especially once refrigerated.
- Switch up your fruit- Blueberries, raspberries or even blackberries are great to make this jam and substitutes for strawberries.
- Substitute for maple syrup- Use honey instead.
*Number of total servings in estimated. Actual number of servings may vary depending on your own personal preference in portion sizes.
**Nutritional values shown are general guidelines for 1 serving using the ingredients listed above. These numbers do not reflect and may vary depending on substitutions, additions and/or different brands and/or other ingredients that may be used.
**Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links and sponsored content. All the opinions are my own and I only recommend products I use in my own home with my own family.