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Drunken Monkey Banana Jam

This Drunken Monkey Banana Jam is a tropical, slightly boozy, utterly delightful twist on traditional jam. It's surprisingly easy to whip up, fast from stove to jar, and perfect for gifting or simply enjoying on toast, in yogurt, or straight from the jar.
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Cook Time 16 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Condiment
Cuisine: American, Tropical
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 ripe bananas mashed
  • 0.25 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 0.5 cup dark rum
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 tsp cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 pouch fruit pectin

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan
  • Jars (with lids and bands)
  • Boiling Water Bath Canner (Optional)

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Grab a medium saucepan large enough for the mixture to boil without overflowing.
  2. Step 2: Combine mashed bananas, lemon juice, dark rum, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg in the saucepan. Stir to combine.
  3. Step 3: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir constantly as the mixture heats up and comes to a rolling boil.
  4. Step 4: Once at a rolling boil, stir in the fruit pectin. Continue stirring and boil vigorously for exactly 1 minute.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low and let the jam simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to your liking. It will thicken further as it cools.
  6. Step 6: Remove the pot from the heat and let the jam cool slightly for a few minutes before jarring.
  7. Step 7: Carefully ladle the warm jam into clean, sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace.
  8. Step 8: Wipe the rim of each jar with a clean, damp cloth. Place lids and screw bands on snugly (do not overtighten).

Notes

Notes: Use very ripe bananas for best flavor and sweetness. The lemon juice is crucial for both flavor balance and food safety (especially if canning). Stir constantly during the initial boil to prevent scorching. Jam will thicken more as it cools; test thickness by cooling a spoonful on a cold plate. Sterilize jars before filling.
Storage: Jars processed in a boiling water bath can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for up to a year (if sealed). Unprocessed or opened jars must be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks.
Substitutions & Additions: Dark rum can be substituted with white rum, bourbon, or omitted entirely. Try adding ground ginger, cloves, cardamom, chopped nuts (pecans/walnuts), or mini chocolate chips. A low-sugar pectin can be used for reduced sugar versions, but texture and shelf life may vary.
Uses: Spread on toast, biscuits, pancakes, waffles. Swirl into yogurt or oatmeal. Use as filling for crepes or thumbprint cookies. Spoon over ice cream or mix into a smoothie.