Monkey Butter Canning Recipe

Monkey butter is one of those magical recipes that make your kitchen smell like sunshine and happiness. It is a smooth, fruity, and sweet fruit spread that tastes like a tropical vacation in a jar. The main ingredients are bananas, pineapple, and coconut, and when you mix them together, they create a wonderful flavor that many people love. This recipe is called “Monkey Butter” because it has bananas in it, and as we know, monkeys love bananas. But you don’t have to be a monkey to enjoy it!

People from all over love this monkey butter recipe because it is super easy to make and very tasty. Even if you are new to cooking or canning, you can follow this recipe without stress. It does not need any special skills or tools. All you need is a few simple ingredients and a little time. The final result is a beautiful, golden spread that you can eat with toast, pancakes, waffles, or even just by the spoonful. Kids love it, adults love it, and it can make any breakfast or snack feel special.

There are many reasons to make monkey butter. Maybe you want to surprise your family with something new for breakfast. Maybe you are trying to eat less store-bought food and want something more homemade. Or maybe you just want to give a thoughtful gift to a friend or neighbor. Whatever your reason is, this recipe brings joy and comfort. It is sweet, it is tropical, and it reminds many people of summer, fun, and happy times. Plus, it is full of fruits, so you get great taste with a little bit of goodness too.

Ingredients You Will Need

Here is the full list of ingredients to make homemade monkey butter. All the items are easy to find in most grocery stores.

• 5 ripe bananas (medium size)
• 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple (with juice)
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (bottled or fresh)
• 3 cups white granulated sugar

Optional for canning:

• Clean canning jars with lids (around 4 half-pint jars)
• Large pot or water bath canner

Step by Step Method

This recipe is simple enough for beginners, but still gives you delicious results like a pro. Just follow each step with care.

Step 1: Prepare your ingredients

First, get all your ingredients ready. Peel the bananas and mash them in a large bowl using a fork or potato masher. They do not need to be completely smooth, just mashed well. Open the can of pineapple and do not drain it. You will need the juice too. Measure out your shredded coconut, lemon juice, and sugar. Set everything nearby.

Step 2: Mix everything in a pot

Take a large cooking pot and place it on your stove. Pour in the mashed bananas, crushed pineapple with juice, shredded coconut, lemon juice, and sugar. Stir everything together until it is mixed well. The mixture will look thick and chunky, but that is okay.

Step 3: Cook the mixture

Turn the heat on medium. Keep stirring the mixture often so that it does not stick to the bottom of the pot. After a few minutes, it will start to bubble and smell amazing. Let it simmer gently for around 15 to 20 minutes. Stir often. The mixture will thicken as the sugar melts and the fruit breaks down. You want a jam-like texture.

Step 4: Check the consistency

After cooking for about 20 minutes, take a small spoonful and place it on a cold plate. Let it sit for a minute. If it starts to set and feels like jam, it is ready. If it is too runny, let it cook for another 5 minutes and test again.

Step 5: Prepare your jars (if canning)

If you are planning to can the monkey butter, now is the time to get your jars ready. Wash the jars, lids, and rings with hot soapy water. Rinse them well. Place the jars in a large pot of hot water to keep them warm. You can also sterilize them by boiling for 10 minutes. This step helps prevent bacteria.

Step 6: Fill the jars

Use a clean ladle or spoon to carefully fill the warm jars with the hot monkey butter. Leave about half an inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean wet cloth to make sure they seal properly. Place the lids on and screw the bands until they are fingertip tight.

Step 7: Process the jars

Place the filled jars in a water bath canner or a large pot with boiling water. Make sure the jars are covered by at least 1 inch of water. Boil the jars for 10 to 15 minutes to seal them. Carefully remove the jars and place them on a towel to cool. You should hear a popping sound as the jars seal. After 24 hours, check the lids. If they do not move up and down when pressed, they are sealed.

Step 8: Store or enjoy

Once the jars are cool and sealed, you can store them in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months. If you are not canning, you can store the monkey butter in the fridge in airtight containers for up to 2 weeks. Always use a clean spoon to scoop it out.

Why This Recipe Is Special

Monkey butter is more than just a sweet spread. It is a burst of flavor and fun in every bite. The combination of bananas, pineapple, and coconut creates a creamy, tropical taste that feels like sunshine in a jar. It is smooth, a little tangy, and full of fruity goodness.

This recipe is also special because it is made with simple fruits and no artificial flavors. You get the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and pineapple, and the richness of coconut. It is a great way to use bananas that are getting too ripe. Instead of throwing them away, you turn them into something wonderful.

Monkey butter can also be a healthier choice compared to store-bought jams that are full of preservatives. While it still has sugar, it also has real fruit and natural vitamins. Bananas give you potassium, pineapple adds vitamin C, and coconut brings healthy fats. It is sweet, yes, but it also has some benefits when eaten in moderation.

Extra Tips for Better Taste

Want to make your monkey butter even better? Try these fun and creative tips.

Add a spice twist: Sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg while cooking for a warm flavor. A pinch of ginger also gives a nice kick.

Try different textures: If you like your spread smoother, you can use an immersion blender before filling the jars. If you like it chunky, just mash the bananas less.

Make it zesty: Add a bit of orange zest or lime juice along with the lemon juice for a fresh citrus boost.

Add vanilla: A teaspoon of vanilla extract added at the end of cooking can deepen the flavor and make it feel like dessert.

Use brown sugar: Replace half of the white sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like taste.

Gift idea: Pour monkey butter into small glass jars, add a ribbon and a handwritten label, and you have a perfect homemade gift for holidays or birthdays.

Final Thoughts

Monkey butter is a joyful recipe that brings smiles and flavor into your kitchen. It is easy to make, even for someone new to cooking. With just a few fruits, some sugar, and a little time, you can create something that tastes amazing and feels homemade from the heart.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants a new way to enjoy bananas, or for people who love tropical flavors. It is great on toast, waffles, pancakes, or even as a topping on ice cream or yogurt. Every bite feels like a mini vacation.

Whether you are making it for your family, your friends, or just for yourself, monkey butter is a recipe that you will want to make again and again. It is sweet, simple, and always a treat.

Nutrition Details

Here is the approximate nutrition information per 1 tablespoon of monkey butter.

Note: These values are estimates and may vary depending on your exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Disclaimer

This recipe is made with natural fruit and sugar, and it is safe for most people. But everyone’s body is different. If you are on a special diet or have health concerns, it is always best to talk to your doctor before adding new foods. Some people may need to watch their sugar intake. Enjoy this treat in moderation as part of a balanced diet.