Easy Homemade Strawberry Chia Seed Jam: Naturally Sweetened Stovetop Recipe

Discover how to make a delicious and healthy strawberry chia seed jam right on your stovetop! This simple recipe uses frozen fruit, chia seeds, and natural sweeteners like lime and maple syrup, making it perfect for any meal or snack.

This delightful Strawberry Chia Seed Jam has truly taken over my kitchen this past week, and for good reason! Its vibrant flavor and incredible versatility have made it an instant favorite, appearing in countless meals and snacks.

Just in the last seven days alone, this jam has been the star ingredient in my Nut Butter & Jam Breakfast Quesadillas and elevated the taste of my beloved SunButter & Jelly Brownies. Its widespread success led me to realize that this incredible recipe deserved a permanent spot, a forever home right here on Flora & Vino.

And let me tell you, this isn’t just a fleeting crush. I am officially on record saying that I will love this jam forever. It embodies everything you could want in a fruit spread: it’s perfectly sweet, bursting with intense strawberry flavor, and boasts a wonderfully spreadable consistency. What truly sets it apart are the delightful big strawberry chunks complemented by the unique and satisfying texture provided by the chia seeds.

Beyond its fantastic taste and texture, one of the best things about this homemade jam is how it effortlessly transforms any meal. From a simple breakfast spread to an exciting afternoon snack or a decadent dessert topping, it makes everything more fun and undeniably delicious. And the best part? It achieves all this with minimal ingredients and a remarkably short cook time, proving that healthy and flavorful doesn’t have to be complicated.

This Strawberry Chia Seed Jam is a truly magical concoction, created with just five simple ingredients right on your stovetop. It’s the perfect sweet, summery spread that you’ll want to keep in your refrigerator all season long (and probably beyond!).

Why Choose Homemade Chia Seed Jam?

Many people are intimidated by the idea of making jam at home, often associating it with complicated canning processes and excessive sugar. However, chia seed jam is a game-changer! It’s an incredibly easy and healthy alternative to traditional jams and jellies, offering numerous benefits:

• No Pectin Needed: Chia seeds naturally thicken the jam, eliminating the need for added pectin.
• Reduced Sugar: You have complete control over the sweetness level, often requiring far less sugar than store-bought varieties. Our recipe uses natural maple syrup, but you can adjust or omit it.
• Nutrient-Rich: Chia seeds add a boost of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein, making your jam not just tasty but also incredibly nourishing.
• Quick & Easy: This stovetop method is incredibly fast, taking less than 20 minutes from start to finish.
• Versatile: It’s perfect for a wide range of uses, from breakfast to dessert.
• Fresh Flavor: By using fresh or frozen fruit, you capture the vibrant, natural taste of strawberries without artificial flavors or preservatives.

What You Need to Make Strawberry Chia Jam

Making this incredible jam requires only a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry or freezer. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• 4-5 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen): Strawberries are the star here! I personally love using frozen strawberries for jam because they’re often more affordable, readily available year-round, and break down beautifully during cooking. They also save you the time of washing and hulling fresh berries. However, fresh, ripe strawberries work just as well and will give your jam an unparalleled vibrant flavor. You can even mix and match!
• Juice from 1 lime, squeezed: The fresh lime juice isn’t just for flavor; it also helps to brighten the strawberries and adds a lovely tang that balances the sweetness. It acts as a natural preservative and really elevates the overall taste profile. If you don’t have a lime, lemon juice can be substituted, though the strawberry-lime combination is truly something special and highly recommended.
• 3 tbsp filtered water: A little water helps the strawberries break down smoothly at the beginning of the cooking process, preventing them from sticking to the pan and ensuring an even simmer.
• 2-4 tbsp pure maple syrup: This is our natural sweetener. The amount you use can be adjusted based on the sweetness of your strawberries and your personal preference. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more to taste if desired. Maple syrup offers a rich, subtle sweetness that complements the strawberries beautifully. For a no-sugar-added variation, you can absolutely skip the maple syrup altogether, especially if your strawberries are very sweet. Agave nectar can also be used as a substitute if you prefer.
• ¼ cup chia seeds: These tiny powerhouses are the secret to our jam’s perfect consistency. When mixed with liquid, chia seeds absorb it and create a gel-like texture, eliminating the need for traditional pectin. They also pack a nutritional punch, adding fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids to your delicious spread.

That’s truly it! With these minimal ingredients, you’ll be on your way to a homemade jam that’s far superior to anything store-bought.

How to Make Strawberry Chia Jam: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making homemade strawberry chia jam is incredibly simple and rewarding. Follow these easy steps to create your perfect batch:

Step 1: Simmer the Berries. Begin by adding your strawberries (fresh or frozen), freshly squeezed lime juice, and filtered water to a medium-sized saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cover the pot and allow the berries to simmer gently. This initial cooking phase helps the fruit soften and release its juices.

