This homemade monkey butter is one of the easiest spreads you’ll ever make. With just five ingredients, it’s sweet, tropical, and perfectly smooth, making it ideal for spreading on toast, muffins, or even just enjoying by the spoonful. The combination of ripe bananas, pineapple, coconut, and a touch of lemon juice creates a flavorful spread with a texture that’s somewhere between jam and butter. If you’ve never made homemade spreads before, this is a great starting point. With its easy steps and minimal ingredients, you’ll be whipping up this monkey butter in no time.

Ingredients for Making Monkey Butter

To make this monkey butter, you will need:

• 5 medium-sized ripe bananas (choose bananas that are perfectly ripe with no brown spots)
• 20 oz can of crushed pineapple (do not drain the liquid)
• 1/2 cup of shredded, flaked, or ground coconut (coconut is the perfect addition for added texture and a tropical flavor)
• 3 1/2 cups of granulated sugar (this is the base for the sweetness)
• 3 tablespoons of concentrated lemon juice (the lemon juice balances out the sweetness and adds a zesty kick)
• 1 box of pectin (optional, but helps thicken the mixture faster)

How To Make

1. Start by preparing your ingredients. Grab a heavy-bottomed saucepan large enough to hold the entire mixture. Add the crushed pineapple (with the juice) and shredded coconut into the saucepan first. These ingredients will be the base of your monkey butter. Afterward, slice your ripe bananas and add them to the saucepan, making sure to get even pieces to help them cook uniformly. Once all the ingredients are in the pot, turn the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. This step will ensure the sugar dissolves properly.

2. As the mixture starts boiling, use a potato masher to break down the bananas and help them blend with the other ingredients. You can mash the bananas to the consistency you prefer—whether that’s smooth or a little chunky. Continue cooking the mixture, stirring often to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency. Keep stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

3. Once your monkey butter has thickened to the right consistency, it’s time to prepare for storage. Take sterilized, hot jars and carefully spoon the hot mixture into them, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top. Seal the jars with lids, and then process them in a hot water bath for 15 minutes. The heat will help preserve the monkey butter for a longer shelf life. After the water bath, remove the jars and let them cool completely before storing.

This recipe makes a batch that should fill about 7 to 8 half-pint jars, so it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, or for keeping as a delicious homemade treat.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Monkey Butter

• Bananas: Make sure to use ripe bananas that have no brown spots. Bananas that are overly ripe may affect the texture of your spread.
• Coconut: If you’re looking for a smoother texture, go with ground coconut. If you like a bit of extra texture in your monkey butter, shredded coconut works best.
• Preserving: The pectin is optional, but if you want your monkey butter to set quicker and have a firmer consistency, adding it will help. Without pectin, the butter will still thicken, but it might take a little longer to reach the desired texture.

MONKEY BUTTER

This recipe has a tropical flair that makes it so unique. You can enjoy it as a spread, topping, or even a filling for pastries. It’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even as a gift in cute jars!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 7-8 half-pint jars

Ingredients

• 5 medium-sized ripe bananas (no brown spots)
• 20 oz can of crushed pineapple (do not drain)
• 1/2 cup shredded, flaked, or ground coconut
• 3 1/2 cups sugar
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice concentrate
• 1 box pectin (optional)

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients except the bananas in a large saucepan. Slice the bananas and add them last. Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring often.
2. Use a potato masher to break down the bananas as the mixture boils. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
3. Spoon the hot mixture into sterilized jars, seal with lids, and process in a hot water bath for 15 minutes.

Let cool, and enjoy your homemade monkey butter!