Dark Chocolate Strawberry Jam

As someone who’s always loved experimenting in the kitchen, I’ve had my fair share of sweet-and-savory concoctions that I thought would blow my mind—and some that…well, didn’t exactly work out as planned. But then there’s this Dark Chocolate Strawberry Jam.

This jam is the result of an experiment I couldn’t have anticipated, a blend of two of my favorite indulgences—dark chocolate and fresh strawberries—and it’s truly a game-changer.

It started as a thought on a quiet Sunday morning, with me rummaging through the kitchen. I had some ripe strawberries and a craving for something rich but fruity. As the flavors began to come together, I realized that dark chocolate was the missing piece, turning the jam from ordinary to extraordinary.

As I stirred the jam on the stovetop, I couldn’t help but think, “This is something special.” This jam became an instant favorite in my house and the perfect gift to give friends and family. So, if you’re in the mood for a recipe that’s a little out of the ordinary yet ridiculously delicious, this Dark Chocolate Strawberry Jam is it.

Short Description

Dark Chocolate Strawberry Jam is a decadent, homemade spread that combines sweet strawberries with rich cocoa powder and dark chocolate balsamic vinegar. Perfect for toast, desserts, or just spooning straight from the jar!

Key Ingredients

• 6 cups chopped strawberries
• 2/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup dark chocolate balsamic vinegar
• 1 package Sure-Jell pectin
• 1 teaspoon butter (to reduce foaming)
• 7 cups sugar

Tools Needed

• Large stockpot
• Stirring spoon
• Ladle
• Canning jars with lids and rings
• Boiling water bath or steam canner

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture
In a large stockpot, combine the chopped strawberries, dark chocolate balsamic vinegar, Sure-Jell pectin, and butter.

Heat over high heat, stirring frequently to mix everything together. The butter will help reduce foaming as the mixture begins to heat up.

Step 2: Add Sugar and Cocoa Powder
Once the mixture starts bubbling, slowly stir in the sugar and cocoa powder. Stir well to ensure the cocoa powder dissolves completely into the liquid. Keep an eye on the heat to avoid any burning.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil
Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Stir constantly and allow it to boil vigorously for 1 minute. You’ll notice it begins to thicken and the color deepens as the jam comes together.

Step 4: Can the Jam
Remove the pot from the heat. Using a ladle, carefully transfer the hot jam into prepared canning jars, leaving about 1/2-inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth before securing the lids and rings tightly.

Step 5: Process the Jars
Place the filled jars into a boiling water bath or steam canner. Process them for 10 minutes to ensure a proper seal. The water should cover the jars completely during processing.

Step 6: Cool and Store
After 10 minutes, carefully remove the jars from the water and set them on a kitchen towel to cool completely. Leave them undisturbed for 24 hours. The jars are sealed once the lid button has popped down and no longer flexes when pressed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously Unique: The combination of dark chocolate and strawberries is simply divine. It’s the perfect balance of rich, deep chocolate flavor with the bright sweetness of strawberries.

Simple Ingredients: Despite its decadent flavor, the ingredients are simple, making this jam easy to prepare without complicated steps.

Customizable: You can tweak the recipe by adjusting the sugar levels or adding a splash of vanilla or cinnamon for extra flavor.

Versatile: Perfect for spreading on toast, spooning over desserts, or even using in baking.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Burning the Jam: The sugar and cocoa powder can burn easily if the heat is too high. Always stir constantly and keep an eye on the temperature. If the mixture begins to stick, lower the heat and stir more gently.

Not Enough Headspace in Jars: It’s crucial to leave a 1/2-inch headspace when filling the jars. This ensures the jam can expand without overflowing or cracking the jar during processing.

Underprocessing: If you don’t process the jars for long enough, they may not seal properly. Always process for the full 10 minutes in boiling water to ensure a good seal.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Spread on Toast or Croissants: Dark Chocolate Strawberry Jam is perfect for spreading on your morning toast, croissants, or a freshly baked scone.

Top Desserts: Spoon it over cheesecake, ice cream, or pancakes for a luxurious dessert topping.

Pair with Cheese: Try pairing it with a rich brie or cream cheese for an indulgent snack.

Gift Idea: This jam makes a beautiful homemade gift, perfect for the holidays or special occasions.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing: Keep sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Once opened, store the jam in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

Reheating: To soften, simply heat the jam in a microwave-safe bowl for 15-20 seconds or on the stove over low heat.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen strawberries work just as well, though be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe.

2. How do I know if my jars are sealed properly?
Once the jars have cooled, check the lid by pressing it in the center. If it doesn’t pop back, the jar is sealed. If it pops up and down, it’s not sealed and should be reprocessed or refrigerated.

3. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
You can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that sugar helps the jam set properly. Reducing it too much may affect the texture.

4. Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Dark chocolate balsamic vinegar is key to this recipe’s flavor, but you can substitute with regular balsamic vinegar if necessary. However, it won’t give you the same deep, rich chocolatey undertones.

5. What if my jam doesn’t set properly?
If your jam doesn’t set after canning, it could be due to insufficient boiling time. Try boiling for a bit longer next time, or add a little more pectin if needed.

Tips & Tricks

Use High-Quality Dark Chocolate: The flavor of the dark chocolate will shine through, so choose a good-quality chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content.

Stir Occasionally: While the mixture heats up, stirring occasionally ensures everything is evenly incorporated and prevents burning.

Make Smaller Batches: If you’re new to jam-making, start with smaller batches to avoid overwhelming yourself.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Strawberry Jam with Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for a spicy twist.

Nutty Chocolate Strawberry Jam: Fold in chopped hazelnuts or almonds before canning to add a crunchy texture.

Berry Chocolate Jam: Mix in other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a fruity twist on the classic strawberry flavor.

Final Thoughts

Dark Chocolate Strawberry Jam is a recipe that takes something as simple as fruit preserves and elevates it into an indulgent treat. It’s not just about slathering it on toast; it’s about the experience—the rich, velvety cocoa mingling with the vibrant sweetness of fresh strawberries, the way the tangy balsamic vinegar adds a surprising twist.

Every jar you seal holds a moment of luxury, a little jar of sunshine that’s perfect for brightening any morning or evening. So go ahead, savor the process, and let each spoonful remind you of the beauty that comes from turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.