Monkey Butter – The Ultimate Tropical Fruit Spread
Everything You Need to Know About Monkey Butter
What is Monkey Butter?
Monkey Butter is a luscious tropical fruit spread made with bananas, pineapple, and coconut. This sweet, creamy concoction got its playful name from its banana base and tropical flavors that monkeys would love!
Why This Recipe is Special
✔ Naturally Sweet – Ripe fruits provide most of the sweetness
✔ Versatile Uses – Toast, pancakes, yogurt, or ice cream topping
✔ Freezer-Friendly – Stores well for months
✔ Customizable – Adjust flavors to your preference
Key Ingredients & Their Roles
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Bananas – The base that gives it a buttery texture
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Pineapple – Adds tropical tartness
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Coconut – Provides richness and depth
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Lemon Juice – Balances sweetness and prevents browning
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Spices – Cinnamon and vanilla enhance the flavors
Step-by-Step Success Guide
1. Choosing the Best Fruit
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Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness
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Fresh pineapple is ideal, but canned works in a pinch
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Coconut can be shredded fresh, desiccated, or flaked
2. Cooking Technique
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Slow simmering allows flavors to meld
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Frequent stirring prevents sticking
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Cooking time determines thickness
3. Texture Options
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Smooth: Blend before canning
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Chunky: Leave fruit pieces intact
Storage & Preservation
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Refrigerator: 2-3 weeks in airtight jars
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Freezer: 6 months (leave headspace)
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Canning: Properly processed lasts 1 year
Serving Suggestions
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Swirled into oatmeal or yogurt
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Spread on toast or muffins
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Filling for crepes or layer cakes
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Topping for ice cream or pancakes
Nutrition Facts (Per Tbsp)
| Calories | 40 |
| Carbs | 9g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Fat | 1g |
Classic Monkey Butter Recipe
Description
This tropical fruit spread combines bananas, pineapple, and coconut into a velvety smooth, naturally sweet butter that’s irresistible on everything from toast to ice cream.
Time
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Prep: 15 min
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Cook: 45 min
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Total: 1 hour
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Yield: 3 cups
Ingredients
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4 large very ripe bananas, mashed
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1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
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1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
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1/4 cup lemon juice
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/2 tsp cinnamon
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Pinch of salt
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients in a heavy-bottomed saucepan
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Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring frequently
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Cook 40-45 minutes until thickened (reduces by about 1/3)
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Blend (optional) for smoother texture
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Jar while hot, leaving 1/2″ headspace
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Process in water bath for 10 minutes (optional for shelf-stable)
Variations
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Spicy: Add 1/4 tsp nutmeg or pinch of cayenne
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Tropical: Add 1/4 cup diced mango or papaya
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Nutty: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped macadamias at end
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Vegan: Ensure coconut is unsweetened
Expert Tips
✔ Stir every 5 minutes to prevent sticking
✔ Adjust sweetness with honey if needed
✔ For thicker butter, cook longer
✔ Use immediately or follow proper canning procedures