Drunken Monkey Banana Rum Jam

Drunken monkey banana rum jam is a jar of pure comfort and adventure Twists of caramelized banana ribbons and a splash of rum transform toast pancakes and even ice cream into a full-on dessert with almost no effort required You will love how simple and special it makes any morning or midnight snack

The first time I made this I could not believe how quickly it disappeared from the fridge My youngest smeared it on everything from waffles to vanilla pudding and even begged for more after it was gone

Ingredients

• Overly ripe bananas: Deepen the jam’s flavor and natural sweetness Look for brown speckles and softness
• Lemon juice: Keeps bananas bright and prevents the jam from turning brown Freshly squeezed has the best zing
• Sugar and brown sugar: Combine for a caramel background Use unrefined sugar if you want deeper notes
• Water: Just enough to make the syrup base and helps dissolve the sugars
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out all flavors and adds a comforting aroma Go with pure vanilla for a more pronounced finish
• Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and balances sweetness Use fresh cinnamon powder for a stronger aroma
• Rum or rum extract: For a grownup kick or a family-friendly version opt for a good quality rum with vanilla or spice notes

Instructions

Prepare the Bananas:

Peel each banana and add to a medium bowl Use a fork to break bananas into rough pieces Large chunks are fine since they will mash down in the pan Drizzle with lemon juice to keep the color fresh and tangy Set aside while the sugars heat up

Dissolve the Sugars:

Pour water into a medium to large skillet Heat over medium high Just as bubbles start to form sprinkle in the white and brown sugars Grab a whisk and stir until fully dissolved The syrup should look clear and not grainy before moving on

Combine and Simmer:

Add the prepared bananas to the hot syrup Stir in vanilla cinnamon and the rum The scent should be incredible right away Lower the heat as soon as everything is mixed

Slow Cook to Jam:

Let your mixture bubble gently on low for around 30 minutes Give it a good stir now and then Use your spoon to mash the bananas against the side of the skillet as they soften The jam is ready when it becomes rich and glossy and thick enough to easily coat a spoon

Jar and Cool:

Carefully spoon the hot jam into clean glass jars Seal with a lid Pop in the fridge where it will set to a spreadable consistency in a few hours or overnight

Brown sugar is my secret favorite in this recipe because its toasty flavor brings the bananas to life I remember one Saturday my partner and I finished a whole jar just tasting from the spoon while laughing about which fruit to try next

Storage Tips

Keep the jam stored in airtight glass jars in your fridge for maximum freshness I find the flavors get even more intense after a day or two and it will stay perfect for breakfast spreads or desserts for up to two weeks If planning to freeze transfer cooled jam into freezable containers and leave a little room at the top for expansion You can freeze it for up to three months just thaw overnight in the fridge before using

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of rum a blend of vanilla and a splash of orange juice brings a similar warmth For a honey version swap out half the sugar for raw honey which adds a floral sweetness If you want lower sugar use unsweetened applesauce to replace part of the water and reduce sugars by one third

Serving Suggestions

Spread a generous layer on warm toast especially sourdough pancakes or biscuits For dessert add a dollop on vanilla yogurt or drizzle over ice cream French toast with banana rum jam is a total brunch showstopper I even love it as a filling for thumbprint cookies or a sweet swirl in muffin batter

Cultural History

Banana jams and preserves are classic in the Caribbean and southern US where ripe fruit is never wasted The rum nods to island influences and gives the jam personality In many families like mine jams are not just for bread but for surprising new uses that make old recipes shine

Seasonal Adaptations

Add toasted pecans or walnuts in autumn for crunch Use dark rum during the holidays for a richer flavor Try adding nutmeg or allspice for a wintery twist

Success Stories

A friend of mine served this on tiny brioche slices at a party Every guest asked for the recipe and there were no leftovers I often gift this jam in small jars and it is always met with delight My kids once used banana rum jam as an ice cream topping in a bananas foster inspired sundae and declared it the king of all desserts

Freezer Meal Conversion

To make this jam ahead for busy mornings prepare as directed then cool completely Spoon into freezer safe jars or containers Keep a few jars in the freezer and one in the fridge for instant gourmet toast any day Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently warm before serving for fresh jam flavor even weeks later

This jam is a sweet way to turn ripe bananas into something magical Enjoy making it your own and sharing the comfort with friends and family

Common Recipe Questions

→ What kind of bananas work best?

Overly ripe bananas provide the best flavor and texture, as they mash easily and intensify the sweetness.

→ Can I substitute the rum?

Yes, use rum extract for a non-alcoholic version. The flavor remains warm and rich without the alcohol.

→ How do I know when the jam is ready?

The mixture is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and appears syrupy but not runny. It will thicken as it cools.

→ How should I store the jam?

Store the cooled jam in glass jars or airtight containers in the refrigerator. Use within a couple of weeks for best quality.

→ What are the best ways to serve it?

Spread it generously over toast, swirl into yogurt, top pancakes, or spoon onto ice cream for added sweetness.