Drunken Monkey Jam

Drunken Monkey Jam is a playful celebration of ripe bananas and rich dark rum coming together in one dreamy spread. It’s not your average fruit preserve—it’s a passport to a tropical morning and a decadent dessert all in one jar. The natural sweetness of bananas shines through, while a splash of dark rum adds warm, caramel-like undertones that make every bite feel like a mini vacation. Swirling in vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg gives this jam depth, aroma, and a cozy spice profile that pairs seamlessly with everything from morning toast to evening cheese boards. With just a handful of pantry staples—bananas, sugar, a bit of citrus juice—and a dosing of pantry-friendly spices, you’ll whip up a batch that’s as easy to make as it is irresistible to taste.

This beginner-friendly recipe is sitting at the perfect intersection of quick and indulgent: about 10 minutes of prep, roughly 30 minutes of cooking, and another 20 minutes of cool-down time before you dive in. At around 220 calories per two-tablespoon serving, it strikes that sweet spot between guilt-free and utterly decadent. It works wonders as a breakfast companion—brightening up your waffles, scones, or yogurt bowls—and also moonlights as a luscious dessert topping. Whether you’re new to homemade preserves or a seasoned jam-maker looking for something adventurous, Drunken Monkey Jam is a simple yet spectacular way to elevate your home cooking routine.

KEY INGREDIENTS IN DRUNKEN MONKEY JAM

Before we roll up our sleeves and get cooking, let’s meet the stars of this recipe. Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and just the right amount of kick from dark rum. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ripe Bananas

These are the heart of the jam, providing natural sweetness, a creamy texture, and that unmistakable tropical banana flavor. The riper the banana, the more sugar—and flavor—it brings to the party.

• Dark Rum

A spirited addition that infuses the jam with warm, molasses-like notes. It boosts complexity, helps preserve the jam, and lends a fun, grown-up twist to an otherwise classic fruit spread.

• Granulated Sugar

Essential for sweetening, balancing the natural tang of lemon juice, and assisting in the gelling process. It also helps extend the jam’s shelf life and achieve that glossy finish.

• Vanilla Extract

A splash of vanilla brings out the banana’s delicate floral notes and rounds out the flavor profile with its sweet, fragrant complexity.

• Ground Cinnamon

Adds warmth and a hint of spice, complementing the banana’s mellow sweetness and enhancing the overall aroma.

• Ground Nutmeg

Introduces an earthy, nutty depth that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and vanilla, giving the jam a subtle, sophisticated spice blend.

• Lemon Juice

Balances sweetness with a bright, tangy kick, aids in natural preservation, and helps the jam set by activating pectin in the fruit.

HOW TO MAKE DRUNKEN MONKEY JAM

Get ready to transform those simple ingredients into a rich, luscious jam that’s bursting with banana flavor and a whisper of rum warmth. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with a silky, glossy spread perfect for all your breakfast and dessert cravings.

1. Begin by peeling and mashing the ripe bananas in a medium-sized mixing bowl until completely smooth. A potato masher or fork works beautifully—aim for a consistent puree without large lumps.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine the mashed bananas, dark rum, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir gently to mix all the ingredients into a uniform base.

3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir consistently with a wooden spoon until the sugar is fully dissolved. Keep an eye on the mixture to prevent sticking or burning along the bottom.

4. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, allowing the jam to simmer. You’ll see the color deepen and the texture begin to thicken.

5. Stir often and let the jam cook for approximately 20–30 minutes, or until it becomes thick and glossy. The stirring helps prevent scorching and ensures even cooking.

6. Test the jam’s consistency by placing a small spoonful on a cold plate. If it wrinkles when pushed with your finger, you’ve reached the perfect set. If it’s still too loose, continue cooking for a few more minutes.

7. Once the jam has reached the desired thickness, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly for easier handling.

8. Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe the rims clean and seal with sterilized lids to ensure a tight fit.

9. Allow the jars to cool at room temperature before storing them in the refrigerator. The jam can be stored for up to one month refrigerated.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR DRUNKEN MONKEY JAM

There’s nothing more satisfying than unveiling a jar of homemade jam and exploring all the ways you can enjoy it. Drunken Monkey Jam shines in breakfast, brunch, and dessert applications, delivering a layer of fruity sweetness and spiced warmth that complements both sweet and savory dishes. Spread it, swirl it, dollop it—let your creativity run wild. Whether you’re layering it between cake layers, stirring it into grains, or simply spreading it on fresh-baked bread, these ideas will inspire you to make the most of every jar.

