Monkey Butter Creative Uses

Monkey Butter, a sweet and tangy banana pineapple jam, is far more than just a delicious spread for toast or biscuits. Its unique tropical flavor profile, which combines the rich sweetness of bananas with the tart brightness of pineapple, opens up a world of culinary possibilities.

Imagine starting your morning with a dollop of Monkey Butter swirled into oatmeal or layered in a yogurt parfait for a fruity boost. You can also use it as a filling for crepes or pancakes, elevating your breakfast to a tropical getaway. For bakers, Monkey Butter works beautifully as a filling for pastries, muffins, or cupcakes, adding moisture and a burst of flavor. It can even replace traditional jam in recipes like thumbprint cookies or cake glazes, lending an exotic flair to classic desserts.

From enhancing breakfast staples to adding a tropical twist to desserts and even savory dishes, this versatile jam invites creativity in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a home preserver looking for new ways to use your favorite jam, Monkey Butter is sure to inspire fresh ideas.

What Is Monkey Butter?

Monkey Butter is a delightful homemade jam made by cooking down bananas, crushed pineapple, sugar, and optional shredded coconut to create a smooth and flavorful spread. The combination of ingredients brings a tropical twist to the world of preserves, capturing the essence of sunshine in every jar. Its natural sweetness comes from the fruit, with just enough sugar to enhance the flavors without overpowering them, making it a healthier alternative to many commercial jams.

This versatile jam is a favorite among home canners and food enthusiasts alike, not just for its flavor but also for its ease of preparation. Whether you’re an experienced preserver or trying your hand at homemade jams for the first time, Monkey Butter is an approachable recipe that yields impressive results.

If you’ve never made Monkey Butter before, my detailed Monkey Butter Recipe offers step-by-step instructions to help you achieve the perfect texture and balance of flavors. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a preserve that will quickly become a staple in your pantry.

Creative Ways to Use Monkey Butter

1. Breakfast Boosters

• Spread on Pancakes or Waffles: Swap out traditional syrup for Monkey Butter to bring a tropical twist to your morning stack.
• Layer in Yogurt Parfaits: Add a dollop of Monkey Butter between layers of yogurt and granola for a burst of sweetness.
• Top on Oatmeal: Stir Monkey Butter into warm oatmeal for a naturally sweet and fruity start to your day.

2. Dessert Delights

• Filling for Cakes or Cupcakes: Use Monkey Butter as a flavorful filling for vanilla or coconut cakes.
• Drizzle Over Ice Cream: Warm Monkey Butter slightly and drizzle it over vanilla or coconut ice cream for an easy dessert upgrade.
• Topping for Cheesecake: Spread a layer on top of plain cheesecake to create a tropical dessert that’s hard to resist.

3. Savory Pairings

• Glaze for Meats: Brush Monkey Butter over chicken, pork, or ham during the last few minutes of roasting or grilling for a caramelized, tropical glaze.
• Dip for Fried Foods: Pair it with coconut shrimp or fried plantains as a dipping sauce.
• Sandwich Spread: Use Monkey Butter as a unique spread on turkey or ham sandwiches to balance savory flavors with sweetness.

4. Snacks and Appetizers

• Cheese Board Companion: Serve Monkey Butter alongside aged cheddar or creamy brie for a tropical twist on a classic cheese board.
• Spread on Crackers: Pair it with cream cheese and crackers for an easy appetizer.
• Fruit Dip: Mix Monkey Butter with a little cream cheese or yogurt to create a dip for fresh fruit.

5. Baking Enhancer

• Swirl into Muffins or Quick Breads: Add Monkey Butter to banana bread or muffin batter for extra moisture and flavor.
• Filling for Pastries: Use it as a filling for turnovers, hand pies, or crepes.
• Top on Scones or Biscuits: Serve Monkey Butter as a spread for warm scones or biscuits.

Ready to elevate your dishes with Monkey Butter? Try these creative uses and let your culinary imagination soar. Share your unique Monkey Butter creations by tagging @CanningDiva on social media. I’d love to see how you’re using this tropical jam in your kitchen!

For more inspiration, explore The Spruce Eats for creative recipes using your home canned jams. Let Monkey Butter bring a sweet touch to your next meal and be sure to stay creative.

Tropical Monkey Butter Yogurt Parfait

This Tropical Monkey Butter Yogurt Parfait is a quick and delicious treat that layers creamy yogurt, crunchy granola, fresh fruit, and the sweet, tropical flavors of Monkey Butter. Perfect for breakfast or a midday snack, it’s a refreshing and satisfying way to enjoy this versatile banana pineapple jam!

Ingredients (Serves 2):

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or your favorite yogurt)
• 4 tablespoons Monkey Butter
• ½ cup granola
• ½ cup fresh fruit (e.g., sliced bananas, pineapple chunks, or cubed mango)
• Optional: 2 tablespoons shredded coconut or mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Layer the yogurt: Divide half of the yogurt between two glasses or bowls, spreading it evenly as the base layer.
2. Add the Monkey Butter: Spoon 1 tablespoon of Monkey Butter over the yogurt in each glass, spreading it gently to create a layer.
3. Sprinkle the granola: Add 2 tablespoons of granola to each glass as the next layer.
4. Top with fruit: Scatter a mix of fresh fruit over the granola for a burst of flavor and color.
5. Repeat layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining yogurt, Monkey Butter, granola, and fruit.
6. Garnish: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top for an extra tropical touch or adorn with a mint leave spring. You may also add additional granola on top for extra crunch.

Serve and enjoy!
This parfait is a quick and delicious breakfast or snack that showcases Monkey Butter’s tropical flavors. It’s the perfect way to enjoy this versatile jam while adding a fruity twist to your day!

Tropical Monkey Butter Yogurt Parfait

Recipe by The Canning Diva

5.0 from 1 vote

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

This Tropical Monkey Butter Yogurt Parfait is a quick and delicious treat that layers creamy yogurt, crunchy granola, fresh fruit, and the sweet, tropical flavors of Monkey Butter. Perfect for breakfast or a midday snack, it’s a refreshing and satisfying way to enjoy this versatile banana pineapple jam!

Ingredients

US Metric

• 1 cup 1 plain Greek yogurt (or your favorite yogurt)

• 4 tablespoons 4 Monkey Butter

• ½ cup granola

• ½ cup fresh fruit (e.g., sliced bananas, pineapple chunks, or cubed mango)

• Optional: 2 tablespoons shredded coconut or mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

• Layer the yogurt: Divide half of the yogurt between two glasses or bowls, spreading it evenly as the base layer.
• Add the Monkey Butter: Spoon 1 tablespoon of Monkey Butter over the yogurt in each glass, spreading it gently to create a layer.
• Sprinkle the granola: Add 2 tablespoons of granola to each glass as the next layer.
• Top with fruit: Scatter a mix of fresh fruit over the granola for a burst of flavor and color.
• Repeat layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining yogurt, Monkey Butter, granola, and fruit.
• Garnish: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top for an extra tropical touch or adorn with a mint leave spring. You may also add additional granola on top for extra crunch.

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