One of the best things about Monkey Butter is how easy it is to make. With just a saucepan, a few simple ingredients, and less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a homemade fruit butter that’s bursting with tropical flavor. No pectin or complicated canning process required—just cook, cool, and enjoy. It’s perfect for gifting, meal prepping, or adding a fresh spin to breakfast classics. Whether you’re looking for a sweet spread, a filling for crepes, or a creative topping for baked goods, Monkey Butter delivers endless versatility.
Monkey Butter is also naturally rich in nutrients from real fruit—bananas provide potassium, pineapple adds vitamin C, and coconut lends healthy fats for a luscious mouthfeel. It’s sweet, tangy, and creamy all at once. Plus, the aroma while it cooks is absolutely heavenly. Make a small batch to test it out, or double it for sharing—either way, you’ll find yourself spreading this golden goodness on everything. Monkey Butter truly proves that the simplest recipes can be the most unforgettable.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store Monkey Butter in airtight jars and refrigerate for up to 4 weeks.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
- Do not can: Monkey Butter is not shelf-stable and should not be stored at room temperature due to banana content.
Summary
Monkey Butter is a homemade tropical fruit spread made from bananas, pineapple, coconut, sugar, and lemon juice. This rich, buttery jam is perfect for spreading on toast, topping desserts, or gifting to friends. It’s simple, quick, and irresistibly delicious.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Glass jars or containers with lids
Ingredients
- 5 medium ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple with juice
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract or vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit: Peel and mash bananas in a medium saucepan. Add crushed pineapple with its juice, shredded coconut, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Cook: Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and cook 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to a jam-like consistency.
- Add flavor: Remove from heat and stir in coconut or vanilla extract if desired.
- Cool and store: Let cool completely, then transfer to clean jars. Seal and refrigerate.
Notes
- Use ripe but not overripe bananas for the best flavor and consistency.
- Stir often during cooking to prevent burning or caramelization.
- Monkey Butter thickens more as it cools, so don’t overcook it.
Tips for Success
- Balance sweetness: Taste before finishing—add a bit more lemon juice if it’s too sweet.
- Texture: For a smoother spread, blend briefly with an immersion blender after cooking.
- Presentation: Decorate jars with ribbons or labels for gifting.
- Flavor depth: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm twist.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Chunky style: Leave small banana or pineapple pieces for a rustic texture.
- Low-sugar option: Use 1/2 cup sugar or substitute with honey (reduce liquid slightly).
- Tropical boost: Add 1 tablespoon rum or coconut rum extract for a Caribbean flair.
- Kid-friendly idea: Spread Monkey Butter between pancakes or swirl into oatmeal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is it called Monkey Butter?
The name comes from the banana base—monkeys love bananas! It’s a fun, tropical name for a banana-pineapple fruit butter.
Can I use fresh pineapple?
Yes, use 1 1/2 cups finely chopped fresh pineapple with 1/4 cup water instead of canned.
Is Monkey Butter safe for canning?
No, due to the banana content, Monkey Butter is not safe for traditional canning methods and must be refrigerated or frozen.
How can I thicken it more?
Simmer a few extra minutes until it coats the back of a spoon. It thickens further once cooled.
How do I serve Monkey Butter?
Spread on toast, pancakes, biscuits, waffles, or use as a topping for yogurt, crepes, or ice cream.
Conclusion
Monkey Butter is an irresistibly creamy, tropical fruit spread that’s easy to make and hard to stop eating. With bananas, pineapple, and coconut, it brings sunshine flavor to every bite. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or as a homemade gift, this simple recipe proves that delicious doesn’t have to be complicated.