If you’re ready to embrace a sweet, healthy twist on a classic favorite, this Strawberry Chia Jam (No Refined Sugar) Recipe is the perfect place to start. It is bursting with natural strawberry flavor, gently sweetened with pure maple syrup, and wonderfully thickened by chia seeds to create a luscious spread without any refined sugars. This jam is incredibly fresh, easy to whip up in minutes, and makes a vibrant, wholesome addition to your breakfasts and snacks. Once you try this recipe, it’s hard to go back to store-bought varieties full of mystery ingredients when you can enjoy a vibrant, homemade jar of goodness instead.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Strawberry Chia Jam (No Refined Sugar) Recipe truly special is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each plays a crucial role. Fresh or frozen strawberries provide that juicy, naturally sweet base bursting with vibrant color. Pure maple syrup adds just enough natural sweetness without overpowering the fruit’s brightness. Lemon juice brings a perfect hint of brightness and balances the sweetness, while chia seeds thicken the jam naturally and add a pleasant, subtle texture.
- 450 g fresh strawberries: Choose ripe berries for the best flavor, or frozen ones if out of season.
- 50 ml pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener that enhances the jam’s richness while keeping it refined sugar-free.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds a refreshing tang that brightens up the strawberry flavor beautifully.
- 25 g chia seeds: These tiny powerhouses absorb liquid and transform the mixture into a luscious, thick jam without needing pectin.
How to Make Strawberry Chia Jam (No Refined Sugar) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Strawberries
Starting with fresh strawberries requires a little prep work—wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt, then stem and hull them to ensure every bite is juicy and seed-free. Cutting them into quarters helps the strawberries cook down quickly and release their natural sweetness, giving your jam a beautiful, chunky yet spreadable texture.
Step 2: Simmer the Fruit with Sweetness and Citrus
Pop the quartered strawberries into a saucepan along with the pure maple syrup and lemon juice, then heat them over medium-high. You want the mixture to bubble and simmer so the fruit breaks down nicely. Keep stirring to prevent sticking and to help the strawberries soften evenly. After about 10 to 12 minutes, the mixture will be glossy and fragrant—just perfect for the next step.
Step 3: Add Chia Seeds and Cool
Once the strawberry mixture has pleasantly softened and thickened, take it off the heat and whisk in the chia seeds. These little seeds are magic when it comes to thickening without any added gelatin or pectin. Stir frequently as the jam cools for about 10 to 12 minutes; this breaks up any chia clumps and ensures every spoonful has that smooth, jammy consistency you love.
Step 4: Jar and Store
With your jam at the perfect spreading consistency, transfer it to an airtight container or jar. Refrigerate it to let it set fully—the jam will thicken further as it cools. This Strawberry Chia Jam (No Refined Sugar) Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks, making it a handy, fresh supply for your kitchen.
Step 5: Use and Enjoy
Enjoy your homemade jam in all the ways you would with any favorite preserve. From spreading it thickly over toast or crusty bread to swirling into oatmeal, dolloping onto pancakes, or even using it to fill cupcakes and cakes—the possibilities are deliciously endless.
How to Serve Strawberry Chia Jam (No Refined Sugar) Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of finely chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios can elevate the humble jam to something truly special. These add crunch, contrast, and a fresh herbal note that complements the natural strawberry flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This jam pairs perfectly with breakfast classics like warm pancakes, waffles, or a bowl of Greek yogurt topped with granola. It also shines alongside a cheese plate, where its sweet-tart flavors balance creamy or tangy cheeses like brie or goat cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the usual spread by swirling this jam into no-bake cheesecakes, folding it into smoothie bowls as a topping, or layering it in parfaits with fresh fruit and whipped cream. It’s versatile enough to be a star ingredient in both sweet and creative savory dishes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Strawberry Chia Jam (No Refined Sugar) Recipe in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will remain fresh and delicious for about two weeks. Always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination, helping your jam last longer and stay safe to eat.
Freezing
Want to store your jam even longer? Freeze it in small portions using containers or ice cube trays. This way, you can defrost just the amount you need without thawing the entire batch. Frozen jam can last up to two months and freezes well without losing its vibrant flavor or texture.
Reheating
When ready to use frozen jam, simply defrost it overnight in the refrigerator. If you prefer it slightly warm, gently reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to restore that perfect spreadable jam consistency without cooking it further.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this jam?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work just as well and can be a great option when fresh berries are not in season. Just thaw them slightly before cooking for the best texture.
Is this jam suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan since it uses pure maple syrup to sweeten rather than honey or other animal-derived products.
How thick will the jam be once chilled?
The chia seeds absorb the liquid and give the jam a delightfully thick, gel-like consistency that spreads easily but also holds its shape nicely.
Can I substitute lemon juice with another acid?
Yes, lime juice works just as well to provide that citrusy brightness and balance the sweetness of the strawberries and maple syrup.
How long does it take to make this jam?
This Strawberry Chia Jam (No Refined Sugar) Recipe takes about 12 minutes of cooking time and 5 minutes of prep, making it a quick and easy kitchen win!
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Chia Jam (No Refined Sugar) Recipe is a fabulous way to enjoy the freshest flavors of strawberries while keeping things light, wholesome, and naturally sweetened. It’s so easy to make that it will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and see how this vibrant jam can brighten your breakfasts, snacks, and desserts with its fresh, fruity charm.
Print
Strawberry Chia Jam (No Refined Sugar) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 400 g (about 10 servings)
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Strawberry Chia Jam is a naturally sweetened, no refined sugar jam recipe that combines fresh strawberries, pure maple syrup, lemon juice, and nutrient-packed chia seeds. It offers a healthy alternative to traditional jams and is easy to prepare on the stovetop in under 20 minutes, perfect for spreading on toast, pancakes, or using as a dessert filling.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 450 g fresh strawberries (or frozen)
- 50 ml pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or lime juice)
- 25 g chia seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: If using fresh strawberries, wash them thoroughly, remove the stems, and hull them. Then slice the strawberries into quarters to ensure even cooking.
- Cook Strawberries: In a saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, pure maple syrup, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once boiling and bubbling, reduce the heat to medium and continue to simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to encourage the strawberries to break down.
- Add Chia Seeds: When the strawberries have softened and broken down, remove the saucepan from the heat. Whisk in the chia seeds thoroughly. Let the mixture cool for 10-12 minutes, stirring often to distribute the chia seeds evenly and prevent clumping.
- Store the Jam: Transfer the chia jam into an airtight jar or container. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks; the jam will thicken as it cools. For longer storage, freeze the jam in suitable containers or ice cube trays for up to a couple of months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.
- Serve: Enjoy the strawberry chia jam as you would traditional jam—spread it on crusty bread, toast, oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, or use it as a filling for cupcakes and cakes.
Notes
- You can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available; thaw them before cooking.
- The jam thickens further upon cooling due to the gelatinizing effect of the chia seeds.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with honey or agave nectar if preferred.
- Store the jam in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
- This jam contains no refined sugars, making it a healthier alternative to store-bought jams.
