Looking for a unique homemade fruit spread that tastes like sunshine in a jar? Meet Monkey Butter — a tropical, sweet, and tangy banana-based preserve that’s perfect for spreading on toast, pancakes, or even spooning over ice cream. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes!
This fun and flavorful spread combines bananas, pineapple, coconut, and sugar into a luscious, tropical treat. It’s especially popular for gifting or keeping in the fridge as a breakfast upgrade. Kids love it for its fruity sweetness, and adults appreciate the nostalgic, almost dessert-like flavor.
Best of all, Monkey Butter is easy to make, doesn’t require special canning equipment (unless you want to preserve it), and can be stored in the fridge or freezer. Let’s dive into this simple, tropical delight.
⏱️ Cooking Time & Servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Yield: Approximately 3 cups
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Servings: About 24 (1-tablespoon servings)
🍌 Monkey Butter Ingredients
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5 ripe bananas, mashed
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1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, with juice
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1/4 cup shredded sweetened coconut (optional but recommended)
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for flavor depth)
👩🍳 How to Make Monkey Butter
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Prep the fruit: Peel and mash the bananas in a large saucepan or pot. You can leave a few chunks for texture or mash until smooth.
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Add remaining ingredients: Add the crushed pineapple (with juice), sugar, shredded coconut, lemon juice, and cinnamon (if using) to the pot with the bananas.
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Cook the mixture: Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently to avoid scorching. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
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Simmer and thicken: Continue to cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon.
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Cool and store: Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Transfer to clean jars or containers. Once fully cooled, store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or freeze for longer storage.
📝 Notes
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Monkey Butter is not shelf-stable unless properly canned using water bath canning and approved safety guidelines. For everyday use, keep it refrigerated.
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Use ripe but not overripe bananas for the best texture and flavor.
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Stir constantly during the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent sticking or burning.
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Great as a gift in jars — just add a cute label and some twine!
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Try serving over waffles, yogurt, or vanilla ice cream for a tropical twist.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I can monkey butter for shelf storage?
A: Traditional Monkey Butter recipes are not USDA-approved for safe canning due to the banana content. It’s best to refrigerate or freeze it instead.
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can use about 2 cups of finely chopped fresh pineapple with its juice. Just ensure it’s juicy enough to prevent sticking during cooking.
Q: How long does monkey butter last in the fridge?
A: Stored in an airtight container, it should last up to 2–3 weeks.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: Yes, but the sugar helps preserve and thicken the butter. Reducing it may affect shelf life and consistency.
Q: Is it gluten-free?
A: Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
🍽️ Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Recipe (3 cups) | Per Serving (1 tbsp) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~880 kcal | ~37 kcal |
| Total Fat | 7 g | 0.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g | 0.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 10 mg | 0.4 mg |
| Total Carbs | 220 g | ~9.2 g |
| Sugars | ~180 g | ~7.5 g |
| Protein | 5 g | 0.2 g |
| Fiber | 8 g | 0.3 g |
Note: Nutritional values are estimated and may vary based on ingredient brands and measurements used.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This spread is intended as a sweet treat and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Monkey Butter contains fruit sugars and may not be suitable for individuals with diabetes or those following a low-sugar diet. Always check ingredient labels for allergens such as coconut if you or your guests have food sensitivities.
