Bright, tangy, and bursting with real-fruit flavor, Homemade Blueberry Chia Seed Jam is an incredibly simple way to capture summer in a jar—without loads of sugar or lengthy canning sessions. This naturally sweetened spread delivers all the juicy goodness of blueberries, the satisfying texture of chia seeds, and a subtle citrus note from lemon. Whether you’re topping your morning toast, swirling it into yogurt, or gifting a jar to a friend, this quick jam is about to become your new pantry hero.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
How to Make Homemade Blueberry Chia Seed Jam
Step 1: Cook the Blueberries
Begin by adding your blueberries—fresh or straight-from-the-freezer—to a small saucepan set over medium heat. Let the berries cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until they start to break down and release all those glorious juices. The kitchen will smell amazing as the berries soften and bubble away!
Step 2: Mash to Your Preferred Consistency
Once the berries are soft and juicy, grab a fork or potato masher and gently crush them right in the pot. If you like your jam a little chunky, a few quick mashes will do. For a smoother texture, keep on smashing until it looks just right for you.
Step 3: Add Chia Seeds, Sweetener, and Lemon Juice
Now for the magic! Stir in the chia seeds, your chosen sweetener, and lemon juice. Mix well to distribute the chia seeds evenly—they’ll begin absorbing liquid right away and thicken the jam as it simmers.
Step 4: Thicken the Jam
Turn the heat down to low and let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring every so often to prevent sticking. By now, the chia seeds will have plumped and your jam will look thick and glossy.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Take the saucepan off the heat and let the jam cool completely in the pot. Remember, it will continue to thicken as it cools. Once cooled, transfer your Homemade Blueberry Chia Seed Jam to a clean jar and pop it in the fridge.
How to Serve Homemade Blueberry Chia Seed Jam
Garnishes
A dollop of fresh Homemade Blueberry Chia Seed Jam is even more beautiful with a scattering of extra blueberries, a sprinkling of chia seeds, or a few curls of lemon zest on top. Not only do these touches look gorgeous, but they also give a preview of the fresh flavors inside!
Side Dishes
This jam is the perfect partner for so many breakfasts and snacks. Spread it generously over warm toast or scones, swirl it into oatmeal or overnight oats, or pair it with creamy goat cheese on crackers. It even wakes up a plain bowl of Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t stop at breakfast—this Homemade Blueberry Chia Seed Jam is a superstar in thumbprint cookies, layered parfaits, or even as a filling for homemade pop-tarts. For a heartfelt gift, spoon it into small jars, tie on a ribbon, and share a taste of homemade goodness with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover jam in a clean, airtight jar in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to one week, and the fresh, bright flavor only gets better after a day or two as the ingredients meld together.
Freezing
If you want to keep some Homemade Blueberry Chia Seed Jam for longer, simply freeze it! Divide into small freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to use.
Reheating
This jam is awesome straight from the fridge, but if you prefer it a bit looser for drizzling, just pop a spoonful in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm gently on the stovetop. Stir before serving and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of blueberries?
Absolutely! While blueberry is classic, you can swap in raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, or even cherries. Just stick to about 2 cups of fruit, and adjust the sweetener and lemon juice depending on the tartness of your fruit.
Is this Homemade Blueberry Chia Seed Jam suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Yes! It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, and you can use maple syrup for a plant-based sweetener or honey if you prefer. There’s no refined sugar or pectin involved, making it a healthy, allergy-friendly choice for any table.
How do I know when the jam is thick enough?
The chia seeds thicken as the jam cools, so don’t worry if it looks runny right after cooking. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, and it will become deliciously spreadable. If you want it thicker, add another splash of chia seeds and allow even more time to gel.
What’s the best way to sterilize jars for storing?
For short-term fridge storage, just wash your jars and lids in hot, soapy water and rinse well. If you’re gifting or keeping the jam for longer, you can run jars through a dishwasher or boil them for 10 minutes to ensure they’re squeaky clean.
Can I double or triple the recipe?
Definitely! This Homemade Blueberry Chia Seed Jam recipe is easy to scale up for big batches. Just make sure your saucepan is large enough, and keep an eye on cooking times so the flavors develop fully and evenly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hoping to add a burst of summery flavor to your breakfasts or simply want an easy way to make use of those blueberries, there’s nothing quite like Homemade Blueberry Chia Seed Jam. Give it a try, share a jar with someone you love, and enjoy this sweet, wholesome treat any time of year!
Print
Homemade Blueberry Chia Seed Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup (8 servings)
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Learn how to make a delightful Homemade Blueberry Chia Seed Jam that’s bursting with fruity flavors and chia seed goodness. This quick and easy recipe will have you enjoying a healthier alternative to store-bought jams in no time!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook Blueberries: Add the blueberries to a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the berries break down.
- Mash & Simmer: Mash the berries to your desired consistency. Stir in chia seeds, sweetener, and lemon juice. Simmer on low for 5 minutes.
- Cool & Store: Remove from heat, let cool. Transfer the jam to a clean jar and refrigerate.
Notes
- You can use frozen blueberries without thawing them first.
- Adjust sweetness based on berry ripeness.
- This jam keeps in the fridge for up to 1 week or can be frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 30
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
