Homemade Banana Jam with Lime

This banana jam with lime combines rich sweetness and bright tang in a silky, smooth texture.

Easy to make, it adds an exotic touch to toast, crêpes, or homemade pastries.

Homemade banana jam with lime in a glass jar, served with a spoon and a slice of bread, alongside a banana, a lime, and a cinnamon stick.

Easy Homemade Banana Jam with Lime Recipe

In our home, this banana jam with lime has become a sweet little tradition, one my children keep asking for again and again.

I love making it because it comes together in no time with just a handful of simple ingredients: ripe bananas, sugar, a splash of tangy lime juice, and a cinnamon stick.

As it cooks, the fruity, sugary aroma fills the kitchen and makes everyone’s mouth water.

Its silky texture and exotic, tropical flavor make it a true delight, spread on fresh bread, tucked into crêpes, or served with yogurt.

It’s an easy, quick, and always foolproof recipe that brings warmth and sweetness to every family breakfast.

Homemade banana jam with lime spread on a slice of fresh bread, with a glass jar of jam, lime, and a cinnamon stick in the background.

Ingredients for Banana Jam with Lime

1000 g ripe bananas (peeled) – overripe bananas give the jam its naturally sweet and creamy texture.
350 g white sugar + 350 g brown sugar – white sugar ensures sweetness and good preservation, while brown sugar adds depth with caramel notes.
Juice of 3 limes – brings balance with freshness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the bananas.
1 cinnamon stick – infuses the jam with a warm, subtle spiced aroma.

Ingredients for homemade banana jam with lime in a mixing bowl: sliced bananas, white and brown sugar, grated lime zest, and a cinnamon stick ready to be combined.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Banana Jam with Lime

Slice the bananas into rounds and place them in a large bowl.
Add sugar and lime juice, then mix thoroughly until the fruit is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture into a large saucepan and let it rest for 1 hour, or move directly to cooking if you’re in a hurry.
Bring to a rapid boil over high heat, then reduce to low and simmer gently.
Cook for no longer than 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Test for setting: drop a spoonful of hot jam onto a very cold spoon. If it runs, cook for a few more minutes and repeat the test.
Fill sterilised jars immediately with the hot jam.
Seal tightly and flip jars upside down to create a vacuum seal.
Let cool completely before storing in a cool, dark, and dry place.
Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 2–3 weeks.

Glass jar filled with homemade banana jam with lime, with a spoon and banana pieces visible, served alongside a lime, a cinnamon stick, and a slice of bread with jam.

Practical Tips for Jar Sterilization and Longer Shelf Life

Proper sterilisation is essential for long-lasting jam:

Sterilize jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes, then let them air dry without wiping.
Fill jars while hot to the rim to minimize air pockets.
Seal immediately and flip upside down to ensure a natural vacuum.
Store in a cool, dark cupboard for up to 12 months if unopened.

Homemade banana jam with lime in a glass jar, served on a slice of fresh bread, with bananas, lime, and a cinnamon stick in the background.

Storage: How Long Does Banana Jam Last?

Unopened jars: up to 12 months when sterilised and stored properly in a cool, dark place.
Opened jars: keep in the fridge and enjoy within 2–3 weeks for best flavor and freshness.
Extra tip: always use a clean, dry spoon to avoid contamination.

Flavour Variations for Unique Banana Jam

Banana jam is versatile and can be customised with exciting flavours:

Fresh ginger for a zesty, spiced kick.
Vanilla bean for a smooth, aromatic finish.
Dark rum for a festive, tropical twist.
Orange zest to brighten and balance the sweetness.
Shredded coconut for a more tropical texture.

Quick Recipe Facts

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Yield: ~3 medium jars (250 ml each)
Calories: ~250 kcal per 100 g

Why This Banana Jam Works

Minimal ingredients: just fruit, sugar, lime, and a touch of spice.
Budget-friendly: a perfect way to use up ripe bananas.
Kid-approved: naturally sweet and spreadable.
Versatile: delicious on bread, in cakes, or as a yogurt topping.

FAQ – Banana Jam with Lime

Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, but reducing too much can affect preservation. Store reduced-sugar versions in the fridge and consume quickly.

Can I freeze banana jam?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, store in freezer-safe containers, and thaw in the fridge before using.

Why add lime juice?
It balances sweetness, prevents discolouration, and helps with setting.

How do I know if the jam has gone bad?
Look for mold, unusual odour, or fizzing — when in doubt, throw it out.