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Home » Recipes » Desserts

Monkey Butter: A Tropical Spread Full of Sunshine

Published: Jun 15, 2025 by Janet · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Monkey Butter is an easy-to-make spread that combines some of the best tropical flavors out there. It’s perfect for those who love a sweet, creamy spread with a tropical twist. Whether you’re looking for something to elevate your morning toast or want to add a fun topping to your favorite desserts, this recipe fits the bill. The tropical combination of banana, pineapple, and coconut makes it a refreshing and vibrant choice. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to prepare, requiring only a few ingredients and minimal time.

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe bananas

  • ½ cup shredded coconut

  • ½ cup crushed pineapple (drained)

  • ½ cup sugar

  • ¼ cup butter

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

  2. Add the bananas, shredded coconut, crushed pineapple, and sugar. Stir everything together.

  3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens and becomes a jam-like consistency.

  4. Once it reaches your desired thickness, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly.

  5. Transfer the Monkey Butter to a jar or container and let it cool completely before storing.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: Approximately 1 cup of Monkey Butter

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes

  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

  • Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

  • Add a Dash of Cinnamon: For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mix.

  • Use Different Fruit: Try adding other fruits like mango or papaya to make your own version of tropical butter.

  • Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of chili flakes can give it a nice contrast to the sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Store Monkey Butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Since this spread is cooked and contains sugar, it should last for a good amount of time without spoiling.

To reheat, simply microwave it for about 15-20 seconds or warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat.

FAQs

How do I know if the Monkey Butter is the right consistency?

The Monkey Butter should thicken to a jam-like consistency. If it’s still too liquid, continue to simmer it on low heat until it thickens to your liking.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to crush and drain it to remove excess moisture. Canned pineapple works well because it's already prepped and easy to use.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar according to your preference. However, keep in mind that less sugar may impact the spread’s texture and sweetness.

Is Monkey Butter vegan?

If you use a dairy-free butter, this recipe can easily be made vegan. Just make sure to swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative.

Can I make this recipe without coconut?

Yes, you can omit the shredded coconut if you're not a fan, but the coconut adds a lovely tropical flavor. Consider adding extra fruit or other flavorings to replace it.

Can I freeze Monkey Butter?

Yes, you can freeze Monkey Butter for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it in the refrigerator overnight before using.

What should I pair Monkey Butter with?

Monkey Butter is great on toast, pancakes, waffles, or as a topping for cakes, muffins, or ice cream. You can also pair it with cheese or use it as a filling for pastries.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of sugar?

You can try substituting sugar with honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup, but this may slightly change the flavor and consistency of the spread.

How can I make Monkey Butter thicker?

If your Monkey Butter is too thin, continue to simmer it on low heat until it reduces and thickens to your desired consistency.

Can I double or halve the recipe?

Yes, this recipe is easy to scale up or down depending on how much Monkey Butter you want to make. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Monkey Butter is a fun and unique spread that captures the essence of the tropics in a jar. With its sweet, creamy texture and flavors of banana, pineapple, and coconut, it’s a delightful treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you're spreading it on toast, using it as a topping, or simply enjoying it by the spoonful, Monkey Butter is sure to add a sunny twist to your day. The best part? It's quick, easy, and versatile!

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Monkey Butter is a delightful tropical spread combining banana, pineapple, and coconut. This sweet and creamy treat is perfect for toast, desserts, or pastries, bringing a burst of sunshine to your day.

  • Author: Janet
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cup
  • Category: Spread
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Tropical
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas

½ cup shredded coconut

½ cup crushed pineapple (drained)

½ cup sugar

¼ cup butter

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the bananas, shredded coconut, crushed pineapple, and sugar. Stir everything together.
  3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens and becomes a jam-like consistency.
  4. Once it reaches your desired thickness, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly.
  5. Transfer the Monkey Butter to a jar or container and let it cool completely before storing.

Notes

  • Add a Dash of Cinnamon: For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
  • Use Different Fruit: You can add fruits like mango or papaya for a unique twist.
  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy contrast.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
  • Calories: 60
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 10mg
  • Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg

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Hi, I’m Janet! Welcome to Recipes by Janet, where I share simple, delicious, and reliable recipes for every meal.

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