Banana Jam French Caribbean Style
Experience the warm, vibrant flavors of the French Caribbean in one irresistible spoonful. This Banana Jam recipe is sweet, zesty, and kissed with tropical notes of rum, lime, and nutmeg. It’s a beautifully simple preserve that comes together in under 30 minutes and instantly elevates your toast, pancakes, oatmeal, or cheese board.
This jam is inspired by the kinds of island preserves you might find in a beachside market—fruity, fragrant, and made with love.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m all about recipes that transport you somewhere sunny, and this French Caribbean-style banana jam is like a plane ticket in a jar. It’s cozy and caramelized, yet bright and zingy thanks to the lime and nutmeg. The rum gives it depth without overpowering the sweetness.
Plus, it’s small batch and fuss-free, meaning no pectin, no canning gear—just a saucepan and some ripe bananas. It’s also a brilliant way to use up overripe fruit.
📝 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 large bananas (about 20 oz), peeled and sliced
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 tablespoon rum (dark or spiced preferred)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 4 tablespoons water
🍌 Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Bananas: Ripe, but not too mushy. Slightly overripe bananas will give a deeper, richer jam.
- Rum: Use dark Caribbean rum for bold flavor. If avoiding alcohol, sub with 1/2 tsp rum extract.
- Lime Juice: Brightens and balances the sweetness—don’t skip it!
- Nutmeg: Freshly grated makes a difference, but pre-ground works fine.
- Sugar: Adjust slightly based on banana ripeness. Sweeter bananas need a bit less.
👩🍳 How to Make Banana Jam (French Caribbean Style)
- Prep the pot: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sliced bananas, sugar, rum, nutmeg, lime juice, and water.
- Bring to a boil: Cook over medium heat until mixture starts bubbling and fruit softens.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The jam will thicken and pull away from the pan sides.
- Cool down: Remove from heat and let cool for 10–15 minutes.
- Jar it up: Spoon into clean glass jars. Let cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.
💡 Pro Tip: Want a smoother texture? Use a potato masher mid-simmer or pulse briefly with an immersion blender before jarring.
🌟 Tips for Jam Success
- Watch the heat: Keep the jam at a gentle simmer to avoid burning the sugar.
- Don’t skip the stir: Stirring occasionally prevents sticking and promotes even thickening.
- Too thick after chilling? Warm gently and stir in a teaspoon of water until smooth again.
🍽️ Serving Ideas & Pairings
This banana jam brings Caribbean sunshine to any meal. Here are our favorite ways to enjoy it:
- Spread on toast, English muffins, or biscuits
- Dolloped over yogurt or oatmeal
- Spooned between layers of cake or in thumbprint cookies
- As a glaze on grilled pineapple or chicken
- Serve with this Blueberry Lemonade for a fruity breakfast duo
- Layer it into dessert with this Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
🧊 Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store in clean jars for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer-friendly: Yes! Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Leave 1/2 inch headspace.
- To reheat: Warm gently in a saucepan and stir until smooth.
🍌 More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re vibing with this tropical jam, here are a few more sunny treats:
- Big Family Banana Pudding
- Blueberry Lemonade
- Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
💬 Final Thoughts
This French Caribbean Banana Jam is everything I want in a homemade spread—sweet, spiced, and brimming with tropical flavor. Whether you’re making breakfast brighter or crafting a last-minute edible gift, this easy recipe brings serious sunshine in every spoonful.
Tried it? Share your twist or tag @chefmaniac so we can see your island-inspired creations. And don’t forget to follow us for more flavor-packed, small-batch goodness you’ll want to make again and again.
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