Step 2: Mash for Texture. Continue to cook until the berries are fully broken down and tender, which typically takes about 10 minutes. About halfway through this simmering time, remove the lid and start to break down the berries. Use a fork, potato masher, or the back of a spoon to smash them against the bottom and sides of the pot. You can aim for a chunkier texture with visible berry pieces, or mash them more thoroughly for a smoother jam. The goal is a uniform, chunky consistency that you desire.

Step 3: Stir in Sweetness and Thickener. Once your berries are mashed to your preferred texture and have cooked down, it’s time to add the flavor enhancers and the magic thickener. Stir in the pure maple syrup (adjusting the amount to your taste) and the chia seeds. Continue stirring for about 30 seconds to ensure everything is well combined and the chia seeds are evenly distributed throughout the berry mixture.

Step 4: Allow to Thicken. Turn off the heat and remove the saucepan from the burner. Let the jam mixture sit undisturbed in the skillet for approximately 5 to 7 minutes. During this crucial time, the chia seeds will begin to absorb the liquid and activate their gelling properties, causing the jam to thicken considerably. You’ll notice it transforming from a liquidy fruit mixture into a spreadable jam.

Step 5: Cool and Store. After the jam has thickened, transfer it into a clean, air-tight container, such as a canning jar. Allow it to cool completely to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator. The texture will set even further as it chills, reaching its optimal spreadable consistency. This homemade strawberry chia seed jam will keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can also freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Chia Seed Jam

• Adjust Sweetness: Taste your strawberries before adding maple syrup. If they are very sweet, you might need less. If they are tart, you might prefer the full 4 tablespoons or even a little more. Always taste and adjust!
• Texture Control: For a super smooth jam, you can use an immersion blender to puree the berries before adding the chia seeds. For a chunkier jam, simply mash them less.
• Experiment with Fruits: While strawberries are fantastic, this recipe works beautifully with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or a mixed berry blend.
• Lime vs. Lemon: As mentioned, lime adds a unique bright note, but lemon is a perfectly acceptable substitute and will still provide that essential tart balance.
• Don’t Rush the Thicken: Allow the jam ample time to sit off the heat. The chia seeds need those 5-7 minutes to fully hydrate and thicken the jam to the desired consistency. It will continue to firm up as it cools in the fridge.

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Your Homemade Jam

The beauty of this Strawberry Chia Seed Jam lies in its incredible versatility. Once you have a batch in your fridge, you’ll find endless ways to incorporate its vibrant flavor into your daily meals:

• Classic Breakfast Spreads: The most obvious and beloved use! Spread generously on warm toast, fluffy pancakes, golden waffles, or crispy rice cakes.
• Yogurt & Oatmeal Topping: Dollop a spoonful (or two!) over your morning yogurt, stir it into a bowl of warm oatmeal, or swirl it into overnight oats for a fruity boost.
• Baking Adventures: Use it as a filling for thumbprint cookies, swirl it into muffin batter, or use it to create delicious fruit tarts and pastries.
• Smoothie Enhancer: Add a tablespoon to your morning smoothie for a burst of fruit flavor and a hidden dose of chia seed goodness.
• Dessert Topping: Transform simple desserts by serving it over vanilla ice cream, alongside a slice of pound cake, or as a topping for dairy-free cheesecakes.
• Savory Pairings: Don’t limit yourself to sweet applications! This jam can be a fantastic complement to savory dishes, pairing well with vegan cheeses on a cracker board, or even as a glaze for roasted vegetables or plant-based proteins.

I absolutely love my leftover jam spread on toast or rice cakes, or dolloped over yogurt, oatmeal, or even ice cream! It truly elevates every bite.

More Fruit Spreads & Healthy Recipes You’ll Love

If you’ve enjoyed making this easy and healthy strawberry chia seed jam, you might be interested in exploring more of our delicious and nutritious spread recipes. We believe that homemade is always best, especially when it comes to fruit spreads, offering you complete control over ingredients and sweetness levels. Be sure to check out these other favorites:

• Easy Sugar-Free Raspberry Chia Seed Jam

• Blueberry Butter (No-Sugar-Added)

• Low Sugar Pumpkin Apple Butter

• Maple Pear Butter

• Sweet & Spicy Tomato Jam

• Low Sugar Fig Jam

• 4-Ingredient Peach Butter

These recipes offer a variety of flavors and are designed to be simple, healthy, and incredibly flavorful, just like our Strawberry Chia Seed Jam. They’re perfect for expanding your repertoire of homemade spreads!

I Want to Hear From You!

Your feedback means the world to me! If you decide to make this delightful Strawberry Chia Jam recipe, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience.

Please be sure to leave me a comment, a star rating, and a review right here on the blog. Your valuable feedback helps me understand what you love and allows me to create even more delicious “yums” for you in the future.

Don’t forget to give me a shout on Instagram and use the hashtag #floraandvino to show off your beautiful creations. I love seeing how you bring these recipes to life in your own kitchens!

Also, check out my Pinterest page to pin more fantastic recipes like this one. It’s a great way to save them for later when you’re looking for new inspiration.

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XO Lauren

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Photography by Hot Pan Kitchen