Healthy Apple Chia Jam (No Sugar Added) – Simple, Bright, and Spreadable

This apple chia jam is sweet, cozy, and tastes like apple pie on toast—without a grain of added sugar. It comes together on the stovetop in about 20 minutes and uses just a handful of wholesome ingredients. The natural sweetness comes from apples and a touch of vanilla, while chia seeds do the thickening.

It’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or layering into yogurt. If you like easy, make-ahead recipes that feel good to eat, this one is a keeper.

Healthy Apple Chia Jam (No Sugar Added) - Simple, Bright, and Spreadable

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings 12 servings

Ingredients

  

• 4 medium apples (about 1.5 pounds), peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1/3 cup water or unsweetened apple cider
• 2–3 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (plus more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of fine sea salt
• Optional: 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup if your apples are very tart

Instructions

 

• Prep the apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small cubes. Smaller pieces cook faster and break down more evenly.
• Simmer: Add apples, water (or cider), cinnamon, and salt to a small saucepan. Cover and cook over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and start to break down.
• Mash to your liking: Use a potato masher or fork to mash the apples. Keep it chunky for texture or mash until mostly smooth. You can also use an immersion blender for a silkier jam.
• Flavor and thicken: Stir in lemon juice and vanilla. Sprinkle in the chia seeds while stirring to prevent clumps. Reduce heat to low and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until thickened.
• Adjust: Taste and add more lemon for brightness or a drizzle of maple syrup if needed. If it’s too thick, stir in a splash of water; if too loose, simmer 1–2 more minutes.
• Cool and store: Remove from heat and let cool. The jam will continue to thicken as it cools. Transfer to a clean jar and refrigerate.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

• No added sugar: Ripe apples bring gentle, natural sweetness. You can tweak the flavor with lemon and cinnamon instead of sweeteners.
• Thickened with chia seeds: Chia seeds absorb liquid and create a jammy texture in minutes.

  No pectin or long boiling required.

• Quick and easy: From chopping to jar, you’re done in about 20 minutes. Minimal dishes, maximum payoff.
• Flavor-forward: Warm spices, bright lemon, and vanilla make it taste like a treat without feeling heavy.
• Meal-prep friendly: Keeps well in the fridge and freezes beautifully, so you can make a double batch.

Ingredients

• 4 medium apples (about 1.5 pounds), peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1/3 cup water or unsweetened apple cider
• 2–3 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (plus more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of fine sea salt
• Optional: 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup if your apples are very tart

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small cubes. Smaller pieces cook faster and break down more evenly.
2. Simmer: Add apples, water (or cider), cinnamon, and salt to a small saucepan.

   Cover and cook over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and start to break down.

3. Mash to your liking: Use a potato masher or fork to mash the apples. Keep it chunky for texture or mash until mostly smooth. You can also use an immersion blender for a silkier jam.
4. Flavor and thicken: Stir in lemon juice and vanilla.

   Sprinkle in the chia seeds while stirring to prevent clumps. Reduce heat to low and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until thickened.

5. Adjust: Taste and add more lemon for brightness or a drizzle of maple syrup if needed. If it’s too thick, stir in a splash of water; if too loose, simmer 1–2 more minutes.
6. Cool and store: Remove from heat and let cool.

   The jam will continue to thicken as it cools. Transfer to a clean jar and refrigerate.

Keeping It Fresh

• Refrigerator: Store in a sealed jar for up to 10 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in small containers for up to 3 months. Leave headspace for expansion.

  Thaw overnight in the fridge.

• Clean utensils: Use a clean spoon each time to avoid introducing bacteria and extend freshness.
• Label it: Mark the date so you remember when you made it.

Health Benefits

• Naturally sweet, no added sugar: You get gentle sweetness from fruit, not refined sugar. That means fewer blood sugar spikes and a more balanced breakfast or snack.
• Fiber-rich: Apples provide soluble fiber, and chia seeds add both soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber supports digestion and satiety.
• Omega-3s from chia: Chia seeds are a plant-based source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which supports heart health.
• Micronutrients: Apples bring vitamin C and phytonutrients.

  Cinnamon contributes antioxidants and warm flavor without calories.

• Lower-calorie spread: Compared with store-bought jams, this option is lighter and more nutrient-dense.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

• Using under-ripe apples: Very tart or firm apples won’t cook down as easily and may need extra lemon or a touch of sweetener to balance.
• Adding chia too early: If you add chia seeds before the apples soften, they’ll thicken the mixture prematurely and make mashing harder.
• Not enough liquid: If the pan looks dry, add a splash of water to prevent scorching. Apples release juice, but it varies by variety.
• Overcooking after adding chia: Once chia is in, too much simmering can make the texture pasty. Keep it gentle and brief.
• Skipping salt: A small pinch sharpens flavors and makes the natural sweetness pop.

  Don’t skip it.

Variations You Can Try

• Apple-ginger jam: Add 1–2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger during simmering for a bright, zesty kick.
• Apple-cardamom: Replace half the cinnamon with 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom for a floral, cozy note.
• Apple-pear blend: Swap half the apples for ripe pears. Reduce added liquid slightly since pears are juicier.
• Cran-apple: Add 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries with the apples for a tangy, ruby-colored jam. You may want a teaspoon of maple syrup to balance.
• Vanilla bean: Use seeds from half a vanilla bean instead of extract for a deeper vanilla flavor.
• No-pear pectin style: For a firmer set, increase chia seeds to 3–4 tablespoons, especially if you prefer a spoonable, sliceable spread.

FAQ

What apples work best for this jam?

Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, and Pink Lady are great because they’re naturally sweet and break down nicely.

For a more complex flavor, mix a sweet variety with a tart one like Granny Smith.

Can I make it without peeling the apples?

Yes. Keeping the peel adds extra fiber and color. Just chop the apples smaller and blend at the end if you want a smoother texture.

How can I make it smoother?

Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender once it’s cooked and slightly cooled.

Blend until it reaches your preferred consistency, then stir in chia and thicken briefly.

Is this safe for canning?

This recipe is not designed for water-bath canning. It’s a refrigerator or freezer jam. For shelf-stable jams, use a tested canning recipe with proper acidity and processing times.

Can I use ground chia instead of whole?

Yes.

Ground chia creates a smoother, less seedy texture and thickens a bit faster. Start with 2 tablespoons and adjust to taste.

What if my jam is too thick?

Stir in a tablespoon or two of water or cider until it loosens. Warm it gently on the stove to help it blend smoothly.

What if my jam is too tart?

Add a little more vanilla or a teaspoon of maple syrup.

Sometimes an extra pinch of salt helps balance tartness without adding sweetener.

How do I use this jam?

Spread it on toast, swirl into yogurt or oatmeal, layer into overnight oats, spoon onto pancakes, or pair with nut butter in a sandwich. It’s also great with cheese boards.

In Conclusion

This Healthy Apple Chia Jam is simple, bright, and naturally sweet—no added sugar required. A short simmer, a sprinkle of chia, and a few pantry staples turn apples into a versatile spread you’ll want on everything.

Make a small batch today, stash a jar in the fridge or freezer, and enjoy a wholesome, homemade jam any time you need a cozy touch.