You won't go back to store bought jam after making this incredibly easy Customizable Chia Seed Jam. This recipe calls for just 2 ingredients and takes less than 5 minutes to make in the microwave. Plus, it's naturally gluten-free, vegan, and has no added sugars! It's a great recipe to make at home to use up any fresh, frozen, or canned fruit on hand.
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This post was first published on April 8, 2020. It was updated on October 27, 2023 to include new photos and helpful tips.
What is chia seed jam?
Chia seed jam is a nutritious spread made by blending fresh fruit with chia seeds. These tiny seeds have a unique natural gelling property that thickens the mixture into a jam-like consistency, eliminating the need for pectin. Chia seed jam is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy.
Chia seeds provide great fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and key nutrients like calcium and phosphorus.
How to make microwave chia jam
Here's how to make this super easy 2 Ingredient Chia Seed Jam.
First, warm up your fruit
You can heat your fruit in the microwave or over the stove. You just need to heat the fruit through enough so that it starts to break down and is easy to mash. Mash the fruit until it is mostly liquid with some fruit chunks left. If you like a smoother jam, you can blend your fruit in a food processor before adding the chia seeds.
Then, stir in your chia seeds
When you add the chia seeds in, it will not thicken immediately. It takes about 2 hours or more for the chia seeds to absorb some of the liquid. We recommend letting the jam sit overnight for the best texture. This makes it ideal to meal prep ahead of time!
What can you use chia jam for?
You can use this jam for any recipe you would use regular jam for. I love to spoon this microwave chia jam over yogurt parfaits or overnight oats. It's also great in peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or served on breakfast charcuterie boards.
When it comes to dessert time, enjoy this jam over ice cream, french toast, or lathered over a slice of banana bread.
Don't be shy-feel free to enjoy this chia jam alone by the spoonful too.
Customize it your way
Since this is a "Customizable" Chia Seed Jam, you can use any fruit you like for this recipe. Some of the best fruits for this jam are strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, peaches, cherries, and apricots. Try to use soft, ripe fruit as this will break down the easiest.
Should I use fresh, frozen, or canned fruit?
All forms of fruit are packed with great nutrition. For this jam, you can use fresh fruit but I even find that frozen fruit works best because it breaks down easier. Canned fruit tends to work well too, you may just have to mash it a bit more.
This chia jam is a great way to avoid food waste and throw in any of those bits of fruit that are on their last leg.
Does this jam have added sugar?
This jam relies on the natural sugars present in the fruit for its sweetness so there are no added sugars.
We find that this jam is sweet enough as is. However, sometimes if the fruit you are using is under ripe or not as sweet-you might want to mix in a spoonful of stevia, monk fruit, agave, maple syrup, or honey.
How to store chia jam leftovers
To store leftover chia jam, transfer it into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, providing a delicious and healthy spread whenever you need it. You can also freeze this chia jam for up to 6 months. Simply add to a sealed container or ice cube trays to freeze.
How many servings does it make?
This recipe makes 1 cup of chia jam which is generally 1-2 servings. Want more? Simply double or triple this recipe! Trust me, it's that good.
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Customizable Chia Seed Jam
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen or fresh ripened fruit of your choice (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, peaches, cherries, apricots, grapes**, or a combination)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
Instructions
- Add fruit into a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 1-2 minutes until fruit is softened and starts to release some of its juices. Alternatively, you can heat fruit in a small saucepan over medium heat for about 10 minutes.
- After heated, mash fruit with a fork or potato masher until fruit is mostly broken down with some chunks left.
- Stir in chia seeds and let mixture set in the fridge for 2 hours or overnight. This allows time for the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and thicken into a jam.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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