Hey there, fellow food lovers! Nyla here, and welcome to my delicious corner of the internet!
Today, we’re diving headfirst into a flavor adventure that turned into a total obsession: Banana Jam! It all started one late night when I was craving something sweet but also a little…different. After raiding my fruit bowl and staring into the fridge, inspiration struck. What if I took the humble banana and turned it into something extraordinary?
The results were more than I could have hoped for. This Banana Jam is like sunshine in a jar! Forget boring toast—this stuff transforms everything it touches into a flavor explosion. I’m so excited to share this recipe with you because I know you’re gonna love the delicious magic we’re about to make. Get ready to turn those ripe bananas into something absolutely special!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Banana Jam recipe is all about capturing that bold banana flavor with a touch of sweetness that’s oh-so-satisfying. The best part? You can find everything you need at your regular grocery store.
Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of sunshine in a jar:
- 6 ripe bananas (about 3 cups mashed): These are the stars of the show, so make sure they’re nice and spotty!
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: For the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the banana flavor.
- ¼ cup lemon juice: This adds a tangy zing and helps with preservation.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This brings a warm, comforting spice that complements the banana perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: This adds a hint of nutty depth that elevates the overall flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves: This spice provides a warm, aromatic touch.
- 1 (1.75 ounce) package powdered pectin: This will help the jam set properly. If you don’t have powdered pectin, you can use liquid pectin, but follow the package instructions for adjustments.
My Banana Jam secret that takes it from good to incredible? A pinch of sea salt! It enhances the sweetness and balances all the flavors beautifully. Don’t be afraid to experiment with adding a splash of vanilla extract or a dash of rum for an extra layer of flavor.
No worries if you don’t have fresh lemons – I use bottled lemon juice all the time in my Banana Jam. It works great and saves you a step!
Store any leftover spices in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to keep them fresh for your next Banana Jam adventure!
Let’s Make Some!
Alright, fellow flavor adventurers, let’s get this Banana Jam party started! Trust me, it’s easier than you think, and the results are totally worth it. I’ll guide you through each step like we’re cooking side-by-side in my kitchen.
- Prep the Bananas: Peel your ripe bananas and mash them thoroughly in a large bowl. You want them to be mostly smooth, but a few small chunks are totally fine. This is where the magic starts happening! I like to use a potato masher for this, but a fork works just as well. In my kitchen, this usually takes about 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the mashed bananas, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir everything together until well combined. Don’t worry if your mixture looks a little lumpy at this point – it’ll all come together as it cooks.
- Bring to a Boil: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil that you can’t stir down, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. This is my favorite part of making Banana Jam – watch the delicious magic happen!
- Add Pectin: Stir in the pectin quickly and continue stirring constantly for one minute. Make sure the pectin is fully incorporated to ensure your jam sets properly. Your Banana Jam should smell absolutely incredible right now – a mix of sweet bananas and warm spices.
- Boil Again: Return the mixture to a full, rolling boil for one minute, stirring constantly. This step is crucial for activating the pectin and achieving the right consistency.
- Test for Setting: Remove the saucepan from the heat. To test if the jam is ready, place a small spoonful on a chilled plate and let it sit for a minute. If it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it’s ready. If not, return the saucepan to the heat and boil for another minute, then test again.
- Jar It Up: If you’re canning your jam for long-term storage, follow proper canning procedures. Otherwise, let the jam cool slightly, then transfer it to clean jars. While your Banana Jam is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas!
- Cool and Store: Let the jam cool completely before sealing the jars. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or process in a boiling water bath for longer shelf life.
This easy banana jam is so satisfying and tastes wonderful when spread on banana bread! Speaking of banana bread, if you want to make the ultimate dessert, try this banana bread recipe.
How to Serve Up This!
Okay, now that you’ve got this amazing Banana Jam, let’s talk about how to enjoy it! I have so many ideas, and I’m excited to share my favorites.
