Drunken Monkey Jam: A Fun Twist on Fruit Spreads Recipe

Introduction

Drunken Monkey Jam is a delightful and unique fruit spread featuring ripe bananas infused with citrus and warm spices. This easy-to-make jam offers a fun twist on traditional fruit preserves, perfect for spreading on toast or adding to desserts.

Ingredients

• 3.5 large ripe bananas (chopped)
• 1 lime (juice of)
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• 0.75 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon molasses

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan.
2. Step 2: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jam thickens to your desired consistency.
4. Step 4: Remove from heat and let the jam cool slightly.
5. Step 5: Ladle the jam into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace.
6. Step 6: Wipe the rims of the jars clean and seal with lids.
7. Step 7: (Optional) Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing.
8. Step 8: Let the jars cool completely. Check seals by pressing down on the center of each lid; if it doesn’t flex, it is properly sealed.

Tips & Variations

• Use very ripe bananas for the sweetest flavor and easiest cooking.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a spicier jam variation.
• For a boozy twist, stir in a splash of rum after cooking and before jarting the jam.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, mash the bananas before cooking or blend the jam slightly after cooling.

Storage

Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months. Once opened, keep the jam refrigerated and use within 2 weeks. Reheat gently before serving if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw frozen bananas completely and drain any excess liquid before using to avoid a too-thin jam.

Is the boiling water bath necessary?

The boiling water bath helps seal the jars properly for long-term storage. If you plan to consume the jam quickly, you can skip this step and refrigerate it after cooling.

Drunken Monkey Jam: A Fun Twist on Fruit Spreads Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 60 reviews

Drunken Monkey Jam is a delightful and unique fruit spread featuring ripe bananas infused with citrus juices, warm spices, and a hint of molasses. This homemade jam offers a fun twist on traditional fruit preserves, perfect for spreading on toast, adding to desserts, or as a flavorful topping for breakfast dishes.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 2 cups of jam 1x
• Category: Preserves
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits & Liquids

• 3.5 large ripe bananas, chopped
• 1 lime (juice of)
• 2 tablespoons orange juice

Sweeteners & Spices

• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• 0.75 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon molasses

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped bananas, lime juice, orange juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, water, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and molasses thoroughly.
2. Boil Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to dissolve sugars and prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom.
3. Simmer to Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and let the jam simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the mixture thicken to the desired jam consistency.
4. Cool Slightly: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the jam to cool slightly, which makes it easier to handle for the next steps.
5. Prepare Jars: Ladle the jam into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rim of each jar clean to ensure a proper seal.
6. Seal Jars: Secure the jars with clean lids and rings.
7. Optional Water Bath Processing: For longer shelf life, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing and sterilization.
8. Cool and Check Seals: Let the jars cool completely. Test each lid by pressing down in the center; if it does not flex, the jar is properly sealed and ready for storage.

Notes

• Ensure jars are sterilized before filling to prevent spoilage.
• Adjust sugar quantities based on your preferred sweetness level.
• Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
• The water bath processing step is optional but recommended for longer shelf storage.
• Store opened jam in the refrigerator and consume within a few weeks.

Keywords: banana jam, homemade jam, fruit preserves, Drunken Monkey Jam, banana fruit spread, cinnamon jam, citrus infused jam