Cherry Chia Seed Jam Recipe – Easy Homemade & Healthy

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Cherry Chia Seed Jam Recipe – Easy Homemade & Healthy

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this super simple, incredibly delicious, and surprisingly healthy cherry chia seed jam recipe with you. Honestly, I first stumbled upon this when I was trying to use up some frozen cherries and avoid refined sugar. It turned out amazing – and it’s been a staple in my fridge ever since! It’s perfect on toast, stirred into yogurt, or even just eaten straight from the spoon (don’t judge!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your grandma’s jam-making process, let me tell you! It’s unbelievably easy, taking just 15 minutes from start to finish. Plus, it’s packed with goodness thanks to the chia seeds. Forget hours of stirring and sterilizing jars – this recipe is a total game-changer for anyone wanting a quick, healthy, and homemade treat. It’s also naturally gluten-free and vegan!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this delightful jam:

• 2 cups (approximately 300g) frozen pitted cherries (thawed)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey
• 2 tablespoons (20g) chia seeds

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

• Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are nutritional powerhouses! They’re full of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein. They also work wonders as a natural thickening agent, meaning no pectin needed.
• Honey: I love using a good quality, raw honey for its flavour and health benefits. But any honey you like will work beautifully – wildflower, acacia, or even a darker, more robust honey like buckwheat. Just remember that different honeys will have slightly different flavour profiles.
• Cherries: Frozen cherries are perfect for this recipe because they’re already pitted and readily available. If you’re using fresh cherries (about 500g), make sure to pit them first! Look for firm, plump cherries for the best flavour.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s seriously easy.

1. First, in a saucepan, combine the thawed cherries and honey. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, gently mashing the cherries with a spoon as they soften. Don’t worry about getting them completely smooth – a little texture is lovely!
2. Now, bring the mixture to a low boil, then immediately cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 10 minutes. This helps the flavours meld together beautifully.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chia seeds. Give it a good mix to make sure everything is well combined.
4. Now comes the patience part! Let the jam cool completely. As it cools, the chia seeds will work their magic and thicken the jam to a lovely, spreadable consistency.
5. Once cooled, give it a taste! If you prefer a sweeter jam, feel free to add a little more honey, a teaspoon at a time, until it’s just right for you.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

• Don’t skip the mashing step! It helps release the cherry flavour and creates a smoother jam.
• Stirring frequently during the simmering process prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
• The jam will thicken a lot as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a little runny at first.

Variations

Want to get creative? Here are a few ideas to spice things up:

• Low Sugar: Reduce the honey to 1 tablespoon or substitute with a natural sweetener like maple syrup.
• Different Fruit Combinations: Try mixing in other berries like raspberries or blueberries! A cherry-raspberry combo is divine.
• Spice Infusions: A pinch of cinnamon or a drop of almond extract can add a lovely warmth and complexity. My friend loves adding a tiny bit of cardamom!
• Festival Adaptations: This jam makes a wonderful homemade gift! Package it in pretty jars with a ribbon for Christmas or Valentine’s Day.

Serving Suggestions

Okay, so what do you do with this jam? The possibilities are endless!

• Spread it on toast, bagels, or scones.
• Swirl it into yogurt or oatmeal.
• Use it as a filling for pastries or cakes.
• Serve it with cheese and crackers (seriously, try it!).

Storage Instructions

Store your homemade cherry chia seed jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to two weeks. Because it doesn’t contain pectin, it’s best enjoyed fresh.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this jam as stable as traditional pectin-based jams? Not quite. This jam is best stored in the fridge and doesn’t have the same long shelf life as commercially made jams.
• Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen? Absolutely! You’ll need about 500g of fresh, pitted cherries.
• Can I adjust the sweetness level? Yes, definitely! Add more or less honey to suit your taste.
• What are the health benefits of chia seeds in this jam? Chia seeds are packed with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein, making this jam a healthier alternative to traditional jams.
• How long does it take for the jam to fully set? It usually takes about 30-60 minutes for the jam to fully thicken as it cools.