This quick and easy banana jam recipe transforms bananas into a delicious jam that’s perfect for last minute gift giving at the holidays or housewarming gift!
A couple of years ago, I was blessed to receive some banana jam from a really awesome neighbor who seemed to make 50,000 varieties of jam.
Banana Jam isn’t something that you think of when you think of eating jam… However, it is one of the easiest and most delicious varieties of jam one could ever make (or receive as a gift).
Over-ripe bananas are abundant and cheap, and this is the perfect way to use them up.
Not only is this Banana Jam easy to make, it’s great to give as gifts over the holiday season. It comes together very quickly – and in mere minutes, you can have delicious jars of banana jam that is delicious on sourdough bread, pancakes, waffles and even ice cream.
How to Make Banana Jam
Banana Jam combines a bunch of over-ripe bananas with some citrus (orange juice and lime or lemon juice), sugar, a hint of cinnamon and a pinch of salt.
The result is a jam that can be used as a topping for ice cream, sourdough, waffles, or even pancakes.
Combine all of the ingredients in a large pot on the stove, and bring to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the bananas soften up. You can mash them with a potato masher, or use an immersion blender to smooth out the jam.
Once the jam thickens up, ladle into sterilized half-pint jars and quickly apply the lid and ring (finger-tight). As the jars cool, the heat of the jam will pull down the lid creating a seal.
Can You Can This Jam?
I haven’t kept this jam around long enough to can it in a water bath canner. This recipe makes enough for four half-pint jars – I typically double up the recipe. I love to keep one for my kids and gift the remaining three for the holidays.
Since bananas are always affordable (even in bulk!), this jam is the perfect gift idea. Gifted with a loaf of sourdough bread, it makes a really unique way to show others that you appreciate them.
How to Serve Banana Jam
Serve this banana jam on fresh baked sourdough, English muffins, pancakes, homemade ice cream or even waffles.
Lemon Juice? Lime Juice?
To make this jam you will need to choose between lemon or lime juice. I love picking up limes on the ‘less than perfect’ rack at the market – a bag of 15-20 limes will run me just under $1. Just a few tablespoons of lime or lemon juice is all you need – the acid is crucial for the jam.
Give this banana jam recipe a try – you’ll love this inexpensive and delicious homemade gift idea. I highly recommend picking up half-pint wide-mouth canning jars at your local Walmart. They are perfect for creating and gifting all kinds of jam recipes throughout the year.
At just over $9 for a dozen, Walmart has the best price – making this jam a win-win for those who want to use up some extra bananas.
Banana Jam Recipe
Equipment
- 4 half pint canning jars, lids and rings
Ingredients
- 5 C sliced bananas approx 7 medium
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 C orange juice
- 3 Tbsp lemon juice can substitute lime juice
- 2.25 C granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200 degrees F. Place your canning jars, lids and rings on a sheet pan in the oven to sterilize while you make your jam.
- Place all of the ingredients in a large pot over the stove.
- Bring the pot to a boil, then immediately turn down the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until bananas soften up.
- Use your immersion blender or a potato masher to mash the bananas to a smooth puree.
- Carefully remove the jars, lids and rings from the oven. Ladle your banana jam into the jars. Quickly apply the lid and ring and tighten, finger-tip tight.
- As the jars cool, the heat within the jar will pull the lid downwards to create a seal (jars will ping).
- Store in a cool pantry. Since these jars are not canned for long term storage, I would recommmend consuming within 30 days.
Looking for more jam recipes?
- Brandied Apple Jam
- Small Batch Mango Habanero Jam
- Candy Apple Jelly
- Hatch Chile Jam
- Spicy Red Pepper Jam
- Carrot Jam (Small Batch Recipe)
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