Posted by A Sweet Tropical Delight – How to Make a Delicious Banana-Pineapple Spread
If you’re a fan of sweet and fruity spreads, this tropical-inspired treat is sure to win your heart! Imagine a luscious blend of ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and coconut, all coming together to create a rich, golden spread that’s bursting with flavor. This versatile recipe, often called “Monkey Butter,” is perfect for desserts, breakfast spreads, or as a delightful topping for your favorite snacks. It’s easy to make with just a few simple ingredients, and the best part? You can store it in jars to enjoy for weeks.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to make this incredible banana-pineapple spread step-by-step, from choosing the right bananas to mastering the cooking process for a perfect texture. Let’s dive into this flavorful journey!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With only five main ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
- Versatile Usage: Use it as a spread on toast, a topping for pancakes, a filling for pastries, or even a unique addition to your yogurt or ice cream.
- Tropical Flavors: The combination of bananas, pineapple, and coconut brings a delightful tropical vibe to your kitchen.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This spread is naturally vegetarian, and you can easily adjust it to suit vegan preferences by ensuring all ingredients are plant-based.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this magical spread:
- Perfectly Ripe Bananas (5 medium-sized): Use bananas that are ripe but not overly soft. Look for a yellow peel with no brown spots for the best flavor and consistency.
- Crushed Pineapple (20 oz): Use canned crushed pineapple, including the juice, to add natural sweetness and moisture to the mix.
- Shredded Coconut (½ cup): You can use shredded, flaked, or ground coconut based on your preference. Choose unsweetened coconut for better control of sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar (3 ½ cups): This ingredient is essential for preserving the spread and enhancing its sweetness.
- Lemon Juice Concentrate (3 tbsp): Lemon juice adds a hint of tartness, balances the sweetness, and acts as a natural preservative.
- Pectin (Optional): Pectin can help thicken the spread, but it’s optional as the natural pectin in bananas and pineapple may suffice.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To make this recipe, you’ll need:
- A heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching.
- A wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring.
- A potato masher or fork to achieve the desired consistency.
- Sterilized glass jars with lids for storing the spread.
- A large pot for the hot water bath if you’re canning the spread.
Tips for the Best Results
- Choose the Right Bananas: The bananas should be sweet and ripe but not mushy. Overripe bananas may alter the texture and make the spread too soft.
- Don’t Drain the Pineapple Juice: The juice adds a wonderful depth of flavor and helps create the perfect consistency.
- Stir Continuously: To avoid burning, stir the mixture often, especially as it starts to thicken.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Taste the mixture during cooking and adjust the sugar as needed. If you prefer a less sweet spread, reduce the sugar slightly.
- Consistency is Key: Use a potato masher to break down the bananas, ensuring the mixture isn’t too lumpy. You can also blend the mixture slightly if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Properly Seal the Jars: If you’re canning the spread, ensure the jars are sterilized, and process them in a hot water bath for at least 15 minutes to ensure safe storage.
Storage and Shelf Life
- Refrigeration: If not processed for canning, store the spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Canned Jars: Properly canned jars can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Simple Recipe for Banana-Pineapple Spread
Ingredients:
- 5 medium ripe bananas (no brown spots)
- 20 oz can of crushed pineapple (including juice)
- ½ cup shredded, flaked, or ground coconut
- 3 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp lemon juice concentrate
- 1 box pectin (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare Ingredients: Add all ingredients except bananas into a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Slice the bananas into thin pieces and add them to the pan.
- Cook the Mixture: Turn on the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently.
- Mash the Bananas: Use a potato masher or fork to break down the bananas to your desired consistency.
- Simmer Until Thickened: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Continue cooking while stirring often until the mixture reaches your preferred thickness (about 10-12 minutes).
- Jar and Seal: Spoon the hot mixture into sterilized jars, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top. Seal with lids and process in a hot water bath for 15 minutes for long-term storage.
Enjoy this delightful spread on toast, pancakes, or even straight out of the jar!
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