Monkey Butter

If you’ve never tried Monkey Butter, you’re in for a sweet tropical treat. Despite its playful name, Monkey Butter isn’t made with butter at all. It’s a delicious fruit spread made from bananas, pineapple, coconut, and a touch of citrus, cooked together until thick, smooth, and jam-like. Perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, pancakes, waffles, muffins, or even spooning over yogurt and ice cream, Monkey Butter is a versatile homemade preserve that’s bursting with tropical flavor.

This old-fashioned recipe has gained popularity because it’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and captures the sweet taste of the tropics in every jar. The combination of ripe bananas and juicy pineapple creates a naturally sweet base, while coconut adds richness and texture. Whether you’re preserving summer fruit, making homemade gifts, or simply looking for a unique breakfast spread, Monkey Butter is sure to become a favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Sweet tropical flavor
• Great on toast, biscuits, and pancakes
• Perfect homemade gift
• Uses ripe bananas
• No artificial preservatives
• Versatile and delicious
• Freezer-friendly

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Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Cooking Temperature: Medium-low heat
• Yield: About 4 cups (32 servings)

Ingredients

For the Monkey Butter

• 4 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, undrained
• ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Flavor Enhancers

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon dark rum extract
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

Equipment Needed

• Large saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Potato masher
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sterilized jars or airtight containers

How to Make Monkey Butter

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Peel and mash the bananas until mostly smooth.

Open the crushed pineapple and keep the juice, as it contributes flavor and helps create the proper consistency.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large saucepan, combine:

• Mashed bananas
• Crushed pineapple with juice
• Sugar
• Shredded coconut
• Lemon juice

Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly mixed.

Step 3: Begin Cooking

Place the saucepan over medium heat.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring frequently.

As the sugar dissolves, the mixture will become smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Simmer Until Thickened

Reduce heat to medium-low.

Continue cooking for 25–30 minutes, stirring frequently.

The mixture will gradually thicken and take on a jam-like consistency.

The bananas will blend with the pineapple to create a rich tropical spread.

Step 5: Add Vanilla

During the final few minutes of cooking, stir in the vanilla extract.

If using cinnamon, nutmeg, rum extract, or orange zest, add them now.

Step 6: Check Consistency

The Monkey Butter is ready when:

• It coats the back of a spoon
• The mixture appears thick and glossy
• Excess liquid has reduced significantly

Remember that it will continue to thicken as it cools.

Step 7: Cool Slightly

Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool for about 10 minutes.

Stir occasionally.

Step 8: Fill the Jars

Carefully spoon the warm Monkey Butter into sterilized jars or containers.

Leave about ¼ inch of headspace if freezing.

Step 9: Cool Completely

Allow jars to cool to room temperature before sealing.

Step 10: Refrigerate

Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

The flavors continue developing after chilling.

Tips for Perfect Monkey Butter

Use Very Ripe Bananas

The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the finished spread.

Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.

Stir Frequently

The fruit mixture can stick to the bottom of the pan if left unattended.

Don’t Rush the Cooking

Slow simmering develops the best flavor and texture.

Use Fresh Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice brightens the tropical flavors and helps preserve freshness.

Adjust Sweetness

Depending on the sweetness of your fruit, you can slightly reduce the sugar if desired.

Delicious Variations

Cinnamon Monkey Butter

Add:

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

For warm spice flavor.

Coconut Lover’s Version

Increase coconut to:

• 1 cup shredded coconut

For extra texture.

Orange Monkey Butter

Add:

• 1 tablespoon orange zest

For a citrusy twist.

Spiced Monkey Butter

Include:

• Nutmeg
• Cinnamon
• Cloves

For holiday-inspired flavor.

Rum-Flavored Monkey Butter

Add:

• 1 tablespoon rum extract

For a tropical island-style variation.

Ways to Use Monkey Butter

This versatile fruit spread can be enjoyed in countless ways:

Breakfast

• Toast
• English muffins
• Biscuits
• Bagels
• Pancakes
• Waffles

Snacks

• Crackers
• Rice cakes
• Graham crackers

Desserts

• Ice cream topping
• Cheesecake topping
• Cake filling
• Yogurt parfaits

Baking

• Swirled into muffins
• Filled thumbprint cookies
• Layered in cakes

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store in sealed jars for up to 2 weeks.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Canning

If using approved canning methods, process jars according to current safe home-canning guidelines for fruit preserves.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Underripe Bananas

Underripe fruit produces less sweetness and flavor.

Cooking Too Quickly

High heat may scorch the fruit mixture.

Skipping the Lemon Juice

Lemon juice helps balance sweetness and improve flavor.

Overcooking

Excessive cooking can make the spread too thick.

Under-Stirring

Frequent stirring prevents sticking and burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called Monkey Butter?

The exact origin is unclear, but the name likely comes from the banana content and its fun, tropical flavor profile.

Does Monkey Butter contain dairy?

No. Despite the name, traditional Monkey Butter contains no butter or dairy.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, although reducing sugar may affect shelf life and texture.

Can I use fresh pineapple?

Absolutely. Finely crushed fresh pineapple works beautifully.

Is Monkey Butter a jam?

It’s similar to jam or fruit preserves but has a softer, spreadable texture.

Can I make it without coconut?

Yes. Simply omit the coconut if preferred.

Nutritional Information

Per Tablespoon (Approximate)

• Calories: 45
• Protein: 0.3g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fat: 0.3g
• Saturated Fat: 0.2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 1mg
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 9g
• Vitamin C: 4mg
• Potassium: 35mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands and serving sizes.