Banoffee Pie – A Heavenly Dessert with Caramel, Banana, and Cream

A Heavenly Dessert with Caramel, Banana, and Cream

In this article, we will guide you through the process of making this delicious dessert from scratch, providing step-by-step instructions, tips for success, and some variations to try. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced baker, this Banoffee Pie recipe is simple to follow and sure to impress.

What is Banoffee Pie?

Banoffee Pie is a no-bake dessert with layers of crushed biscuit crust, a rich caramel layer made from sweetened condensed milk, slices of ripe bananas, and a generous topping of freshly whipped cream. The name "Banoffee" is a blend of "banana" and "toffee" (another word for caramel), reflecting the key flavors that make up the dessert.

First created in the 1970s at The Hungry Monk restaurant in East Sussex, England, Banoffee Pie quickly gained popularity for its simple yet decadent taste. It is now enjoyed in homes and restaurants all over the world, often served during special occasions or as a comforting dessert to end a meal.

Ingredients for Banoffee Pie

• 200g digestive biscuits (or Graham crackers), crushed into fine crumbs
• 100g unsalted butter, melted
• 400g can of sweetened condensed milk
• 100g unsalted butter
• 100g brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 pinch of salt
• 3 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 300ml heavy cream (chilled)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Banoffee Pie

1. Prepare the Biscuit Crust: Start by crushing the digestive biscuits (or Graham crackers) into fine crumbs. You can do this using a food processor or by placing the biscuits in a plastic bag and using a rolling pin to crush them. Once crushed, combine the crumbs with melted butter and mix until everything is well coated. Press the mixture firmly into the base of a 9-inch pie dish or tart pan, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Refrigerate the crust for at least 30 minutes to set.
2. Make the Caramel Layer: In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar. Continue to cook for about 5-7 minutes until the caramel thickens and turns golden brown. Be sure to keep stirring to prevent it from burning. Once ready, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
3. Assemble the Pie: Take the chilled biscuit crust out of the fridge. Layer the sliced bananas evenly over the crust, arranging them in a circular pattern. Next, pour the cooled caramel over the bananas, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. The caramel should cover the bananas completely. Refrigerate the pie for 15-20 minutes to allow the caramel to firm up slightly.
4. Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until soft peaks form. If you like your cream a little sweeter, you can add powdered sugar to taste. Once the cream is whipped to your desired consistency, spread it over the caramel layer, covering the entire pie.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Your Banoffee Pie is now ready to serve! You can garnish the top with chocolate shavings, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or even some crushed nuts for extra flavor and texture. Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours before serving to allow all the layers to set properly.

Tips for the Perfect Banoffee Pie

• Make Sure Your Caramel is Smooth: Stir constantly while cooking the caramel to ensure it doesn’t burn. If the caramel becomes too thick while cooling, gently reheat it and stir until smooth.
• Use Firm Bananas: For the best texture, choose ripe bananas that are still firm. Overripe bananas can become mushy and may affect the overall texture of the pie.
• Don’t Overwhip the Cream: If you whip the cream for too long, it can turn grainy. Keep an eye on it as you whip and stop once soft peaks form.
• Chill Before Serving: Let the pie chill for a couple of hours before serving. This will help the layers set and make the pie easier to slice.

Banoffee Pie Variations

While the classic version of Banoffee Pie is delicious on its own, there are several ways you can customize it:

• Chocolate Banoffee Pie: For a chocolatey twist, melt some dark chocolate and spread it over the caramel layer before adding the bananas.
• Nutty Banoffee Pie: Add some crushed nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts, to the top of the pie for added crunch and flavor.
• Vegan Banoffee Pie: Substitute the dairy ingredients with vegan alternatives—coconut cream for the whipped cream, and use dairy-free biscuits and margarine for the crust.

Why You’ll Love Banoffee Pie

Banoffee Pie is a dessert that brings together everything you love: sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures in every bite. Its layers of buttery biscuit, rich caramel, fresh bananas, and whipped cream make it a truly indulgent treat. The best part is that it’s simple to make, requiring no baking, yet it looks and tastes like something you’d find at a high-end bakery.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to something sweet, Banoffee Pie is a perfect choice. It’s easy to prepare, and its unique combination of flavors will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Explore More Delicious Recipes!

Now that you've learned how to make the perfect Banoffee Pie, why not explore more amazing recipes on our website? Check out our desserts section for more sweet treats, or visit our gluten-free recipes if you're looking for healthier options. If you're planning a dinner party, don't forget to explore our dinner collection for delicious meal ideas. Happy cooking!