Banoffee pie is a classic and beloved English dessert. The name ‘banoffee’ is a portmanteau of “banana” and “toffee,” reflecting the two primary ingredients of the dessert. The combination of ripe bananas and a rich toffee (made from dulce de leche or condensed milk caramelized) is served on a buttery biscuit crust. Banoffee pie is relatively simple to make, requiring common ingredients that are easily accessible. This recipe is super simple to make, it doesn’t require a lot of ingredients.
In this recipe, you can save time by buying store bought caramel to use for your banoffee pie to save some time, or make your very own dulce de leche. Dulce de leche is a rich, creamy caramel-like sauce or spread that is popular in many Latin American countries and beyond. The name translates from Spanish to “sweet milk,” which aptly describes its primary ingredients and flavor profile. Whether you choose to buy store bought caramel or make the dulce de leche – this banoffee pie will sure to be a crowd pleaser!
How to make Dulce de leche?
This is the stove top method of making dulce de leche using a can of sweetened condensed milk.
Stovetop Method
- Prepare the Can: Take an unopened can of sweetened condensed milk and place it in a pot. Fill the pot with enough water to fully submerge the can.
- Simmer: Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Let the can simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, ensuring that it remains submerged in water throughout the cooking process.
- Cool: Carefully remove the can from the water and allow it to cool before opening, as it will be very hot and could spray.
Tips
- Stirring: Be diligent about stirring your dulce de leche frequently to avoid scorching, especially in the traditional method.
- Thickening: The mixture will thicken more as it cools, so don’t overcook it; you can always cook it longer if needed.
Everything you need for the Banoffee Pie
- Digestive Biscuit Crumbs (or Graham Crackers): These crumbs form the base of the pie. They provide a crunchy texture that complements the creamy filling and helps create a sturdy structure for the pie.
- Granulated Sugar: A small amount of sugar is added to the biscuit crumbs to enhance the sweetness of the crust.
- Melted Butter: Butter binds the biscuit crumbs together, allowing them to hold their shape when pressed into a crust.
- Caramel or Dulce de Leche: The deep, caramelized flavor adds complexity and is a star component of the pie, enhancing the overall taste experience.
- Bananas: The natural sweetness of the bananas, while also balancing the rich flavors of the caramel and cream. I like to use ripe bananas to maintain the sweetness.
- Fresh Whipping Cream: Whipping cream forms the light, airy topping of the pie.
- Icing Sugar: The icing sugar is added to the whipped cream to sweeten it without adding graininess, as it dissolves easily in the cream.
- Grated Chocolate Shavings (Optional): The icing sugar is added to the whipped cream to sweeten it without adding graininess, as it dissolves easily in the cream. I used Daim bar shavings that added a perfect crunch, but you can use any chocolate you like!
Instructions
Prepare the Biscuit Base:
In a mixing bowl, combine the digestive biscuit crumbs and granulated sugar. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. Use a measuring cup or flat-bottomed cup and press down the biscuit crumbs. Make sure the pie or tart dish is compact to create a sturdy base. Bake for 10 minutes or until the crust is golden.
Slice the Bananas:
Slice the bananas into thin rounds and layer them over the caramel. You can add a little lemon juice to the bananas if preferred, to prevent browning.
Make the Whipped Cream:
In a separate bowl, whip the fresh whipping cream with the icing sugar until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip it to prevent it from becoming grainy.
Assemble the Pie:
Spoon or using a piping bag, pipe the whipped cream over the sliced bananas. You can create swirls or peaks for decoration. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow it to firm up slightly.
Recipe Tips
Use ripe bananas: Opt for ripe but firm bananas. They should be yellow with a few speckles.
Finely grind biscuit crumbs: When making the crust, ensure your digestive biscuits (or graham crackers) are finely crushed. Use the back of a measuring cup or your fingers to firmly press the biscuit crumb mixture into the dish.
Use stable whipping cream: You can use heavy cream or whipping cream, for a more stable topping that holds its shape better. Adding a tablespoon of cornflour (cornstarch) to the cream while whipping can also help stabilize it.
Presentation: For a beautiful presentation, use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to pipe the whipped cream on top of the pie, creating an elegant look.
More Pies and Cheesecakes:
Banoffee Pie
Ingredients
- 250 g digestive biscuit crumbs or graham crackers
- 50 g granulated sugar
- 150 g butter melted
- 400 g can of caramel or Dulce de Leche
- 2 bananas large
- 500 ml fresh whipping cream
- 1 tbsp icing sugar
- Grated chocolate shavings Optional
Instructions
Crust base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the digestive biscuit crumbs and granulated sugar.
- Pour in the melted butter and mix well until the crumbs are fully coated and resemble wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish to form an even layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, until slightly golden. Remove and let it cool completely.
Banoffee filling
- Once the crust has cooled, spread the caramel (or dulce de leche) evenly over the crust.
- Arrange the sliced bananas on top of the caramel layer.
Topping, decoration and finishing
- In a mixing bowl, whip the fresh whipping cream with the icing sugar until soft peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the bananas, smoothing it out evenly.
- If desired, sprinkle grated chocolate shavings over the top for added decoration.
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and for the pie to set.
- Slice the pie and enjoy your delicious homemade Banoffee Pie!
- Enjoy your delightful dessert!