This is definitely my latest favorite dessert. A salty-sweet graham cracker base, creamy caramel toffee filling, sliced bananas, and fluffy whipped cream on top. This simple dessert recipe is a family favorite!
This Became Instantly One Of My New Favorite Desserts.
Honestly, this just might be my number one dessert, definitely in my top five. I adore it.
Banoffee Pie is a traditional British dessert featuring a thick layer of toffee or caramel atop a graham cracker base, finished with slices of bananas and fluffy whipped cream. I found out about it through a video in my discovery feed – thanks, Amy Nash!
For several months, we’ve been hosting “Family Dessert Night” each Thursday, where I whip up a fun dessert simply for the joy of it.
Sometimes it’s just us, other times we invite friends. It’s become a highlight of the week, giving us a reason to have people over and foster community through our love of desserts.
So far, Banoffee Pie has been the CLEAR WINNER of our Family Dessert Nights!
(It’s shown here with a piece of chocolate on top, and I’m all for it)
Just a heads up: you’ll want to have only a small slice at a time as it’s quite rich. But I can almost guarantee you’ll find yourself heading back to the fridge for “just one more bite” until it’s all gone. It’s creamy, rich, dense, salty-sweet, and unbelievably delicious.
Join us for Family Dessert Night! A new community challenge we’re kicking off today – I’d love for you to make this with us and share it with those you care about!
How To Create Banoffee Pie
Prepare a Graham Cracker Crust.
Honestly, I’m a huge fan of graham cracker crust. Take a taste of the warm buttery crumbs before you press them into the pan and tell me it’s not one of the best things ever.
Create the Toffee Layer.
I use timers and go low and slow, stirring constantly. (Apologies for my messy burner in this picture! Oops)
Transfer Toffee Into The Crust.
Pour the toffee layer into the chilled crust! What a gratifying sensation! Refrigerate or let cool at room temperature for a bit.
Sliced Bananas and Whipped Cream.
Layer your cut bananas and top with whipped cream!
Cut and Serve!
Your slices should cut smoothly, yet still be soft enough to be extremely enjoyable to eat. Like, VERY ENJOYABLE. 🤤
Advice and Insights
If you’re someone who finds schedules useful (like myself!) – here’s the timeline I usually adhere to:
- Morning: prepare the graham cracker crust; allow it to cool
- 2pm: create the toffee layer; let it rest at room temperature
- 4pm: before guests arrive, layer with bananas and whipped cream and refrigerate
- 6pm: take it out of the fridge, let it rest for 30 minutes and serve
I believe you’re going to love this! Enjoy!
How To Create Banoffee Pie (Video)
Banoffee Pie
Total Time:
2 hours 25 minutesYield:
8 servings
Description
This is definitely my latest favorite dessert. A salty-sweet graham cracker base, creamy caramel toffee filling, sliced bananas, and fluffy whipped cream on top. This simple dessert recipe is a family favorite!
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
Toffee Filling
Banana and Whipped Topping
Instructions
- Graham Cracker Crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine crust ingredients and press into a 9-inch pie dish. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.
- Toffee Filling: In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt butter and brown sugar over low to medium heat. Set a timer for 5 minutes; heat gently while stirring continuously. It should bubble lightly, but avoid a full boil. This process is to caramelize and enhance the flavor.
- Add Condensed Milk: Incorporate sweetened condensed milk; stir or whisk to mix. Bring to a gentle boil; continuously stir or whisk for 3-4 minutes (I always set a timer for this – don’t overcook). The color will start to turn medium brown, and the consistency will thicken slightly.
- Rest Time: Pour the toffee into the cooled crust – it should be thickened but still smooth enough to pour. Let it rest on the counter for 1-2 hours until it cools and feels dry to the touch. (If it seems too loose or runny, you can refrigerate it for a few hours until set.)
- Whipped Cream: Whip the heavy cream with sugar and vanilla using an electric mixer until medium peaks form.
- Finish: Once the top is set, layer sliced bananas on top in a single layer. Spread the whipped cream to cover. Finish with chocolate shavings!
- Serving: You can serve this right away at room temperature, or chill it in the refrigerator for a few hours. (If it’s chilled, allow it to rest on the counter for 15-30 minutes before serving to soften!)
Notes
Leftovers: I genuinely ADORE this pie when it’s cold – absolutely LOVE IT. However, it does become a bit wetter and messier in the fridge overnight (the bananas and whipped cream release some moisture, and the bananas may brown a little). For this reason, I usually prepare and serve it on the same day and enjoy any leftovers the next day.
Depending on the type of pan and stovetop I’m using, I’ve occasionally had batches where tiny browned bits form in my caramel due to the butter and brown sugar caramelizing. If this happens to you, don’t worry! It’s completely fine and incredibly tasty.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: banoffee pie, dessert recipe, pie recipe
More Completely Over-The-Top Dessert Ideas
**Banoffee Pie: A Dessert Melding Bananas and Toffee**
Banoffee pie is a delightful dessert that has won the hearts and palates of many around the globe. This indulgent dish pairs the rich flavors of bananas and toffee with a buttery biscuit crust, crafting a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that is both comforting and fulfilling.
**Roots and Background**
The origins of banoffee pie can be traced to the 1970s in England. It was developed by Nigel Mackenzie and Ian Dowding, the owner and chef, respectively, of The Hungry Monk restaurant in East Sussex. The dessert was originally inspired by an American recipe for “Blum’s Coffee Toffee Pie,” but Mackenzie and Dowding decided to explore the ingredients further. After numerous trials, they found that incorporating bananas into the toffee filling achieved a perfect balance. The term “banoffee” is a blend of “banana” and “toffee,” highlighting its key ingredients.
**Components and Preparation**
The traditional banoffee pie includes several essential components:
1. **Biscuit Base**: Generally created from crushed digestive biscuits mixed with melted butter, the base offers a crunchy contrast to the creamy filling. Some variations use graham crackers or alternative cookies.
2. **Toffee Filling**: Also referred to as “dulce de leche,” this caramel-like layer is produced by simmering sweetened condensed milk until it thickens and attains a rich, golden hue. This can be achieved by boiling the unopened can in water or by baking the milk in the oven.
3. **Bananas**: Fresh, ripe bananas are sliced and layered over the toffee filling, imparting a natural sweetness and soft consistency.
4. **Whipped Cream**: A generous layer of freshly whipped cream is spread atop the bananas, providing a light and fluffy contrast to the denser layers below.
5. **Chocolate Shavings or Cocoa Powder**: To add a decadent finishing touch, the pie is frequently garnished with chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
**Variations and Serving Recommendations**
While the classic banoffee pie remains a favorite, various interpretations exist to cater to different preferences and dietary needs. Some recipes incorporate coffee or chocolate into the toffee layer for added flavor complexity. Others may utilize a pastry crust instead of a biscuit base for a different mouthfeel.
For those interested in a healthier alternative, options such as using a nut-based crust or substituting coconut cream for whipped cream can be experimented with. Also, individual servings could be created by layering the ingredients in small jars or glasses, offering a modern spin on the classic dessert.
Banoffee pie is best served chilled, allowing the layers to set and the flavors to harmonize. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations.
**In Summary**
Banoffee pie exemplifies the delightful results that can be achieved when simple ingredients come together in perfect harmony. Its lasting popularity stands as a testament to its creators’ creativity and the universal appeal of its flavors. Whether relished in its traditional form or with inventive variations, banoffee pie continues to enchant dessert enthusiasts worldwide.
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