Monkey Butter Recipe: A Tropical Spread You’ll Want on Everything

Monkey Butter Recipe

Thank you so much for being here today—truly. This recipe is one of those joyful, sunshine-in-a-jar creations that I can’t help but smile about. Monkey Butter is sweet, tropical, silky, and unbelievably easy to make… the kind of spread that makes toast exciting again. Anything but boring!!

Every time I make a fresh batch, the kitchen fills with the warm smell of bananas, pineapple, and coconut simmering together, and I’m instantly transported somewhere sunny. Why don’t I make this more often?!

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Overview of Monkey Butter

Monkey Butter is a tropical fruit spread made from bananas, pineapple, coconut, and sugar simmered into a silky, jam-like mixture. It’s bright, fruity, sweet, and gently tart—the perfect topping for toast, waffles, pancakes, yogurt, biscuits, and even ice cream.

Think banana-pineapple jam with a hint of coconut. Pure sunshine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Made with simple, affordable ingredients
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Perfect for breakfast, desserts, and gifting
• Kid-approved and freezer-friendly
• Naturally tropical and refreshing
• Spreadable, spoonable, irresistible

What Does Monkey Butter Taste Like?

Warm banana flavor meets tangy pineapple and just the smallest hint of coconut. It’s creamy but not heavy, fruity but not overly sweet, and tastes just like a tropical island vacation. It’s sunshine in a jar—bright, happy, and utterly addictive.

Benefits of This Recipe

• No canning skills required
• Quick stovetop recipe
• Stores beautifully
• Versatile—use it on SO many foods
• Great for using up ripe bananas
• Naturally dairy-free and vegan

Monkey Butter Ingredients

• 5 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (with juice)
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional add-ins: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, coconut extract

Tools You’ll Need

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Knife + cutting board
• Mason jars or storage containers
• Potato masher (optional)

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

• Use brown sugar for a caramelized flavor
• Add cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth
• Swap shredded coconut for coconut milk
• Use lime juice instead of lemon
• Add mango or peach for more tropical sweetness
• Add coconut extract for stronger coconut flavor
• Make it chunky or smooth by mashing or blending

How to Make Monkey Butter (Step-by-Step)

1. Combine Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, combine:

• sliced bananas
• crushed pineapple with juice
• sugar
• shredded coconut
• lemon juice

Stir well.

2. Cook the Mixture

Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and cook 15–20 minutes, stirring often.

Bananas should soften completely, and the mixture will thicken like jam.

3. Add Vanilla

Stir in vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

4. Cool

Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. It thickens more as it cools.

5. Store

Transfer to jars or airtight containers. Refrigerate and enjoy!

What to Serve with Monkey Butter

• Toast or biscuits
• Pancakes and waffles
• Yogurt
• Oatmeal
• Cottage cheese
• Ice cream
• Crepes
• Muffins
• Smoothie bowls
• Banana bread
• Cheesecake topping
• PB&J upgrade!

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Up to 2 weeks
• Freezer: Up to 2–3 months (freeze in small portions!)
• Canning: Not recommended—bananas are unsafe for home canning

General Information

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total: 30 minutes
• Servings: 3–4 cups
• Difficulty: Easy

Conclusion

This Monkey Butter recipe is tropical, bright, creamy, and unforgettable—truly a spread you’ll want on everything. Whether you’re topping toast, swirling it into yogurt, or gifting jars to loved ones, this sunshine-filled treat always brings smiles.

If you love fruity spreads, try my Strawberry Butter, Honey Peach Jam, and Pineapple Preserves next!

Share Your Tropical Creations!

If you make this recipe, please leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest—I love seeing your beautiful kitchen creations!

Nutritional Information (approx. per tablespoon)

• Calories: 35
• Fat: 0.5g
• Carbs: 8g
• Sugar: 7g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: <1g