Okay, let’s be real, sometimes you just want something sweet, right? But you also don’t want to feel *too* guilty about it. That’s where these Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares come in! I’m telling you, they’re the perfect little treat. They’re sweet, they’re fruity, and they’ve even got some healthy stuff snuck in there. Seriously, my kids devour them, and I don’t even feel bad giving them seconds. I’ve been baking for over 20 years, and I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious *and* relatively good for you. This one? It’s a winner! And the best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make. You don’t need to be a master baker to whip up a batch of these babies. So, if you’re craving a little something sweet but want to keep it (relatively) healthy, these Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares are totally the way to go. You’re gonna love them!
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares
Seriously, what’s not to love? These little squares are like a burst of sunshine in every bite. But if you need convincing, here’s the lowdown:
- Taste amazing, obviously! That strawberry flavor really pops.
- They’re packed with good stuff. Chia seeds? Hello, fiber! Strawberries? Antioxidants galore!
- Super simple to make. Even if you’re a baking newbie, you can totally nail this recipe.
Quick and Easy Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares
Time is precious, I get it! This recipe is a lifesaver because it doesn’t take all day. Seriously, you can whip up a batch of these Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares in under an hour. Score!
Healthy and Delicious Dessert – Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares
Who says dessert can’t be good for you? These little squares are packed with wholesome ingredients like strawberries and chia seeds. It’s a treat you can actually feel good about!
Perfect for Snacking – Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares
Need a little something to tide you over between meals? These Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares are the perfect solution. They’re satisfying, flavorful, and won’t leave you feeling guilty.
Ingredients for Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares
Alright, listen up! Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares. Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have! I always try to keep my recipes simple, because, let’s face it, who has time for complicated?
- For the Strawberry Chia Seed Jam: You’ll need 1 pound of hulled strawberries. Make sure they’re nice and ripe for the best flavor! Also, 2 tablespoons of water, 3 tablespoons of honey (I like using local honey!), 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (the good stuff!), and 3 tablespoons of chia seeds.
- For the Base: We’re talking 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter (softened, please!), 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, another tablespoon of vanilla extract, 1 cup of whole wheat pastry flour (this keeps it a *little* healthier, but all-purpose works too!), 1 1/2 cups of old-fashioned oats (not instant!), 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- For the Crumb Topping: You’ll need 3/4 cup of milk (any kind works!), 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter (melted this time!), and 1/2 cup of whole wheat pastry flour.
See? Nothing too crazy! Now, let’s get baking!
How to Prepare Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares
Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t worry, I’ve broken it down into super-easy steps. Just follow along, and you’ll be enjoying these Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares in no time! Trust me, even if you’re not a kitchen whiz, you can totally do this!
- First, you’re gonna want to grab your food processor. Toss in that pound of hulled strawberries and pulse ’em until they’re in small chunks. Don’t go overboard – we don’t want strawberry juice!
- Next, grab a small saucepan. Add the chopped strawberries and 2 tablespoons of water. Pop it over medium heat.
- Now, this is the fun part: Cook, stirring every now and then, until the strawberries break down and the mixture gets all juicy and saucy. This should take about 5 or 6 minutes. If you want, you can mash the strawberries a little more with your spoon.
- Time for flavor! Stir in 3 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mmm, smells good already, right?
- Now, for the chia seeds! Stir in 3 tablespoons until they’re all combined. Then, turn off the heat and let that jam sit at room temperature until it’s completely cool. It’ll thicken up as it sits, kind of like magic!
- While the jam is cooling, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. And spray an 8×8-inch baking sheet with nonstick spray. Trust me, you don’t want these babies sticking!
- Okay, let’s get to the base! In the bowl of an electric mixer (or a big bowl and a strong arm!), add 4 tablespoons of softened butter and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar. Mix on high speed until it’s all fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in another tablespoon of vanilla extract and mix until it’s combined.
- Now, add in 1 cup of whole wheat pastry flour, 1 1/2 cups of old-fashioned oats, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix on medium speed. The dough will look crumbly – that’s totally normal!
- Add 3/4 cup of milk with the mixer on low speed, and mix until a dough forms.
- Oooh, here’s a fun optional step! If you’re feeling extra decadent, you could add some chocolate chips here! I sometimes do, and it’s SO good!
- Spread that batter in the greased pan. It’s easiest if you use your fingers to really press it down.
- Next, spread the chia seed jam on top of the batter, leaving just a little space around the edges.
- Alright, crumb time! In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 4 tablespoons of melted butter until combined.
- Whisk for a good minute or two until the sugar starts to dissolve. Then, use a wooden spoon to stir in 1/2 cup of whole wheat pastry flour.
- The mixture will be crumb-like and dry, almost like a sludge or paste. Don’t worry, that’s what we want!
- Sprinkle that crumb on top of the jam.
- Finally, bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center of the bars don’t jiggle and are set.
- Let them cool completely, then cut into 9 or 12 squares. And that’s it! Enjoy your amazing Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares!