Here’s how I love to enjoy this Banana Jam:
- On Toast or Biscuits: This is the classic way to go, and it never disappoints! The warm, sweet jam melts perfectly on toast, making for a comforting breakfast or snack.
- With Yogurt or Oatmeal: Swirl a spoonful into your morning yogurt or oatmeal for a burst of flavor.
- As a Cake Filling: Use it as a filling for cakes or cupcakes to add a unique twist.
- With Cheese and Crackers: The sweetness of the jam pairs surprisingly well with savory cheeses like brie or goat cheese.
- On Grilled Cheese: Elevate your grilled cheese sandwich with a layer of Banana Jam for a sweet and savory treat.
- As a Glaze for Meats: Brush it over grilled chicken or pork for a sweet and sticky glaze.
- In Thumbprint Cookies: Fill thumbprint cookies with Banana Jam for a delightful twist on a classic cookie.
People literally do happy dances when this **Banana Jam** hits the table with warm biscuits!
For a fusion variation, try adding a pinch of chili flakes to your Banana Jam for a spicy kick. It’s unexpected but totally delicious! If you’re loving this comfort food twist, you’ll go crazy for this zucchini banana bread muffins. I also love to bring out my Banana Jam when making french toast!
FAQs:
Got questions about making **Banana Jam**? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get about this recipe:
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Banana Jam?
Absolutely! This recipe is super straightforward, and I’ve broken it down into easy-to-follow steps. You got this!
What if I mess up my Banana Jam? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
Even if it doesn’t set perfectly, it’ll still be delicious! You can use it as a sauce or topping. No waste here!
How can I prep this Banana Jam for busy weeknights?
You can mash the bananas ahead of time and store them in the fridge. This saves you a few minutes when you’re ready to cook.
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
You can, but keep in mind that sugar helps with preservation and setting. I recommend starting with the amount listed and adjusting to your taste next time.
What if I don’t have pectin?
Pectin is crucial for helping the jam set. If you don’t have it, the jam will be more like a syrup. This quick and easy Banana Jam recipe – Souvlaki For The Soul is another option to check out too!
How long does homemade banana jam last?
In the refrigerator, it will last up to 2 weeks, or you can process it in a water bath canner to preserve it for a longer shelf life.
This Banana Jam reminds me of another bold flavor favorite from my page: Banana Bread. This is another recipe that tastes great with banana jam! I was also very inspired by this Banana Jam recipe. If you like both of these recipes, I would recommend this Banana Jam – The Salted Pepper recipe!
CONCLUSION:
Making Banana Jam brings me so much joy because it’s a simple way to transform something ordinary into something extraordinary. It’s like a little jar of sunshine that you can pull out whenever you need a pick-me-up.
My Banana Jam Flavor Secrets
- Spice it Up: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices. A pinch of cardamom or ginger can add a unique twist.
- Add Some Texture: Leave some small chunks of banana for a chunkier jam.
- Get Boozy: A splash of rum or bourbon can add a delicious depth of flavor.
Here are a few delicious Banana Jam variations I’ve tested:
- Spiced Banana Jam: Add a pinch of cardamom, ginger, and allspice for a warm, festive flavor.
- Chocolate Banana Jam: Stir in a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a decadent treat.
- Tropical Banana Jam: Add a splash of pineapple juice and shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and make it your own! Trust your taste buds, get creative in the kitchen, and don’t be afraid to experiment. I know you’re going to create something amazing.
Happy cooking, and remember – life is too short for boring food! Go make some Banana Jam! 🔥💕
Banana Jam
Transform ripe bananas into a sweet and flavorful Banana Jam! This easy recipe is perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or using as a delicious filling for pastries.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the mashed bananas, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture begins to simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook, stirring frequently, for about 20-30 minutes, or until the jam has thickened to your desired consistency. It will thicken more as it cools.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
Serve this banana jam on toast, with pancakes, or use it as a filling for muffins or cakes.