Vanilla Bean and Brown Sugar Caramelized Banana Jam

User Reviews

4.4

36 reviews
Good
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    20 mins

  • Total Time

    25 mins

  • Servings

    8 ounces

  • Calories

    148 kcal

  • Course

    Condiments

Vanilla Bean and Brown Sugar Caramelized Banana Jam

When you have too many ripe bananas and just can’t make one more banana smoothie or loaf of banana bread, make banana jam. It’s fast, easy, and it isn’t traditional jam, and there’re no water bath or canning involved. Keep an eye on mixture while it’s boiling, stirring frequently, so it doesn’t burn. Paradoxically, the jam isn’t overly banana-ey, because the lemon juice really brightens and balances the flavors. The cinnamon flavor is present, yet subtle enough to let the vanilla flavor really shine. If you don’t have vanilla bean paste or vanilla beans, substitute with vanilla extract.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 banana mashed (about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups, mashed, medium/large or 3 small ripe
  • ½ cup light brown sugar packed
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter half of 1 stick, or vegan buttery spread
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice juice of half of 1 juicy lemon
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or to taste
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or substitute with extra vanilla extract, to taste, or scrapings of 1 or 2 vanilla beans

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan (err on the side of larger than smaller because mixture bubbles up), combine bananas, sugar, butter, lemon juice, and heat uncovered over medium to medium-high heat, allowing mixture to come to a rolling boil.
  2. Allow mixture to boil uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until thickened to desired level. Jam continues to thicken as it cools. Over the 15 to 20 minutes, stir frequently and make temperature adjustments to stove so mixture doesn’t burn.
  3. Turn heat to low, and add the cinnamon, vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, and stir to combine. You may wish to add less than the full amount listed all at once, and first taste your jam and see what it needs. Then, to taste, tinker with the ratio of cinnamon and vanilla. I used the amounts listed.
  4. Transfer jam to 8-ounce glass jar or heat-safe container with a lid. Storage is up to you. I store mine airtight at room temp, for up to 5 days. It will likely keep longer, especially in the refrigerator, but I haven’t tested it. I have no idea about canning jam in a water bath if it will work or how long to process.
  5. Use the jam on bread, toast, rolls, crackers, dip apples or pears in in it, or make peanut butter  and banana jam sandwiches. It would make a great crepe or stuffed-French toast filling or use as the filling in One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls. Incorporating a hearty dollop of it into banana bread or banana muffins would boost the overall banana flavor and moistness of the recipe. Or just eat by the spoonful.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1 Calories 148kcal (7%) Carbohydrates 21g (7%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Polyunsaturated Fat 3g (18%) Cholesterol 15mg (5%) Sodium 17mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 16g (32%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8ounces

Amount Per Serving

Calories 148 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1
Calories 148kcal 7%
Carbohydrates 21g 7%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g 18%
Cholesterol 15mg 5%
Sodium 17mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 16g 32%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

4.4

36 reviews
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