Cherry Chia Jam (No Added Sugar)

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

  1. Cook the Cherries

    In a small saucepan, combine the pitted cherries and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

  2. 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.

  3. 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

Can I Add Sugar to the Recipe?

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.

Can I Make the Jam With Other Fruits?

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.

Can I Use Frozen Cherries?

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.

How Long Does Cherry Chia Jam Last in the Fridge?

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:

Print

Cherry Chia Jam (No Added Sugar)

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!
Course Breakfast
Cuisine vegetarian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 10

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

I recommend storing this jam in the fridge for up to one week. You could keep it longer, but I don’t personally take the chance. If you want to store it longer, I recommend dividing it into small portions and storing it in the freezer. You can then take out a small portion at a time, without rushing to finish it. You can also make these cherry chia jam crumble bars.
Add a touch of vanilla and salt if desired. A squeeze of lemon juice is another delicious addition to this recipe.
If you want a sweeter jam and are not looking for a fruit-sweetened option, add maple syrup, honey (if not vegan) or granulated sugar to taste.
You can also use frozen cherries, but note that the cook time will be slightly different.
Feel free to make this jam using other fruits! You can try this berry chia jam for another option.

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!

View Comments

  • I made this in preparation for the Cherry Coconut Overnight Oats, but it’s been so good on my toast in the morning too!

    • I'm so happy to hear you like it! I love it on toast or even swirled in plain yogurt. :)

  • I made this with frozen strawberries. I just reduced the water by about half, and it turned out great! My 3 year old approves, and it was so quick and easy :) Thank you!

  • Knowing cherry and almond pair very nicely, from Cherry Bakewell's and what not, I used almond essence instead of vanilla to give it a little accent. I have no regrets.

    Next time, having a fondness for cherry brandy, that might be the way I'll go. Possibly for drizzling on ice cream, or swirling it into homemade ice-cream.

    • That sounds like a delicious substitution! I'll have to try it next time. I hope you'll enjoy it with the cherry brandy too. Thank you for the review. :)

    • Hi Sara, sorry for the late reply. I've never tried canning this recipe and unfortunately, I don't have enough knowledge or experience to confidently say that it would work. Sorry!

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