Introduction

Oh, friends, do you ever get that feeling? The one where a certain scent or flavor just whisks you back to a simpler time, maybe a cozy kitchen, or a sun-drenched afternoon? For me, that’s exactly what happens when I whip up this Drunken Monkey Banana Jam. It’s a little bit sweet, a little bit tropical, and completely utterly delightful. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make, making it the perfect little project for any day of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Fast: You can have this jam ready in less time than it takes to brew a pot of coffee!
So Easy: Seriously, if you can mash a banana, you can make this jam. No fancy techniques needed.
Perfect for Gifting: Package it up in cute jars with a ribbon, and you’ve got a thoughtful, homemade gift that’s always appreciated.
A Big Crowd-Pleaser: From kids to grown-ups, everyone raves about this unique flavor combination. It’s not your average jam!

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create this little jar of happiness:

Ripe Bananas, Mashed: The riper, the better! They’ll be sweeter and mash up like a dream.
Pineapple Juice or Rum Extract: This is where the “drunken” magic happens, without any actual alcohol! Pineapple juice gives a lovely tropical tang, and rum extract adds that signature warm, spiced note.
Sugar: Just enough to sweeten and help with the setting process. You can adjust this to your liking.
Lemon Juice (Optional): A little squeeze can brighten up the flavors and help the jam set nicely.
Shredded Coconut (Optional): If you’re a coconut lover like I am, a sprinkle of this adds a wonderful texture and tropical vibe.
Spices like Cinnamon or Nutmeg (Optional): These are like little flavor boosters! A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add such warmth and depth.

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get our hands a little sticky (in the best way possible!). This is where the magic truly happens.

Mash Those Bananas: Grab your ripe bananas and pop them into a medium saucepan. Use a fork or a potato masher to get them nice and smooth. A few small lumps are totally fine – they’ll cook down.
Add the Liquids and Sugar: Pour in your pineapple juice or rum extract. If you’re using it, add the lemon juice now too. Sprinkle in your sugar and any optional spices you’ve chosen.
Stir and Simmer: Give everything a good stir to combine. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
Cook Until Thickened: Now, this is where the patience comes in, but it’s not long! Let the jam simmer, stirring often, for about 15-25 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. It should be like a nice, spreadable jam. If you’re adding shredded coconut, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Test for Set: To see if your jam is ready, pop a small plate in the freezer before you start cooking. Once the jam looks thickened, spoon a tiny bit onto the cold plate. Let it sit for a minute, then gently push it with your finger. If it wrinkles a little, it’s ready! If it’s still too runny, let it simmer for a few more minutes and test again.
Jar It Up! Once the jam has reached the perfect consistency, carefully ladle it into clean jars. Leave a little headspace at the top. Let the jars cool on the counter, then seal them.

Substitutions & Additions

This recipe is wonderfully forgiving, so feel free to play around! Here are some ideas I love:

For the “Drunken” Flavor: If you don’t have rum extract, you can also use a splash of vanilla extract for a hint of warmth. Or, try a touch of banana extract to really amp up that banana flavor!
Fruity Friends: Want to add another layer of flavor? A little bit of mashed mango or a handful of crushed pineapple can be delicious additions.
Spice It Up: Beyond cinnamon and nutmeg, a tiny pinch of ground ginger or even cardamom can add a wonderful complexity.
Citrus Zest: A little bit of lime or orange zest can add a bright, zesty note that complements the banana beautifully.

Tips for Success

A few little tricks can make all the difference!

Use VERY Ripe Bananas: I can’t stress this enough! The sweeter the bananas, the less sugar you’ll need, and the richer the flavor will be.
Stir, Stir, Stir: Don’t walk away from your jam while it’s simmering! Stirring prevents it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.
Don’t Overcook: While you want it thick, overcooking can make the jam too stiff. Remember it will thicken more as it cools.
Prep Ahead: You can mash your bananas a little ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook the jam.

How to Store It

This jam is best enjoyed fresh, but it will keep beautifully! Once the jars are sealed and cooled, store them in a cool, dark place for up to 2-3 weeks. Once opened, keep the jar in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2-3 weeks.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Q: Can I make this jam with less sugar?
A: Absolutely! If your bananas are super ripe and sweet, you can definitely reduce the sugar. Taste as you go and adjust to your preference.
Q: My jam seems a bit thin. What did I do wrong?
A: Don’t worry! It might just need a little more time to simmer and thicken. Remember, it will thicken more as it cools. If it’s still too thin after a bit more cooking, you can always try adding a small amount of pectin, following package directions.
Q: How can I use this jam besides on toast?
A: Oh, the possibilities are endless! Dollop it on yogurt, swirl it into oatmeal, spread it on pancakes or waffles, use it as a filling for thumbprint cookies, or even pair it with cheese for a delightful appetizer!

Drunken Monkey Banana Jam (Alcohol-Free!)

A sweet, tropical, and easy-to-make banana jam with a hint of "drunken" flavor from pineapple juice or rum extract, perfect for gifting or enjoying on toast and more.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Cook Time 25

Equipment

Medium saucepan
Fork or potato masher
small plate for testing set
Jar(s) clean, for storage

Ingredients

Main ingredients

ripe bananas, mashed The riper, the better! They'll be sweeter and mash up like a dream.
pineapple juice or rum extract This is where the "drunken" magic happens, without any actual alcohol! Pineapple juice gives a lovely tropical tang, and rum extract adds that signature warm, spiced note.
sugar Just enough to sweeten and help with the setting process. You can adjust this to your liking.

Optional ingredients

lemon juice A little squeeze can brighten up the flavors and help the jam set nicely.
shredded coconut If you’re a coconut lover like I am, a sprinkle of this adds a wonderful texture and tropical vibe.
spices like cinnamon or nutmeg These are like little flavor boosters! A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add such warmth and depth.

Instructions

Mash your ripe bananas in a medium saucepan until mostly smooth.
Add the pineapple juice or rum extract, optional lemon juice, sugar, and any chosen spices.
Stir everything to combine and place over medium heat.
Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Cook for 15-25 minutes, or until thickened. Stir in shredded coconut during the last 5 minutes of cooking if using.
Test for set: spoon a small amount onto a pre-chilled plate. If it wrinkles when pushed, it's ready. If not, simmer longer.
Ladle the jam into clean jars, leaving headspace, and let cool before sealing.

Notes

Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 2-3 weeks. Refrigerate after opening and consume within 2-3 weeks.