Marry This Chia Cranberry Jam Recipe is an easy and healthy recipe, which is made with frozen cranberries and chia seeds. It’s a healthy twist on the classic, ready in about 20 minutes.
Jump to RecipeChia Cranberry Jam Recipe Ingredients
- 1 orange
- 10 ounces frozen cranberries
- Scant ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
How To Make Chia Cranberry Jam Recipe
- Simmer the Fruit: Zest and juice the orange directly into a small saucepan. Add the frozen cranberries, maple syrup, and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes, until the cranberries begin to burst.
- Break Down and Thicken: Use the back of a spoon to gently mash and break apart the cranberries. Once they are broken down, stir in the chia seeds and cinnamon until combined.
- Set and Store: Turn off the heat and let the jam sit for 5 to 7 minutes to thicken as the chia seeds absorb the liquid. Transfer the jam to a clean jar and refrigerate. The texture will continue to set and firm up as it chills.
Recipe Tips
- How does chia jam thicken without pectin? Chia seeds are hydrophilic, meaning they absorb a large amount of liquid. When stirred into the warm fruit mixture, they form a gel, which naturally thickens the jam to the perfect consistency without any pectin or excess sugar.
- Can I use fresh cranberries? Yes, fresh cranberries work just as well as frozen. The cooking time will be the same.
- Can I use a different sweetener? While maple syrup adds a lovely complementary flavor, you can substitute it with honey or agave nectar to taste. You could also use regular sugar if you prefer.
- Why isn’t my jam thick enough? It might just need more time. Let it sit for another 5-10 minutes. If it’s still too thin, you can stir in another teaspoon of chia seeds. The jam will also thicken up considerably once it is fully chilled in the refrigerator.
What To Serve With Chia Cranberry Jam
This tart and sweet jam is a versatile condiment, perfect for the holidays and beyond.
- On toast, scones, or cornbread
- Swirled into yogurt, oatmeal, or overnight oats
- As a topping for pancakes or waffles
- Served alongside a cheese board or as a condiment for roast turkey or chicken
How To Store Chia Cranberry Jam
- Refrigerate: Store the jam in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. Because it has a lower sugar content than traditional jam, it will keep for up to 2 weeks.
Chia Cranberry Jam Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1 (two-Tbsp serving)
- Calories: 45 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 7g
Nutrition information is a rough estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
FAQs
Yes, it’s generally considered a healthier alternative to traditional jam. It’s packed with fiber and omega-3s from the chia seeds and is naturally sweetened with maple syrup instead of refined white sugar.
Chia seeds are a natural and easy way to thicken jam without the need for pectin or a large amount of sugar. They also add a significant boost of fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
Absolutely. There is no significant nutritional or functional difference between black and white chia seeds; they can be used interchangeably in this recipe.
Try More Recipes:
Chia Cranberry Jam Recipe
Course: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy1
servings10
minutes10
minutes45
kcalA quick and easy cranberry jam that’s naturally thickened with chia seeds and sweetened with maple syrup for a healthy holiday condiment.
Ingredients
1 orange, zested and juiced
10 ounces frozen cranberries
Scant ½ cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons chia seeds
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Directions
- Simmer orange zest, juice, cranberries, maple syrup, and water for 10 minutes until cranberries burst.
- Gently mash the cranberries with a spoon in the pot.
- Stir in the chia seeds and cinnamon.
- Turn off the heat and let the jam stand for 5-7 minutes to thicken.
- Transfer to a jar and refrigerate until fully set.
Notes
- The jam will thicken significantly as it cools and chills in the refrigerator.
- This recipe is a fantastic way to make a refined-sugar-free cranberry sauce for the holidays.
- For a smoother jam, you can use an immersion blender to briefly pulse the mixture after the cranberries have burst.
- Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
