Oh my goodness, let me tell you about monkey butter! This sweet and creamy spread is a delightful blend of ripe bananas, shredded coconut, and just a hint of spice. It’s like sunshine in a jar! I first came across this recipe at a family gathering, and it quickly became a favorite. The way it pairs with toast or even a scoop over vanilla ice cream is simply divine. If you haven’t tried monkey butter yet, you’re in for a real treat! Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll want to spread it on everything.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious monkey butter. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that creamy, tropical flavor!
- 2 cups mashed ripe bananas: Make sure they’re really ripe for the sweetest flavor and smoothest texture.
- 1 cup shredded coconut: I love using unsweetened coconut for a more natural taste, but sweetened works too if you prefer extra sweetness!
- 1 cup sugar: This adds just the right amount of sweetness, but feel free to adjust it to suit your taste.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans: They add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor—just give them a rough chop before adding.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: This brightens up the flavors and balances the richness of the bananas and coconut.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Because who doesn’t love that warm, comforting vanilla aroma?
How to Prepare Monkey Butter Instructions
Making monkey butter is an absolute breeze! Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of this deliciously sweet spread. You’ll be slathering it on everything in no time!
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add in the mashed ripe bananas first—this will be the base of your monkey butter. Then, sprinkle in the shredded coconut and sugar. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. Don’t worry if it’s a bit lumpy; that’s the beauty of the bananas!
Step 2: Add Pecans and Flavorings
Next, fold in the chopped pecans, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. This is where the magic happens! Make sure to mix thoroughly so every spoonful gets that nutty crunch and delightful flavor. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
Step 3: Cook the Mixture
Now it’s time to move things to the stovetop! Transfer your mixture to a saucepan and set it over medium heat. You’ll want to cook it, stirring frequently, for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it thickens up; you’re looking for a creamy, spreadable consistency. Just imagine how good that will taste!
Step 4: Cool and Store
Once your monkey butter has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a bit. Then, transfer it into jars. Make sure to store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Trust me, waiting for it to cool is the hardest part—you’ll want to dive right in!
Nutritional Information
When you’re enjoying monkey butter, it’s nice to know a bit about its nutritional content! Here’s a breakdown of the typical values you’ll find in a serving size of 2 tablespoons. Keep in mind, these are estimates based on standard ingredients, but they give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in.
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
This creamy delight is a sweet treat, but it also packs a bit of fiber from the bananas and pecans. So, go ahead and enjoy it guilt-free in moderation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can whip up a batch of monkey butter in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for a last-minute treat!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of bananas, coconut, and spices creates a sweet and tropical taste that’s simply irresistible.
- Versatile Spread: Monkey butter is fantastic on toast, pancakes, or even as a topping for desserts like ice cream and yogurt.
- Diet-Friendly: This recipe is vegetarian and can easily be adjusted for vegans by omitting the sugar or using a substitute.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for a delicious snack or breakfast option throughout the week.
- Kid-Approved: Kids love the sweet flavor and fun texture, making it a hit with the whole family!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your monkey butter turns out perfectly every time! Trust me, a little attention to detail makes a big difference.
- Use Really Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your monkey butter will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots—they’re perfect for mashing!
- Adjust the Sugar: Feel free to tweak the sugar amount based on your taste preference. If you like it sweeter, add a little more; if you want to cut back, it’s just as delicious with less!
- Mix Thoroughly: When you combine the ingredients, make sure everything is well mixed. This helps distribute the flavors evenly, ensuring every bite is delicious.
- Watch the Cooking Time: Keep stirring as it cooks! Cooking for about 20 minutes helps thicken it, but if you notice it getting too thick too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
- Cool Completely Before Storing: Allow your monkey butter to cool completely before transferring to jars. This helps prevent condensation and keeps it fresh.
- Experiment with Spices: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra flavor kick. Just a hint can elevate your spread to the next level!
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating the best monkey butter ever. Happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about monkey butter is how flexible it is! You can easily customize it to suit your taste buds or to use up what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Nutty Twist: Swap out the pecans for other nuts like walnuts or almonds. They add a different flavor and texture that’s equally delicious!
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or a dash of cinnamon. It adds a surprising depth to the sweetness!
- Fruit Fusion: Mix in some chopped dried fruits like apricots or cranberries for an extra burst of flavor. Fresh fruits like diced strawberries or blueberries can also work well!
- Chocolate Lover: For a decadent twist, fold in some mini chocolate chips or cocoa powder. Chocolate and banana are a classic combo that never disappoints!
- Coconut Variation: If you really love coconut, try using coconut cream instead of some of the sugar. It will make your monkey butter even more creamy and tropical!
- Maple Magic: Replace the sugar with maple syrup for a warm, rich sweetness that pairs beautifully with the bananas and coconut.
Don’t be afraid to get creative! Monkey butter is a canvas for your culinary imagination. Try different combinations and see what becomes your new favorite. Happy experimenting!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve made your delicious monkey butter, let’s talk about how to enjoy it! This sweet spread is incredibly versatile, and I’m sure you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.
- Toast: Spread a generous layer on warm, buttered toast for a tropical breakfast that’ll make your taste buds dance. It’s simple, satisfying, and oh-so-yummy!
- Pancakes or Waffles: Drizzle some monkey butter over stacks of pancakes or waffles instead of syrup. It adds a wonderful twist that will impress your family during brunch!
- Ice Cream Topping: Spoon it over a dish of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. The warmth of the monkey butter with the cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast!
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer it in a bowl with your favorite yogurt and fresh fruit for a quick and tasty breakfast or snack. It’s a great way to add a sweet, creamy texture!
- Sandwich Spread: Use it as a spread on a peanut butter and banana sandwich for an extra pop of flavor. Trust me, it takes a classic combination to a whole new level!
- Cheese Board: Include monkey butter on a charcuterie board with cheeses, crackers, and nuts. Its sweetness pairs wonderfully with savory elements, making it a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
However you choose to enjoy it, just know that monkey butter is sure to elevate your dishes and bring a smile to your face. Happy spreading!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your monkey butter properly will keep it fresh and delicious for all your spreading needs! Once it’s cooled completely, transfer it into airtight jars or containers. I like to use mason jars because they’re both cute and practical! Just make sure to seal them tightly to lock in that tropical flavor.
You can store your monkey butter in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Trust me, it won’t last that long if you keep enjoying it like I do! If you want to keep it longer, you can also freeze it. Just scoop the monkey butter into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays, and it’ll keep for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy some, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Now, reheating isn’t really necessary since it’s best served chilled or at room temperature. But if you prefer it warm, just spoon out the desired amount into a small saucepan and gently heat it over low heat, stirring constantly until it’s warmed through. How easy is that? Whether you’re spreading it on toast or drizzling it over ice cream, your monkey butter will always be ready to delight your taste buds!
For more information on the health benefits of bananas, check out this Healthline article.
To learn more about the nutritional value of coconut, visit this NCBI study.
Print
Monkey Butter: 4 Simple Steps to a Sweet Delight
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Monkey butter is a sweet and creamy spread made with bananas, coconut, and spices.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed ripe bananas
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, coconut, and sugar.
- Add chopped pecans, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Mix all ingredients until well combined.
- Transfer mixture to a saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook, stirring frequently, for about 20 minutes until thickened.
- Let cool before transferring to jars.
- Store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for better flavor.
- Adjust sugar according to your taste.
- Great on toast or as a topping for desserts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Spread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: monkey butter, banana spread, coconut spread, sweet spread
