If you’re looking for a jam that tastes like a dreamy chocolate-covered strawberry in every spoonful, Dark Chocolate Strawberry Jam is your new kitchen superstar. Ripe berries meet luxurious dark chocolate, turning each jar into an irresistible spread that’s equal parts fruity and decadent. Whether you dollop it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, or gift it to a lucky friend, this unique homemade creation will transform your breakfasts and desserts alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Fresh Strawberries:
4 cups (hulled and chopped)
Granulated Sugar:
2 cups
Lemon Juice:
2 tbsp
Unsweetened Dark Cocoa Powder:
1/4 cup
Vanilla Extract:
1 tsp
Dark Chocolate:
4 oz (70% or higher, finely chopped)
How to Make Dark Chocolate Strawberry Jam
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Start with perfectly ripe strawberries for the brightest flavor. Hull and chop them into even pieces—this helps them cook down easily and evenly, giving you the right balance between chunky fruit and smooth jam. The flavor here is pure summer sweetness!
Step 2: Cook the Berries and Sugar
In a large saucepan, combine your strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Stir everything together over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves and the strawberries begin relinquishing their juices, which should take about five minutes. Your kitchen will smell like the start of a classic strawberry jam, but we’re just getting started.
Step 3: Simmer Until Jammy
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently. Keep an eye (and nose!) on it as the berries release more juices and the mixture begins to thicken, about 20 to 25 minutes. Use a potato masher to break down the berries to your desired consistency—chunky, smooth, or somewhere in between.
Step 4: Stir In Cocoa Powder and Vanilla
When the jam is thick and glossy, turn the heat down to medium-low. Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder and vanilla extract until smooth. This is the moment when the magic happens: the cocoa infuses the jam with rich, aromatic notes that make it taste downright luxurious.
Step 5: Melt in the Dark Chocolate
Add your finely chopped dark chocolate right into the warm jam. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and incorporated, turning everything a gorgeous deep color. The chocolate thickens the jam a bit more and brings an ultra-satisfying richness that makes this version so special.
Step 6: Jar and Cool
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the jam cool just slightly. Pour the jam into sterilized jars, seal them tightly, and let it all come to room temperature before refrigerating. At this stage, you’ll already want to eat it by the spoonful—the hardest part is waiting!
How to Serve Dark Chocolate Strawberry Jam
Garnishes
For a show-stopping finish, try sprinkling a few flakes of sea salt or a handful of crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top of the jam when serving. A swipe of softened butter or mascarpone under your jam on toast makes each bite positively decadent.
Side Dishes
This jam transforms plain yogurt, pancakes, or oatmeal into something worthy of the fanciest brunch spread. I especially love it as a filling for crepes or sandwiched between soft scones and whipped cream for a strawberry shortcake twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond breakfast! Swirl Dark Chocolate Strawberry Jam into vanilla ice cream, use it as a chocolatey layer in a cake, or spoon it over waffles for dessert. Tiny jars make charming gifts—just tie on a ribbon and add a handwritten note for instant cheer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Dark Chocolate Strawberry Jam is in jars, store them in the refrigerator, where it will keep its delightful flavor and texture for up to three weeks. Always use a clean spoon and seal the jar tightly after each use to keep it fresh.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this jam for longer storage. Let the jam cool completely, then pop it into freezer-safe containers—just leave a bit of space at the top for expansion. It’ll keep its punchy flavor in the freezer for up to six months.
Reheating
To bring your jam back to a perfectly spreadable texture after refrigeration or freezing, simply let it stand on the counter for a few minutes, or warm gently in a saucepan over low heat—just until loosened. Stir well, and you’re ready for another round of indulgence.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Just thaw your frozen berries first and drain any excess liquid so your jam doesn’t come out too runny. The taste remains vibrant and it’s a great option when fresh berries aren’t in season.
Why add lemon juice to this jam?
Lemon juice brightens up the whole batch and helps balance the sweetness from the sugar and the richness from the chocolate. It also helps the jam set naturally, making it less runny and more spreadable.
Is it possible to make this jam less sweet?
Absolutely! If your strawberries are very ripe, you can reduce the sugar by up to half a cup. Keep in mind, sugar does help with preservation and consistency, so don’t cut it back too much.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
You sure can, but the result will be sweeter and creamier. I recommend using dark chocolate for a more sophisticated, well-balanced flavor, but the choice is yours—experiment to find your favorite combo!
How do I make the jam extra smooth?
If you love a smooth, glossy jam, use an immersion blender on the cooked berries before adding the cocoa and chocolate. This trick ensures every bite is silky and even, just like a fancy dessert shop spread.
Final Thoughts
If ever there was a way to make strawberry jam feel truly special, this is it. Don’t be surprised if your first batch of Dark Chocolate Strawberry Jam disappears before the week is over—it’s just that good. I hope you give it a try and share the love!
Print
Dark Chocolate Strawberry Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3 cups
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of Dark Chocolate Strawberry Jam with this easy homemade recipe. This unique jam combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the deep, bittersweet notes of dark chocolate for a delightful spread perfect for toast, pastries, or even as a filling for cakes.
Ingredients
Fresh Strawberries:
4 cups (hulled and chopped)
Granulated Sugar:
2 cups
Lemon Juice:
2 tbsp
Unsweetened Dark Cocoa Powder:
1/4 cup
Vanilla Extract:
1 tsp
Dark Chocolate:
4 oz (70% or higher, finely chopped)
Instructions
- Cook the Strawberries: In a large saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook until the strawberries release their juices.
- Thicken the Jam: Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until thickened, about 20–25 minutes.
- Add Cocoa and Chocolate: Stir in cocoa powder and vanilla extract until smooth. Add dark chocolate and stir until melted.
- Cool and Store: Remove from heat, cool slightly, then pour into jars and refrigerate.
Notes
- For a smoother jam, blend with an immersion blender before adding cocoa and chocolate.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar slightly if your strawberries are very ripe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
