Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to whip up something sweet, homemade, and full of love. And what better way to celebrate than with a luscious, vibrant raspberry chia jam? This jam is a game-changer bursting with tart raspberry goodness, naturally sweetened, and thickened with nutrient-packed chia seeds. It’s ridiculously easy to make, and trust me, once you taste it, you’ll never go back to store-bought jam. Spread it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, or drizzle it over pancakes this jam is pure love in a jar!
Why You’ll Love Raspberry Chia Jam
Versatile: Whether you’re spreading it on toast, mixing it into oatmeal, or using it as a topping for desserts, this jam adds a delicious fruity twist to any dish.
Budget-Friendly: Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, this jam proves that homemade is always better than store-bought.
Quick and Easy: No complicated steps here! This jam comes together in just minutes with minimal effort.
Healthy and Natural: Unlike store-bought jams loaded with refined sugars, this version is naturally sweetened and packed with fiber and omega-3s from chia seeds.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re making it for yourself, a loved one, or a brunch gathering, this jam is guaranteed to be a hit.
Ingredients in Raspberry Chia Jam
Raspberries: The heart of this jam! Fresh or frozen raspberries work beautifully, delivering that perfect sweet-tart balance.
Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds work their magic by naturally thickening the jam while adding a boost of fiber and omega-3s.
Honey or Maple Syrup: A touch of natural sweetness enhances the raspberries without overpowering them.
Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors and adds a little zing.
Vanilla Extract: Optional but highly recommended for a warm, aromatic touch.
Instructions
Cook the Raspberries: In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the raspberries and cook until they start to break down, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to help them release their juices.
Mash the Mixture: Use a fork or a potato masher to break down the raspberries to your desired consistency. If you like a smoother jam, mash more; if you prefer it chunkier, leave some texture.
Add the Chia Seeds: Stir in the chia seeds and let the mixture simmer for another 2 minutes. The chia seeds will begin to absorb the liquid and thicken the jam.
Sweeten and Flavor: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the honey (or maple syrup), lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Adjust sweetness to taste.
Let It Set: Transfer the jam to a jar or container and let it sit for at least 10 minutes to thicken further. For a firmer consistency, refrigerate for at least an hour.
Serve and Enjoy: Spread on toast, mix into yogurt, or use as a topping for your favorite desserts!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 10 Calories per serving: 30
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 7 minutes Total Time: 12 minutes
How to Serve Raspberry Chia Jam
With Toast: Spread it on warm toast with a smear of butter or cream cheese.
In Yogurt: Swirl it into Greek yogurt for a naturally sweet treat.
On Pancakes or Waffles: Drizzle over fluffy pancakes or waffles for a fruity twist.
As a Dessert Topping: Use it as a topping for cheesecakes, ice cream, or parfaits.
With Peanut Butter: Make a healthier PB&J sandwich with whole grain bread.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Make a batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy it for days.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste the jam before storing and adjust the sweetness as needed.
Storage Tips: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Freeze for Later: This jam freezes well! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Experiment with Flavors: Try adding cinnamon, ginger, or a splash of orange juice for a unique twist.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use other berries? Yes! Strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries work great.
2. Can I use frozen raspberries? Absolutely! Just cook them a little longer to release their juices.
3. How long does this jam last? About one week in the fridge, or up to 3 months in the freezer.
4. Can I skip the chia seeds? The chia seeds help thicken the jam, but you can use cornstarch if needed.
5. Is this jam keto-friendly? Yes, if you use a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or stevia.
6. How can I make it smoother? Blend it after cooking for a silky texture.
7. Can I can this jam? This recipe isn’t designed for canning, but you can freeze it.
8. What if my jam is too thick? Stir in a little water or lemon juice until you reach the desired consistency.
9. Can I double the recipe? Yes! Just adjust cooking time slightly.
10. What can I do with leftover jam? Use it in salad dressings, marinades, or mix it into cocktails!
Conclusion
This raspberry chia jam is the perfect homemade touch for Valentine’s Day or any day you want to add a little extra love to your meals. Simple, delicious, and packed with goodness, it’s a must-try recipe. Enjoy every spoonful!
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Raspberry Chia Jam for Valentine’s Day
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup of jam 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with this naturally sweet and vibrant Raspberry Chia Jam! Made with fresh raspberries, chia seeds, and a touch of honey or maple syrup, this jam is perfect for spreading on toast, layering in desserts, or stirring into yogurt. A healthy and delicious treat for your loved ones!
Ingredients
2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp chia seeds
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Raspberries:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the raspberries and lemon juice.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the raspberries break down and become soft.
- Sweeten the Jam:
- Stir in honey or maple syrup, adjusting the sweetness to your preference.
- Thicken with Chia Seeds:
- Remove from heat and stir in the chia seeds. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, allowing the chia seeds to absorb liquid and thicken the jam.
- Enhance the Flavor:
- Stir in vanilla extract, if using.
- Cool and Store:
- Transfer the jam to a jar and let it cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, store in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
For a smoother jam, blend the mixture after cooking and before adding chia seeds.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
This jam is naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 30 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg