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This blackberry chia jam is a quick lower-sugar homemade jam made with juicy blackberries, chia seeds, lemon juice, and a touch of honey. It thickens naturally in minutes with no canning required, making it perfect for toast, PB&J sandwiches, yogurt bowls, oatmeal, or cottage cheese.
If you’ve never made chia jam before, you’re in for a treat. This blackberry chia jam comes together in minutes with just a handful of simple ingredients and thickens naturally without pectin. It has all of the sweet-tart blackberry flavor you love in traditional jam but with less sugar and no canning required.
I love using this easy recipe for peanut butter jam sandwiches, in a Greek yogurt parfait with my Vanilla Nut Granola Recipe, or on my Ninja Creami Peanut Butter Ice Cream for a fun PB & J version! Or spread this on some whole grain toast and pair with my Cottage Cheese Egg Bites!
Quick 4-Ingredient Blackberry Chia Jam
This homemade jam only takes about 10 minutes to make with super simple ingredients! It’s just like my Raspberry Chia Jam, but made with blackberries. You could even top a dollop of this onto my Berry Crumble.
What to Expect: This blackberry chia jam is thick, fruity, and slightly seedy from both the blackberries and chia seeds. It’s not as firm or glossy as traditional pectin-based jam, but it has a fresh berry flavor and a soft, spreadable texture.
Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Lower sugar: Unlike traditional jam which usually has a lot of refined sugar, this easy jam recipe only uses a touch of honey for the entire batch.
- Quick and easy: This easy jam recipe is done in about 10 minutes and it’s SO simple. No complicated canning required!
- Nutrient-packed: This jam is packed with antioxidants from blackberries like vitamin C and anthocyanins, while the chia seeds have fiber and healthy fats.
- Fresh or frozen berries: You don’t need to wait for blackberry season for fresh berries. This blackberry chia seed jam recipe comes out perfect whether you use fresh or frozen berries.
Ingredient Notes
All you need for this healthy jam recipe is a few whole foods!
Don’t forget to scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and directions.
- Blackberries: Fresh blackberries or frozen both work perfectly for this jam. Fresh berries usually give the best texture, while frozen berries make it easy to make year-round. If using frozen blackberries, cook them until fully thawed and juicy, and simmer a little longer if the mixture looks thin.
- Lemon juice: A little bit of lemon juice adds brightness to the jam and balances the sweetness of the fruit and honey. You can also use lime juice or orange juice.
- Honey: You can customize the amount of sweetener to your personal preference! Honey and blackberry is a delicious combination but pure maple syrup or sugar free syrup will also work here.
- Chia Seeds: These little seeds thicken this jam for the perfect consistency, just like in chia seed pudding. The health benefits of chia seeds are worth mentioning too- they’re filled with heart-healthy soluble fiber and omega-3 fatty acids!
Variations To Try
- Adjust the chia seeds: Use 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of chia seeds for a thinner jam, or 3 tbsp for a thicker jam.
- Blackberry Greek yogurt parfait: Layer 1 cup Greek yogurt, this homemade blackberry jam and my Vanilla Nut Granola Recipe!
- Swap the berries: You can use raspberries, strawberries or even wild blueberries for this recipe. All types of berries work!
- Make it smoother: If you want more of a seedless blackberry jam texture you can put the blackberries through a fine mesh sieve before adding the chia seeds. You can also blend the jam in a food processor for a smoother texture.
- Blackberry vanilla jam: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a rich vanilla flavor.
- Blackberry pie parfait: Serve with vanilla Greek yogurt and top with graham cracker crumbs for a fun spin on blackberry pie.
How To Make Blackberry Chia Jam
This homemade blackberry jam recipe requires just a few minutes of prep.
- Add your berries: Add fruit into a medium saucepan with lemon juice.
- Cook the berries: On medium heat, start breaking down berries with a wooden spoon, spatula or potato masher. Once fruit is thawed and bubbling, continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until slightly reduced. Mash berries to desired consistency.
- Add the chia seeds: Next, stir in honey and chia seeds. Add more honey to taste.
- Cool and thicken: Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a glass jar for storage.
Jamie’s Tips
Expert Recipe Tips
- Mash the berries as they cook. This ensures a smooth texture.
- Let the jam rest. After simmering, let the jam sit for 10-15 minutes so the chia seeds can thicken.
- Add more chia seeds for thicker texture. If you want a thicker texture, you can mix in more chia seeds.
- Add extra honey. If your berries are tart, you can add extra honey to sweeten the jam.
- This is refrigerator jam, not shelf-stable canned jam. It must be stored in the refrigerator.
How To Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container or jam jar with lid in the fridge for up to 7 days. Note: This jam should NOT be canned or stored at room temperature.
More Chia Seed Recipes
Blackberry Chia Jam
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh blackberries, or frozen
- 2-3 tsp lemon juice, or orange juice
- 2.5 tbsp chia seeds
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup, more to taste
Instructions
- Add blackberries and lemon juice to a medium saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat, breaking down berries with a spoon, spatula or potato masher as they cook.
- Once fruit is bubbling, cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until juices are slightly reduced.
- Remove from heat. Stir in honey and chia seeds. Allow to cool/thicken for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a jar for storage.
Notes
- Fresh or frozen blackberries both work. If using frozen berries, simmer a little longer to cook off extra liquid.
- Let the jam rest. It should sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking so the chia seeds can thicken it.
- Make a thicker jam. Stir in an extra teaspoon of chia seeds and let it sit longer.
- Nutrition facts are based on about 2 cups of blackberry chia jam. Note that your final yield will depend on berries and amount of moisture lost while cooking.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an estimate.
We picked some fresh blackberries and I needed to use them up. I made your Berry Crumble and a batch of this jam. I mix it into cottage cheese and my kids love it on toast.