Homemade Sweet Banana Jam
How to Make Banana Jam: Simple Homemade Fruit Jam Recipe
Made banana jam with overripe bananas that developed sweet, dark spots. This recipe is easy and perfect for spreading on toast!
Jam Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (approx. 270g)
- 3 Tbsp Mascobado sugar (unrefined brown sugar, can be substituted with regular sugar)
- 2 Tbsp preserved lemon syrup (or 2 Tbsp lemon juice)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Select bananas that have developed dark spots and are very ripe. The peel might look bruised, but as long as the inside is good, they are perfect for jam due to their high sugar content.
Step 2
Peel the ripe bananas. Mash them thoroughly using a potato masher, a fork, or even your hands until there are no large chunks. Very ripe bananas are soft enough to be easily mashed.
Step 3
Prepare your lemon component for added flavor and preservation. If you have homemade preserved lemon syrup, strain out the solids and use 2 tablespoons of the liquid. If not, use 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Lemon juice not only adds a bright, fresh flavor but also acts as a natural preservative, helping the jam stay fresh longer.
Step 4
In a saucepan, combine the mashed bananas with 3 tablespoons of Mascobado sugar (or regular brown/white sugar) and 2 tablespoons of the prepared preserved lemon syrup (or lemon juice). Mascobado sugar is an unrefined brown sugar that offers a deep, rich flavor, similar to dark brown sugar. Stir everything together well. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture starts to thicken and reduce.
Step 5
Once the jam reaches your desired thick consistency, stir in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix thoroughly until evenly distributed. The cinnamon adds a wonderful aromatic warmth that complements the banana flavor beautifully. You can omit the cinnamon if you prefer.
Step 6
Sterilize your glass jars to ensure the jam stays fresh. Place a clean cloth or kitchen towel in a pot, add about 1 cup of water, and place the jars on top of the cloth so they don’t touch the bottom directly. Bring the water to a boil and let the jars steam for about 5 minutes. Carefully remove the jars and let them dry completely, upside down, to prevent any moisture from remaining.
Step 7
Toast a slice of bread until golden brown. Spread a generous amount of the freshly made banana jam onto one side of the warm toast.
Step 8
Enjoy your delicious, sweet, and smooth banana jam! For an extra treat, you can layer thinly sliced fresh banana on top of the jam on your toast to create a delightful banana toast or even a simple open-faced sandwich. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack!
