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This irresistible Drunken Monkey Banana Rum Jam transforms overripe bananas into a luxurious spread that walks the line between jam and dessert sauce.
The first time I made this jam, I served it at a family brunch alongside fresh biscuits.
Drunken Monkey Banana Rum Jam Ingredients
- 4-5 overripe bananas: The spottier and darker, the better!
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and preserves color
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Creates the syrupy base
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds depth with molasses notes
- 1 cup water: Forms the liquid base
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds aromatic complexity
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides warm spice notes
- 2-3 tablespoons rum: Gives the jam its 'drunken' character
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How to Make Banana Rum Jam
- Step 1: Prepare the bananas
- Peel and mash bananas, leaving some chunks for texture
- Step 2: Add acid
- Stir in lemon juice to prevent browning
- Step 3: Create sugar syrup
- Combine water and sugars in skillet until dissolved
- Step 4: Add bananas and flavorings
- Mix in banana mash, vanilla, cinnamon and rum
- Step 5: Simmer to perfection
- Cook on low for 30 minutes until thickened
- Step 6: Test for doneness
- Jam should coat the back of a spoon
- Step 7: Jar and cool
- Transfer to clean jars and cool completely
- Step 8: Chill and enjoy
- Refrigerate 4 hours before serving
The Perfect Consistency
Finding the sweet spot between too runny and too thick can be tricky with banana jam.
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Creative Ways to Enjoy
This versatile jam goes far beyond the humble piece of toast.
The Science of Caramelization
The magic of this jam happens during the simmering process when the sugars caramelize.
My grandmother always had a special way with preserving fruits.
My final thought on this Drunken Monkey Banana Rum Jam is that it represents everything wonderful about home cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long will this banana rum jam keep in the refrigerator?
- Since this is a quick jam that isn't processed for shelf stability, it should be stored in the refrigerator and used within 1-2 weeks. The high sugar content helps preserve it, but without proper canning procedures, it's not suitable for long-term storage.
- → Can I make this jam without alcohol?
- Absolutely! Simply substitute the 2 tablespoons of rum with 2 tablespoons of rum extract for all the flavor without the alcohol. You could also use 1 teaspoon of rum extract for a milder flavor, as extracts are more concentrated.
- → My jam seems too runny. How can I thicken it?
- If your jam is still runny after cooling completely, you can return it to the pan and simmer it for an additional 5-10 minutes to reduce it further. Remember that the jam will continue to thicken as it cools, so it's better to slightly under-reduce than over-reduce.
- → What type of rum works best in this recipe?
- A golden or dark rum complements the banana and brown sugar flavors best, adding caramel and vanilla notes. Spiced rum also works wonderfully, enhancing the cinnamon flavor already in the recipe. Avoid white rum as it won't contribute as much depth of flavor.
- → What other ways can I use this jam besides the suggested toast, pancakes, and ice cream?
- This versatile jam makes a fantastic filling for crepes, topping for oatmeal or yogurt, swirl-in for muffin batter, or even as a glaze for grilled pound cake. It also pairs wonderfully with cheese boards, particularly with brie or cream cheese on crackers.