• Warm, Buttery Toast

Slather a generous layer of jam onto thick-cut sourdough or brioche toast right out of the toaster. The heat will soften the jam, creating a warm, melting layer that pairs delightfully with a pat of butter.

• Fluffy Scones or Biscuits

Offer the jam alongside freshly baked scones or flaky biscuits. The rich banana flavor and gentle spice notes elevate your tea-time treats and add a gourmet touch to casual gatherings.

• Golden Waffles or Pancakes

Drizzle jam over a stack of warm waffles or pancakes. The smooth, glossy texture seeps into every square, giving each bite a burst of rum-infused goodness and cozy cinnamon warmth.

• Creamy Yogurt Parfait

Layer Greek yogurt, granola, and a spoonful of jam in a glass or bowl for a quick, balanced breakfast or snack. The tang of yogurt complements the tropical sweetness, while granola provides satisfying crunch.

HOW TO STORE DRUNKEN MONKEY JAM

Proper storage is key to maintaining that fresh, bright flavor and silky texture you worked so hard to achieve. Once your jars are sealed and cooled, follow these guidelines to keep your Drunken Monkey Jam tasting its best. Always use clean utensils when serving to avoid introducing contaminants that could shorten its shelf life.

• Refrigerate Sealed Jars

Store your jam in the coldest part of the fridge (not the door) to maintain a steady temperature. Properly sealed and refrigerated, it will stay fresh for up to one month.

• Use Sterilized, Airtight Containers

If you transfer jam to new containers, make sure they’re sterilized and airtight. This helps prevent mold and preserves the jam’s flavor and aroma.

• Freeze for Longer Storage

Spoon jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of headspace for expansion. Frozen jam can last up to six months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

• Keep Away from Direct Sunlight

If you store unopened jars on a pantry shelf, make sure it’s a cool, dark spot. Heat and light can degrade the color and taste over time.

CONCLUSION

Bringing Drunken Monkey Jam into your kitchen routine is like unlocking a tropical treasure chest that’s equally at home on weekend brunch tables and afternoon tea spreads. From the first stir of mashed bananas to the moment you hear the satisfying “pop” of a sealing lid, this beginner-friendly recipe invites you into the world of homemade preserves with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. You’ve discovered how simple ingredients—bananas, sugar, dark rum, and spices—can transform into a luscious, glossy jam that elevates everything from toast and waffles to yogurt parfaits and cheese boards. With just about 10 minutes of prep time, 30 minutes on the stove, and a brief cool-down period, you’ll fill up several jars of this spiced, rum-kissed spread ready to brighten your breakfasts and enrich your desserts.

Feel free to print this article and tuck it into your recipe binder or bookmark it for future reference. Don’t forget that there’s a handy FAQ below if you have any recipe-related questions or troubleshooting needs. If you give Drunken Monkey Jam a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out—any tweaks you made, serving ideas you came up with, or simply your thoughts on that sweet, banana-rum harmony. Your feedback, comments, and questions help me keep these recipes friendly, approachable, and deliciously fun. Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Drunken Monkey Jam

Author: Rebecca Hughes Courses: Dessert

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 30 mins Rest Time 20 mins Total Time 1 hr

Calories: 220

Description

This unique jam brings together ripe bananas and rich dark rum, creating a luscious spread with hints of vanilla and spices. Perfect for enhancing your breakfast routine!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 4 ripe bananas, mashed

• ¹⁄₂ cup dark rum

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Begin by peeling and mashing the ripe bananas in a medium-sized mixing bowl until smooth.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the mashed bananas, dark rum, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture consistently with a wooden spoon until the sugar is fully dissolved.
4. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer.
5. Stir often and let the jam cook for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until it becomes thick and glossy.
6. Test the jam's consistency by placing a small amount on a cold plate; if it wrinkles when pushed with your finger, it's ready. If not, continue cooking for a few more minutes.
7. Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly.
8. Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe the rims clean and seal with sterilized lids.
9. Allow the jars to cool at room temperature before storing them in the refrigerator. The jam can be stored for up to one month refrigerated.

Note

• This jam pairs perfectly with toast, scones, or waffles for a decadent breakfast treat.
• For a non-alcoholic version, substitute dark rum with apple or orange juice.
• If you prefer a less sweet jam, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup.
• Experiment by adding chopped nuts like walnuts for extra texture.
• Always use ripe bananas for maximum flavor and natural sweetness.

Keywords: banana jam, drunken monkey jam, rum preserves, fruit spread, homemade jam, easy recipes