Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Jam

In the world of homemade preserves, my Strawberry Vanilla Jam stands out with its simplicity and burst of flavors. Forget about store-bought versions; this jam is refined sugar-free, packed with protein, fiber, and comes with a warming hint of vanilla that elevates it from your standard strawberry jam. In just 15 minutes, you can create a luscious, thick, and utterly delicious jam that's perfect for spreading over toast, stirring into yogurt bowls, or enhancing your favorite desserts.

Easy Strawberry Jam No Pectin

This homemade strawberry jam recipe ditches the traditional pectin and relies on the natural thickening power of chia seeds. Not only does this create a beautifully textured jam, but it also adds a nutritional punch that pectin can’t match. The real magic, however, lies in a special ingredient that sets this recipe apart: vanilla. Just a hint of vanilla bean scraped into the mix brings a warmth and depth of flavor that makes this jam truly unforgettable.

Strawberry Jam Ingredients

  • Fresh Strawberries: The foundation of our jam, fresh strawberries bring a sweet, tart flavor and a vibrant color. Opt for ripe, in-season strawberries for the best taste and natural sweetness.
  • White Chia Seeds: A fantastic source of fiber and protein, chia seeds thicken the jam beautifully without the need for pectin. They blend seamlessly into the jam, adding texture without altering the flavor.
  • Maple Syrup: Offering a natural sweetness, maple syrup complements the strawberries without overwhelming their flavor. It’s a refined sugar-free alternative that adds a subtle, rich undertone.
  • Vanilla Bean: The secret weapon of this delicious homemade jam! Vanilla bean infuses the jam with a warm, aromatic flavor that turns a simple strawberry jam into a gourmet treat. The specks of vanilla also add to the visual appeal of the jam.
  • Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice not only balances the sweetness of the strawberries and maple syrup but also brightens the overall flavor of the jam, adding a refreshing zing.

How to Make Strawberry Jam Without Pectin

Creating this delightful strawberry vanilla jam is both an art and a pleasure, beginning with the simple act of simmering fresh strawberries in a saucepan. As the berries come to a boil, their natural juices are released, and a gentle mashing helps break them down into a thick, syrupy mixture. This process not only concentrates the flavors but also sets the stage for the jam’s rich texture and deep color.

Stirring in maple syrup sweetens the mixture naturally, while white chia seeds work their magic, thickening the jam without the need for pectin. The scraped vanilla bean is then added. A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the jam, enhancing its flavor and preserving its vibrant hue. Once removed from the heat, the mixture is allowed to cool. It will take some time to thicken as it cools down before reaching the perfect spreadable consistency.

Best Ways to Use Strawberry Jam

This versatile jam is not just for toast; it can be a delightful companion to your morning yogurt, a sweet filling for pastries, or even a flavorful base for salad dressings. I’ve also added it to ice cream before to make a sundae. I’ve also used it in a few recipes like my Valentine’s Strawberry Chia Pudding Pots!

Why I LOVE This Homemade Jam Recipe

For one, I love the lack of preservatives and I love the fact that I MADE IT! Not only is this homemade jam recipe quick and easy to make, but it’s also healthier and more flavorful than store-bought varieties. The inclusion of vanilla adds an unexpected twist that truly sets it apart, making it a beloved staple in any kitchen. There is not granulated sugar or processed sugar at all; I really love utilizing the natural sweetness of the strawberries and maple syrup! This is also an amazing use of old jars.

Tips to Make Perfect Strawberry Jam

  • Select Ripe, Seasonal Strawberries: Starting with ripe and in-season strawberries is key to achieving a naturally sweet base for your jam. These strawberries not only provide the best flavor but also ensure your jam has a vibrant color and a rich, fruity aroma.
  • Incorporate Vanilla Bean for a Gourmet Touch: Elevating your jam from homemade to artisanal is as simple as adding vanilla bean. This special ingredient infuses the jam with a warm, sophisticated flavor and aroma, setting your creation apart from traditional recipes.
  • Patience with the Thickening Process: It’s important to remember that the jam will naturally thicken as it cools. If the mixture seems too runny immediately after cooking, don’t fret. Allow it to cool and set, and you’ll find it reaches the perfect spreadable consistency, ready to enhance any dish or snack.

If you liked this recipe, check out my other jam recipes:

Easy Citrus Chia Jam

3 Ingredient Raspberry Chia Jam

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Meet Claire

Welcome to Claire Bear Bites! Here is where we have the most amount of fun with food. I’m an silly, quirky Aussie living in LA, creating and loving bright, colorful, healthy and delicious plant based meals.

This deliciously colorful meals are a direct reflection of me and my love for experimenting. Food should make you happy, smile and make you do a weird lil happy dance cause it taste so dang good. Life can be stressful but your food doesn’t need to be! Let’s have fun and eat the rainbow!

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Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Jam

In the world of homemade preserves, my Strawberry Vanilla Jam stands out with its simplicity and burst of flavors. Forget about store-bought versions; this jam is refined sugar-free, packed with protein, fiber, and comes with a warming hint of vanilla that elevates it from your standard strawberry jam. In just 15 minutes, you can create a luscious, thick, and utterly delicious jam that's perfect for spreading over toast, stirring into yogurt bowls, or enhancing your favorite desserts.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Breakfast, Snack, Spread
Cuisine American, Vegan
Servings 2.5 cups

Equipment

  • stove, saucepan

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups fresh strawberries diced
  • 4 tbsp white chia seeds
  • 4 tbsp maple syrup
  • ¼ vanilla bean scraped
  • squeeze fresh lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • Add the strawberries to a saucepan, and allow to come to a boil on high heat, mashing the strawberries down as they cook.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer until it starts to reduce.
  • Stir in the maple syrup, chia seeds and vanilla and mix well.
  • Remove from the heat, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and allow to cool in the pan.
  • Once cool, add to air-tight glass jars and keep in the refrigerator.

Notes

** If you’re anything like me and love a cozy warm jam, you eat this jam as soon as it’s cooked. Be aware it will continue to thicken as it cools 🙂
** I used fresh vanilla bean for this recipe, but you can absolutely use vanilla extract. Just substitute for 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.
** I’ve found that fresh strawberries, when in season are the best for this recipe. But if you can’t find fresh, sweet strawberries you can use frozen.
**I much prefer the look of white chia seeds in this recipe. Aesthetically it creates a bright and vibrant jam. But you can use black chia also! The texture and flavor will remain the same. Just be aware the color of the jam will be darker.
** This jam will last a week or two in the fridge. You can also freeze to maintain freshness for longer.
Keyword dairy free, easy jam recipe, gluten free, pectin free, plant based, strawberry jam

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Picture of Meet Claire

Meet Claire

Welcome to Claire Bear Bites! Here is where we have the most amount of fun with food. I’m an silly, quirky Aussie living in LA, creating and loving bright, colorful, healthy and delicious plant based meals.

This deliciously colorful meals are a direct reflection of me and my love for experimenting. Food should make you happy, smile and make you do a weird lil happy dance cause it taste so dang good. Life can be stressful but your food doesn’t need to be! Let’s have fun and eat the rainbow!

Let's get social!

Search

Most Recent Recipes

Subscribe for more!

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