Give your breakfast, brunch, or dessert a gorgeous glow-up with this quick and easy recipe for spreadable yumminess!
I absolutely adore homemade jam. Anytime someone gifts me a little jar of handcrafted spreadable yumminess, I’m the most genuinely delighted recipient. But I didn’t make my own until recently. All that meticulous boiling and sterilizing and sealing just seemed like way too much work.
Enter this recipe for mixed berry vanilla chia seed jam. It’s easier to make than most cakes I’ve baked! And in just over an hour, you’ve got a luxuriously thick, juicy topper for toast, yogurt, ice cream, and more. The maple syrup lends the perfect amount of sweetness without being cloying, and a splash of lemon brightens the berry flavors beautifully. Then the vanilla powder deepens the flavor profile with its creamy richness. You don’t really taste the chia seeds, but they’re the reason this jam gets so gorgeously thick and spoonable!
Whether you make this jam as a bespoke complement for a special brunch or simply to elevate a weekday breakfast, you’ll love its freshness and versatility!
Can I use this recipe for water-bath canning?
No! Water bath canning relies on a sufficient level of acidity in the final product to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Most fruits are naturally acidic—but chia seeds actually raise the pH of the jam, making it less acidic and potentially unsafe for shelf-stable storage. Furthermore, chia seeds thicken jam by forming a gel, which results in a dense, nonuniform texture. This density can prevent heat from penetrating evenly and thoroughly during the canning process, potentially allowing pockets where dangerous bacteria are not destroyed. So save your canning efforts for other recipes designed for the process, like Orange Marmalade.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover jam in a clean, airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze your jam for up to 3 months in food-grade glass jars or sturdy freezer containers, leaving at least 1/2 inch of space at the top to allow for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Expect the jam to be slightly thicker after thawing. If you like, stir in a splash of water to loosen it.
Serving suggestions
Serve your mixed berry vanilla chia seed jam atop any dish that could use a sweet-tart glow-up. It’s delightful spread on toast, whether you prefer a simple Artisan Bread or something a bit sweeter like this Apple Bread. Layer it among the berries in Yogurt Parfaits, drizzle it over this Lemon Cake Recipe, or top Vanilla Ice Cream with it for a gorgeous accent.
Mixed Berry Vanilla Chia Seed Jam
Ingredients Â
- 3 cups berries fresh or frozen
- 3-4 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice optional
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla powder or seeds from 1/2 of a vanilla bean
InstructionsÂ
- In a saucepan, combine the berries, 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, and the lemon juice (if desired).
- Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture bubbles.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 5 minutes, mashing berries with a fork or potato masher.
- Taste and adjust sweetness with an additional tablespoon of maple syrup, if desired.
- Reduce heat to low, stir in the chia seeds, and cook for 10-15 minutes longer, or until the jam begins to thicken.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla powder.
- Transfer to a container and let cool to room temp, about 30-60 minutes. Jam will thicken further as it cools.
- Use immediately or cover and refrigerate.
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