Monkey Butter Recipe
If you’re looking for a tropical twist to brighten your breakfast, look no further than Monkey Butter! This sweet, fruity spread combines bananas, pineapple, and coconut into a luscious preserve that’s perfect on toast, waffles, or even straight from the spoon.
Monkey Butter is a delightful combination of tropical flavors with a smooth, jam-like texture. It’s easy to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for gifting or batch cooking. This homemade spread is a must-try for fruit lovers and makes a fantastic addition to your weekend brunch table.
📋 Recipe Overview
- Name: Monkey Butter Recipe
- Yield: About 3–4 cups
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
- Skill Level: Easy
- Cuisine: American tropical preserve
🛒 Ingredients
To make Monkey Butter, you’ll need just five ingredients—all easily found at any grocery store:
- 5 medium ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice (not syrup), undrained
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
Optional add-ins: A pinch of cinnamon, vanilla extract, or lime zest for extra depth.
🧑🍳 Instructions
🔪 Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Peel and mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl using a fork or potato masher.
- Open the can of crushed pineapple and do not drain it—you want all that tropical juice for flavor and consistency.
🍲 Step 2: Combine Everything in a Pot
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add:
- Mashed bananas
- Crushed pineapple with juice
- Granulated sugar
- Shredded coconut
- Lemon juice
Stir well to combine all ingredients.
🔥 Step 3: Cook Until Thickened
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
- Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring frequently.
- The Monkey Butter should begin to thicken and take on a glossy, jam-like consistency.
🔁 Tip: Stir continuously near the end of cooking to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom of the pan.
🧊 Step 4: Cool and Store
- Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Spoon into sterilized glass jars or airtight containers.
- Let cool completely before sealing and storing.
🕓 Time Breakdown
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Prepping ingredients | 10 minutes |
| Cooking time | 20–25 minutes |
| Cooling & storage | ~10 minutes |
| Total Time | ~35 minutes |
🔥 Intensity Level: Easy
This is a beginner-friendly recipe that doesn’t require any canning equipment, fancy tools, or specialized cooking skills. It’s mostly about mixing, stirring, and simmering. Just keep an eye on the heat, and you’re good to go!
The most important part is using ripe bananas—they should have brown speckles for maximum sweetness and flavor.
🍽️ How to Use Monkey Butter
This tropical fruit spread is extremely versatile! Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:
- Spread on toast, bagels, or English muffins
- Swirled into oatmeal or yogurt
- Served over pancakes or waffles
- Used as a filling in cakes, crepes, or thumbprint cookies
- Dolloped on vanilla ice cream
- Mixed into smoothies for added sweetness
It also makes a great homemade gift! Add a ribbon and a handwritten label to a jar, and you’ve got a thoughtful treat for friends and family.
🧊 Storage & Shelf Life
- Refrigerator: Store Monkey Butter in an airtight jar or container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Leave some space at the top for expansion.
- Canning Note: Monkey Butter is not approved for canning due to the low acidity of bananas. Always refrigerate or freeze for safety.
🍌 Variations & Flavor Twists
Feel like experimenting? Here are a few fun variations:
- Banana-Mango Butter: Replace some pineapple with diced mango.
- Spiced Monkey Butter: Add ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice.
- Coconut-Free: Leave out the coconut for a smoother spread if you prefer.
- Maple Monkey Butter: Add a splash of maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.
🧾 Nutrition Information (Per 2 Tablespoon Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 80 |
| Total Fat | 2g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Sugars | 15g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 0.5g |
| Sodium | 5mg |
Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on banana size and specific ingredients used.
🥄 Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Potato masher or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sterilized jars or containers for storage
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A: Yes! Just be sure to include some juice or water, and finely crush or blend the pineapple for texture.
Q: Can I make it sugar-free?
A: You can try using a natural sweetener like monk fruit or stevia, but the consistency and shelf life may be affected.
Q: Why is it called “Monkey Butter”?
A: It’s a fun, playful name referencing the banana base—since monkeys love bananas! It’s a sweet, family-friendly name that kids and adults alike remember.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Monkey Butter is sunshine in a jar. It’s tropical, fruity, comforting, and completely addicting. With just five ingredients and about half an hour, you can whip up this vibrant spread and bring a little island flavor into your kitchen.
Perfect for brunch, holidays, or everyday snacking, this recipe is one of those “secret weapons” you’ll find yourself making again and again.
💌 Tried This Recipe?
We’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your photos and tag us with #MonkeyButterRecipe on Instagram or leave a comment below. Let us know your favorite ways to enjoy it or any creative spins you’ve tried!
