This Easy Jam Recipe is so simple and ready in only ten minutes. This recipe can be made with a variety of fruit including blueberries, cherries and strawberries. Plus, these is no pectin and the jam is thickened and sweetened naturally with honey and chia seeds making it a healthy option for breakfast.
I can't tell you how happy this Easy Jam Recipe makes me. It is so simple, ready in about 10 minutes and so much healthier than store-bought jams. I started making this jam about a year ago and haven't bought any from the store since. I love that this no pectin jam is better for my son and he loves it on everything. Often he will just lick the jam off and leave the rest.
My family and I eat lots of fresh fruit, and I consistently over-buy (oops). Therefore, this jam recipe is perfect for making use of fruit that is about to go bad and not letting it go to waste. The jam saves in the fridge well, and if it makes it long enough I can easily freeze it for another day. I hope you and your family love this simple and versatile homemade jam.
Kitchen Tools
- A small saucepan
- A potato masher or fork
- An airtight jar or container for storage: I love using mason jars or leftover glass jars that had store-bought products in them to save this homemade jam. Also, another option is using glass storage containers like Pyrex.
Ingredients
- Fruit of Choice: Check out all my faves below!
- Honey (Optional): If you want to keep the jam vegan you can leave the honey out!
- Chia Seeds
How to Make Jam
- Add fruit to a small saucepan and heat. Stir to avoid fruit from burning.
- When fruit starts to soften and release juices mash until small chunks remain.
- Add chia seeds and honey, or additional add-ins and stir.
- Let the jam cool for 5 minutes to thicken then stir, serve and store.
Note: All the fruits I have used have low pectin naturally. Therefore, the chia seeds are required for the jam to thicken. There is no need to add pectin to this homemade jam recipe.
Fruit Options
This easy jam recipe can be made with virtually any fruit. I have featured my three personal favorites including blueberry, strawberry, and cherry. Of course each fruit is going to yield a slightly different texture and flavor. Some may be sweeter, or more watery. You can adjust the amount of chia seeds and honey until the flavor is to your liking, or try some of the additional add-ins. Here are some ideas for fruits to use for the homemade jam recipe:
- Blueberries, Strawberries, Cherries- Featured
- Kiwi
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Cantaloupe
- Peaches
- Grapes
- Plums
- Apples
- A Combo of Two or More
Add-Ins
These add-ins are completely optional and just meant to give you more ideas to create your perfect homemade jam. Some great things you can try are:
- Lemon Juice
- Vanilla Extract
- Spice: Cinnamon or Nutmeg
- Maple Syrup instead of Honey
Note: If you are avoiding added sugars then you can leave the honey out. Also, you can add more if you want the jam flavor to be sweeter.
Serving Options
This easy jam recipe is very versatile and can be added to a variety of breakfast options and beyond. There are so many options for this homemade jam recipe, so it will definitely not go to waste! Some of my favorite uses for this jam include:
- Bagels
- Toast
- Waffles
- English Muffins
- Mixed into Greek Yogurt
- Topper for Smoothie Bowls
- Stuffed French Toast
- Topper for Ice Cream
- Serve with Cheese
- Crepe Filling
- Turned into Popsicle's
- Used in a Marinade
- Add it to a Sauce: Check out my grilled peach wings for a great use of peach jam.
More Vegetarian Recipes
Overnight Cinnamon Blackberry French Toast
Blueberry White Chocolate Scones
Vegan Morning Glory Muffins
Cinnamon Strawberry Rolls
Common Questions
Homemade jam stays fresh for up to one week in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.
YES! I love this homemade jam recipe because I can make a bunch and save it to enjoy for months. Store homemade jam in the freezer for up to three months in a glass or plastic container or freezer bag. If using a bag be sure to get all of the air out, and if using a container leave a small amount of space for expansion. Also, to thaw frozen jam simply put in the fridge overnight.
Nope, you need ZERO canning knowledge or experience to make this 10 minute jam.
This jam recipe yields about one cup of jam. Amounts vary slightly depending on the fruit you use, but it is always in the ballpark of a cup.
Yes, frozen fruit is okay to use instead of fresh. Note that frozen fruit may yield a different texture and may be a bit more watery. Therefore you might need to adjust the amount of chia seeds you use and let the jam rest longer.
Yes, this jam recipe only uses 3 ingredients including fruit, chia seeds and honey. The chia seeds act as a natural thickener, so no pectin is used. Additionally, the honey is optional, so if you are avoiding added sugars then just leave it out. Also, this homemade jam recipe is great for a variety of diets and food sensitivities including: gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, dairy free, nut free, paleo and low carb.
Love This Homemade Jam Recipe? Comment and Rate Below!
Happy Eating!
Easy Jam Recipe with Chia Seeds and Honey
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Blueberries, Cherries or Strawberries See Notes
- 2 tablespoon Chia Seeds
- 1 tablespoon Honey Optional- See Notes
Instructions
- Add fruit of choice to a small sauce pan and cook over medium heat. Stir frequently to avoid to fruit from burning. Cook for 5 minutes until fruit is soft and has released its juices.
- Use a fork or masher to mash the fruit until only some chunks remain. Remove from heat and add the chia seeds and honey. Let cool for 5 minutes then give one final stir. Serve immediately or store in the fridge or freezer. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Share with Your Friends and Family!
Dawn
Can this be made in larger batches (adjusting cook time) and canned?
Caitlyn Erhardt
Yes, you can make a large batch and can it if you wish!
Denise
Oh this looks really good! I like that its smooth, not big gelled clumps like jellies and jams can be. Seems easy to make too!
caitlyn
Thanks! We love it!
Sally
Ok - wow! This will be a great quick jam for me to make with our summer Ranier cherries that are currently ripening on the tree. Will print your recipe to use for my harvest. Thanks!
caitlyn
Thanks! The cherry is one of my favs!
Beth
Homemade jam is pretty much the best! We even enjoy putting it on ice cream!
caitlyn
Always a good idea!
Mikayla
Homemade jam is the way to go! I grew up on the homemade stuff and love this recipe to make some myself. I'm always trying to use up extra fruit too!!
caitlyn
Totally agree! So much better than the stuff at the store.
Veena Azmanov
Jam is one of my favorite Breakfast option. This looks healthy too.
caitlyn
Same!
Anita @ Daily Cooking Quest
Such an easy recipe to make jam at home, and it is such a great time too since the berries are all in season. 🙂
caitlyn
Yes, I love how simple it is!