If you have a sweet tooth and a love for creamy, fruity desserts, then this Banoffee Pie Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s a heavenly combination of a buttery graham cracker crust, luscious homemade caramel, ripe bananas, fluffy whipped cream, and a decadent sprinkle of dark chocolate that will make every bite unforgettable. Perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself, this slice of indulgence captures all the rich textures and flavors you crave in a dessert, wrapped up in one irresistibly delicious pie.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Banoffee Pie Recipe comes from a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create an impressively rich and satisfying dessert. Each ingredient plays a key role: the graham cracker crumbs build the buttery base, sweetened condensed milk transforms into a smooth caramel, bananas offer natural sweetness and softness, and the whipped cream provides a light, airy finish with a touch of elegance.
- Graham cracker crumbs (1 1/2 cups): The crumbly base adds a warm, buttery crunch that holds your pie together perfectly.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): Binds the crust ingredients with richness and depth of flavor.
- Sweetened condensed milk (2 cans, 14 oz each): The key to homemade toffee that brings a creamy caramel layer to your pie.
- Medium ripe bananas (3): Fresh slices give the pie natural sweetness and smooth texture.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 1/2 cups): Whipped to soft peaks, this light layer balances the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar, optional (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the whipped cream just enough, if you like it a touch sweeter.
- Vanilla extract, optional (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, subtle complexity to the whipped cream.
- Dark chocolate, shaved (2 ounces): Gives the final touch of bitterness and elegance when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Banoffee Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by combining the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a mixing bowl until the texture resembles wet sand, which ensures the crust will hold together firmly. Then press this mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Pop it into the fridge for about 15 to 20 minutes to chill and set perfectly before adding any fillings.
Step 2: Make the Toffee
While the crust chills, prepare the luscious homemade toffee by gently heating the sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir it constantly for about 15 to 20 minutes until it takes on a golden caramel color and thickens beautifully—just be sure to avoid letting it boil so it doesn’t burn or separate.
Step 3: Assemble the Toffee Layer
Once your toffee reaches that perfect caramel stage, pour it over the chilled crust and spread it evenly. Let it cool slightly at room temperature before refrigerating for an hour to let the flavors meld and the texture firm up nicely.
Step 4: Add the Banana Layer
Slice your bananas evenly and arrange them over the set toffee layer. Press them down gently to nestle the banana slices snugly into the toffee, creating a delightful fruity layer that will shine through every slice of your Banoffee Pie Recipe.
Step 5: Whip the Cream and Top
Whip the heavy cream with optional powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form—a fluffy cloud of sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the rich layers below. Spread or pipe this creamy layer generously over the bananas for a dreamy finish.
Step 6: Garnish and Chill
Finish your creation by shaving dark chocolate over the whipped cream for a hint of subtle bitterness and a touch of elegance. Chill the entire pie for at least one more hour so everything sets perfectly, then slice with a sharp knife and prepare to indulge.
How to Serve Banoffee Pie Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic version is stunning on its own, you can dress up your Banoffee Pie Recipe further with a light dusting of cocoa powder or a few whole banana chips for added crunch. If you want extra indulgence, a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce adds a beautiful glossy finish and wow factor to your presentation.
Side Dishes
Sometimes, simplicity makes the dessert shine even brighter. Serve your Banoffee Pie Recipe with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a mug of rich hot chocolate to complement the sweet richness. Fresh berries on the side provide a tart and juicy contrast that’s refreshing alongside the creamy pie.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re throwing a party or want to impress guests, try serving individual Banoffee Pie Recipe portions in clear dessert glasses. Layer the crust crumbs, caramel, bananas, and whipped cream in pretty transparent layers to show off the beautiful textures. You can also pipe decorative whipped cream rosettes and sprinkle chocolate curls for a gourmet look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Banoffee Pie Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge, covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to mellow even more beautifully overnight.
Freezing
Although freezing a Banoffee Pie Recipe is possible, it’s best to freeze just the crust or the pie without the whipped cream topping, as freezing can change the texture of fresh bananas and whipped cream. Wrap the pie tightly, freeze for up to one month, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reassembling any fresh whipped cream.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary and may compromise the delicate textures. If you prefer slight warmth to soften the toffee, try placing individual slices on small plates and letting them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes—this gentle warming is perfect without melting the cream.
FAQs
Can I use regular caramel sauce instead of making toffee?
Yes, you can substitute store-bought caramel sauce, but homemade toffee from sweetened condensed milk has a richer, creamier texture that makes this Banoffee Pie Recipe truly special.
What type of bananas work best for this pie?
Choose ripe but firm bananas. Overripe bananas may become mushy and overpower the texture, while underripe ones can taste starchy. Look for bananas with a bright yellow peel and just a hint of brown spots.
Is it necessary to chill the pie between steps?
Chilling is important to help each layer set properly and prevent the pie from becoming soggy. The gradual cooling creates perfect texture contrasts in your Banoffee Pie Recipe.
Can I make the whipped cream topping ahead of time?
You can whip the cream a few hours ahead, but it’s best to add and garnish the pie close to serving time to keep the cream light and fluffy.
How do I slice the pie neatly?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before each slice. This helps cut cleanly through the layers without smudging or squishing the beautiful cross-section.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Banoffee Pie Recipe is one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug in pie form—comforting, sweet, and impressive all at once. If you love desserts that combine simple ingredients into something magical, you have to give this a try. It’s such a joy to make and share, and I’m sure it’ll become your new favorite treat too!
Print
Banoffee Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Description
This classic Banoffee Pie features a buttery graham cracker crust layered with rich, creamy homemade caramel, ripe bananas, and fluffy whipped cream, topped with shaved dark chocolate. It’s a no-bake dessert that combines comforting flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Caramel Toffee
- 2 cans sweetened condensed milk (14 oz each)
Filling and Topping
- 3 medium ripe bananas
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional, for whipped cream)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for whipped cream)
- 2 ounces dark chocolate, shaved
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to set.
- Make the caramel toffee: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, add the sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly for 15–20 minutes until it thickens and turns a golden caramel color. Make sure it does not boil to avoid burning.
- Assemble caramel layer: Pour the caramel toffee over the chilled crust and smooth it out evenly. Let it cool slightly, then refrigerate for 1 hour to set.
- Add banana layer: Slice the bananas evenly and arrange them over the cooled caramel layer. Press gently so they settle firmly but retain their shape.
- Prepare whipped cream: Whip the heavy cream with optional powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the banana layer evenly.
- Decorate with chocolate: Shave dark chocolate over the whipped cream topping to add texture and flavor.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the pie for at least 1 more hour before serving. When ready, slice with a sharp knife and enjoy the rich and creamy banoffee pie.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Stir the sweetened condensed milk constantly to prevent burning during caramelization.
- Chilling each layer helps the pie set properly and enhances texture.
- Optional powdered sugar and vanilla in whipped cream can be adjusted to taste or omitted for a less sweet topping.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days.