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years to make sure your Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares turn out *perfectly*. These are the things that really take them from “good” to “OMG, these are amazing!”.
Cooling is Key for Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares
Seriously, folks, this is a big one! I know it’s tempting to dig in as soon as they come out of the oven, but resist! You *have* to let these Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares cool completely before you cut them. Otherwise, they’ll be a gooey mess. Trust me, patience is a virtue here!
Achieving the Right Crumb Texture in Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares
That crumb topping is what really makes these bars special, right? The key is to whisk the sugar and melted butter really well before adding the flour. You want the sugar to start dissolving a little bit – that’s what gives you that perfect, slightly crunchy texture. Don’t skip that step!
Variations on Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares
Want to mix things up a little? These Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares are super versatile! Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing. I mean, why stick to the same old thing every time, right?
Adding Different Fruits to your Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares
Strawberries are great, but why not try raspberries, blueberries, or even blackberries? Or how about a mix of all three? Just swap out the strawberries for your favorite berry and follow the recipe as usual. So easy!
Spice it Up in Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares
A little spice can really take these to the next level! Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the crumb topping. Or, for a little kick, add a dash of cinnamon to the strawberry chia seed jam. Ooh, fancy!
Storing Your Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares
Okay, so you’ve got a batch of these delicious Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares… and maybe, *just maybe*, you didn’t eat them all in one sitting (I won’t judge if you did!). Here’s how to keep them fresh and yummy for later. Because let’s be honest, leftovers are the best!
Just pop them into an airtight container and they’ll keep for up to 3 days at room temperature. If you want them to last even longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to a week. They might get a little firmer in the fridge, but they’ll still taste amazing! And hey, a slightly chilled Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Square is pretty darn good too!
FAQ About Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked about these yummy Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares. Hopefully, this will clear up any confusion and get you baking with confidence!
Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares?
Yep, you totally can! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before you use them. Otherwise, your jam might be a little too watery. Frozen strawberries are a lifesaver when fresh ones aren’t in season!
How long do Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares last?
Well, if you don’t eat them all in one go (which, let’s be honest, is a real possibility!), they’ll last for about 3 days at room temperature in an airtight container. Or, you can pop them in the fridge for up to a week. They’re still delicious cold!
Can I make Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap out the butter for a vegan butter substitute and use a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk. And instead of honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar. Easy peasy!
Nutritional Information for Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares
Okay, quick disclaimer! The nutritional information provided here is just an estimate, okay? It can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use (brands, etc.). So, don’t take it as gospel! Just a general idea of what you’re getting. But hey, at least you’re getting chia seeds, right?
Enjoyed These Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares?
Hey, if you loved these Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares as much as my family does, let me know! Leave a comment below and tell me what you think! And if you’re feeling extra generous, give the recipe a rating! Oh, and don’t forget to share it with your friends on social media! Sharing is caring, right?
Nutritional Information for Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares
Alright, important note! The nutrition info below is just an estimate, okay? It can totally change based on the brands and specific ingredients you use. So, don’t take it as gospel! It’s just a general idea. But hey, at least you’re getting some good stuff in there!
Enjoyed These Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares?
So, did you try ’em? What did you think? I’d LOVE to hear from you! Leave a comment below and tell me all about your Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Square adventures! And hey, if you liked the recipe, give it a rating! Sharing is caring, so spread the love!
Print
Ridiculously Easy Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares
- Prep Time: PT1H
- Cook Time: PT30M
- Total Time: PT1H30M
- Yield: 9 to 12 squares 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these delightful Strawberry Chia Seed Jelly Squares. They are perfect for a snack or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 pound hulled strawberries
- 2 tablespoons water
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- 1 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
Instructions
- Add the strawberries to a food processor and pulse until they are in small chunks.
- Once in small pieces, add the strawberries and water to a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries cook down and the mixture becomes very juicy and saucy, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- You can mash the strawberries a little more if needed.
- Stir in the honey and vanilla extract.
- Stir in the chia seeds until combined, then turn off the heat.
- Allow the jam to sit at room temperature until it cools completely. It will thicken as it sits.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Spray an 8×8-inch baking sheet with nonstick spray.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, add the butter and sugar and mix on high speed until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Add in flour, oats, salt and baking soda, mixing on medium speed.
- The dough will look crumbly.
- Add the milk with the mixer on low speed, and mix until a dough forms.
- If desired, you could add some chocolate chips here!
- Spread the batter in the greased pan.
- Next, spread the chia seed jam on top of the batter, leaving space around the edges.
- To make the crumb, whisk together the sugar, cinnamon, salt and melted butter until combined.
- Whisk for a good minute or two until the sugar begins to dissolve, then use a wooden spoon to stir in the flour.
- The mixture will be crumb-like and dry, almost like a sludge or paste.
- Sprinkle the crumb on top of the jam.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center of the bars don’t jiggle and are set.
- Let cool completely, then cut into 9 or 12 squares.
Notes
- Cool completely before cutting.
- Store in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
