Craving something sweet, fruity, and a little exotic? Monkey Butter is your answer. This tropical fruit spread combines the creamy richness of bananas with the bright, tangy flavor of crushed pineapple and a hint of coconut. Sweet, slightly tart, and bursting with natural fruit flavor, Monkey Butter is a simple homemade preserve that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly unique.
Whether spooned over pancakes, spread on toast, swirled into yogurt, or served warm with ice cream, Monkey Butter transforms ordinary snacks into sunny, tropical treats. Best of all, it comes together with just a few pantry ingredients and a single saucepan—no complicated equipment, no canning required.
Why You’ll Love Monkey Butter
- Tropical Flavor in Every Spoonful – A perfect balance of sweet banana, tangy pineapple, and nutty coconut.
- Quick & Easy to Make – Ready in under an hour using just one pan.
- Versatile – Great on toast, waffles, desserts, or by the spoonful.
- Freezer- & Fridge-Friendly – No canning required; just chill and enjoy.
- Great Gift Idea – Pack into cute jars and give as a homemade gift with a tropical twist.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas (fully yellow, no spots) – Avoid overripe bananas to prevent bitterness.
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed pineapple (including juice)
- 2 cups white sugar – Helps preserve and sweeten the spread.
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened ground coconut – Adds subtle texture and flavor.
- 3 tablespoons bottled lemon juice – Balances sweetness and aids preservation.
Time Required
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cooling Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Equipment Needed
- Large nonstick saucepan
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight glass jars or containers for storage
How to Make Monkey Butter
1. Prepare the Bananas
Peel and slice the bananas into thin rounds. This helps them break down more easily during cooking.
2. Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan
Add the sliced bananas, crushed pineapple with its juice, sugar, coconut, and lemon juice to a large nonstick saucepan. Stir well to combine.
3. Bring to a Boil
Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning.
4. Simmer and Thicken
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently. Stir often as the bananas dissolve and the mixture thickens. This will take about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the spread coats the back of a spoon and looks jammy but pourable.
5. Cool and Store
Remove from heat and let cool for about 15 minutes. Spoon into clean, airtight jars or containers. Allow to cool completely before sealing.
6. Refrigerate and Enjoy
Store Monkey Butter in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 6 weeks. Serve chilled or gently warmed depending on how you like it.
Nutrition (Per 2-Tablespoon Serving)
- Calories: 110
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugar: 25g
- Fat: 1g
- Protein: <1g
- Fiber: 1g
Note: Values are approximate and may vary depending on the brand and ripeness of fruit.
Serving Ideas
This fruit spread is incredibly flexible—here are some of the best ways to enjoy it:
- Toast or Biscuits – Spread it thick on your favorite toasted bread or warm biscuit.
- Waffles & Pancakes – Use in place of syrup for a tropical breakfast twist.
- Swirled into Yogurt or Oatmeal – Adds sweetness and fruity flavor naturally.
- Ice Cream Topping – Serve warm over vanilla ice cream for a banana split vibe.
- Cake Filling or Glaze – Use as a filling between layers of cake or drizzle on top of pound cake or cheesecake.
Tips and Notes
- Banana Ripeness Matters: Use fully ripe bananas without brown spots for optimal flavor—overripe ones may make the spread bitter.
- Texture Control: If you prefer a smooth spread, blend the cooled Monkey Butter before storing.
- Coconut Optional: You can omit the ground coconut for a smoother texture or substitute with coconut extract for flavor without texture.
- Refrigeration Required: Monkey Butter is not acidic enough for safe water-bath canning. Keep it in the fridge and use within a few weeks.
- Freezer Friendly: Want to keep some for later? Freeze in airtight containers and thaw in the refrigerator before use.
Final Thoughts
Monkey Butter is a unique and memorable spread that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With its sun-drenched flavors and rich, jam-like consistency, it captures the essence of tropical comfort in every bite. Whether you keep it on hand for easy breakfasts or serve it as part of a dessert platter, this versatile fruit spread is bound to be a new favorite.
Simple, satisfying, and just a little unexpected—it’s time to give your pantry a taste of the tropics.
Monkey Butter
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Slice the bananas into thin rounds.
- In a large nonstick saucepan, combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring often.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, until the bananas dissolve and the mixture thickens slightly (about 20–25 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Serve warm over ice cream, toast, pancakes, or waffles.
- Store in the refrigerator in airtight jars for up to 4–6 weeks.
