Cherry chia jam sweetened with fruit. Made with only 2 ingredients: cherries and chia seeds. The end result? A naturally sweetened, thick jam with a healthy dose of fiber and healthy fats!
Cherry jam with no added sugar. Because what else was I to make with 20lbs of fresh Okanagan cherries?
This chia jam is delicious and nutritious. It contains a generous amount of fiber and no added sugar. It’s also the easiest jam there is. 2 ingredients, 20 minutes and one pot is all you need. Yes, I just said two ingredients. Cherries and chia seeds. You can also take it to the next level with vanilla extract, but you don’t need to.
How to Make Cherry Chia Jam With No Added Sugar
- Cook the Cherries
In a small saucepan, combine the pitted cherries and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Mash the Cherries
When it reaches a low boil and the cherries have softened, mash them with a potato masher or fork. You can leave some larger cherry pieces if preferred.
- Add the Chia Seeds
Next, stir in the chia seeds. Simmer over low-medium heat for 15-20 minutes or until the jam reaches your desired consistency. Keep in mind that it will continue to thicken as it cools, so it doesn’t have to be very thick.
Cherry Chia Jam FAQ
Yes! While the base recipe doesn’t contain any added sugar, you can adjust it to your taste by adding a few tablespoons of maple syrup, honey or granulated sugar. Add it at the beginning with the cherries and adjust it as needed.
Yes! You can make this jam recipe with other fruits, including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries or mixed berries. Berries aren’t as sweet as cherries, so you might need to add a touch of maple. You can check out this berry chia jam for a specific recipe.
If you don’t have fresh cherries, you can make this recipe with frozen cherries. Just keep in mind that the cook time might be a little different. Follow the same instructions, but cook the jam until it gets to your desired consistency.
Ideally, I recommend using it within 1 week. If you can’t use it within one week, you can store it in the freezer for later. You can also freeze it into small portions so that you can take out a small amount at a time, without rushing to finish it. If you’re looking for a way to use up the jam, I recommend making cherry chia jam crumble bars.
More Jam Recipes to Try:
- Berry Chia Vanilla Jam
- Cherry Chia Jam Crumble Bars
- Dark Chocolate Cups with Raspberry Chia Jam
- Nut-Free Strawberry Vanilla Crumble Bars
- Cherry Coconut Overnight Oats
Cherry Chia Jam (No Added Sugar)
Ingredients
- 4 cups pitted sweet cherries
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
Instructions
- In a medium pot, bring the water and cherries to a boil over medium-high heat.
- When it reaches a low boil, mash the cherries until desired consistency. I like to leave a few chunks.
- Reduce heat to low-medium. Stir in the chia seeds and let simmer, covered for 15-20 minutes or until the water has been absorbed, stirring occasionally. The jam will continue to thicken after cooking, so don't worry if it doesn't get as thick as you'd like.
- Let it cool completely and store the jam in jars or an air-tight container in the fridge.
Notes
If you make this cherry chia jam, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love to hear from you guys. And of course, if you try this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram!
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