Banoffee Pie 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Banoffee Pie is the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The buttery biscuit crust provides a crunchy contrast to the smooth toffee and ripe banana layers, while the whipped cream adds lightness and sweetness. This dessert is not only incredibly delicious but also quick and easy to make. Plus, it’s no-bake, so you don’t need to worry about turning on the oven. With a rich, indulgent flavor and a simple preparation, Banoffee Pie is a dessert everyone will love.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups digestive biscuits (or graham crackers), crushed into crumbs

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)

For the toffee filling:

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

For the topping:

• 2 ripe bananas, sliced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Grated chocolate or cocoa powder (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the crust:

• In a medium bowl, combine the crushed digestive biscuits (or graham crackers) with the melted butter and sugar (if using). Stir until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand.

• Press the mixture firmly into the base of a 9-inch pie dish or tart pan, making sure the crumbs are evenly distributed along the bottom and up the sides. Use the back of a spoon to smooth it out.

• Refrigerate the crust for at least 30 minutes to set.

2. Prepare the toffee filling:

• In a saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, dark brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved.

• Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes until the toffee thickens and becomes a golden caramel color. Be careful not to let it burn.

• Once it’s thickened, remove from the heat and let it cool for 10-15 minutes.

3. Assemble the pie:

• Once the toffee has cooled slightly, pour it into the prepared biscuit crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Let it cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.

4. Prepare the topping:

• In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat the cream.

• Once the toffee layer is set and chilled, arrange the sliced bananas over the toffee layer, covering the entire surface.

• Spoon or pipe the whipped cream over the bananas, smoothing it into an even layer.

5. Garnish and serve:

• If desired, grate some chocolate on top or sprinkle with a little cocoa powder for extra decoration and flavor.

• Refrigerate the pie for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10

Total time: 2 1/2 hours (including chilling time)

Variations

• Chocolate Banoffee Pie: Add a layer of melted chocolate on top of the toffee layer before adding the bananas for a richer flavor.

• Nutty Crust: Add crushed nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crust mixture for added texture and flavor.

• Vegan Banoffee Pie: Use a dairy-free condensed milk (such as coconut-based condensed milk) and coconut cream for the topping. Use a vegan butter substitute for the toffee filling.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Banoffee Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it covered to prevent the whipped cream from losing its texture.

Reheating: It’s best to serve Banoffee Pie chilled, as the texture is at its best when cold. You don’t need to reheat it.

FAQs

1. Can I make Banoffee Pie ahead of time?

Yes! Banoffee Pie is actually best made ahead of time. You can prepare the crust, toffee filling, and topping the day before, allowing the pie to chill overnight in the refrigerator for the best flavor and texture.

2. Can I use a different type of biscuit for the crust?

Yes, you can substitute digestive biscuits with graham crackers, ginger biscuits, or any other sweet, buttery cookies. The key is to get a crumbly, buttery base that holds together.

3. Can I make the toffee filling without cooking it?

The traditional method involves cooking the sweetened condensed milk to create the toffee, which gives it its rich caramel flavor. However, you can use store-bought caramel sauce as a shortcut if you’re pressed for time.

4. How can I make Banoffee Pie gluten-free?

To make the pie gluten-free, simply use gluten-free digestive biscuits or graham crackers for the crust. You can also find gluten-free versions of other ingredients like caramel and whipped cream.

5. How do I prevent the bananas from turning brown?

To prevent the bananas from browning, use slightly under-ripe bananas, as they will hold up better. You can also squeeze a little lemon juice over the banana slices before placing them on the pie to slow down the browning process.

6. Can I freeze Banoffee Pie?

While the pie can be frozen, it’s best to freeze it before adding the whipped cream topping. The crust and toffee filling freeze well, but the whipped cream may lose its texture upon thawing.

7. Can I use a store-bought pie crust?

Yes, you can use a store-bought pie crust if you want to save time. However, the homemade biscuit crust adds a nice flavor and texture that complements the toffee and banana filling.

8. Can I make Banoffee Pie without bananas?

Bananas are an essential part of the traditional Banoffee Pie, but you can try substituting other fruits like strawberries or peaches for a different twist on the dessert. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change.

9. What other fillings can I use in place of the toffee?

If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can replace the toffee with a chocolate ganache layer or even a fruit curd (such as lemon or passion fruit) for a tangy contrast to the creamy topping.

10. How do I keep my whipped cream topping from deflating?

To help your whipped cream hold its shape, use heavy cream with a higher fat content and avoid overbeating it. You can also add a stabilizer like cornstarch or gelatin if you want the whipped cream to stay firm longer.

Conclusion

Banoffee Pie is a delicious, indulgent dessert that combines the best of bananas, toffee, and whipped cream. Its simplicity, combined with its rich and satisfying flavors, makes it a favorite in many homes and bakeries. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to enjoy a sweet treat at home, Banoffee Pie is sure to please with its irresistible layers. Perfectly sweet, creamy, and a little bit crunchy, it’s a dessert that everyone will adore!