If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the irresistible sweetness of caramel, the freshness of bananas, and the lightness of whipped cream, this Banoffee Pie recipe is your ultimate treat. Originating from England, this decadent dessert has become a global favorite for its perfect harmony of textures and flavors. The crumbly cookie crust, luscious dulce de leche filling, and fluffy whipped cream topping make every bite simply unforgettable.
Whether you’re preparing it for a special celebration or a casual family dinner, this easy homemade Banoffee Pie guarantees to impress without requiring advanced baking skills. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to making this indulgent classic from scratch.
Why You’ll Love This Banoffee Pie
This Banoffee Pie recipe is a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fruity elements. It’s rich yet refreshing, making it a dessert that pleases every crowd. The best part? It doesn’t require complex ingredients — just a handful of pantry staples and some ripe bananas. Plus, it can be made in advance, making it ideal for parties or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust:
- 10.5 oz (300 g) malted cookies or graham crackers, finely crushed
- 4.2 oz (120 g) melted butter (about 8 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Filling:
- 14 oz (400 g) dulce de leche
- 3 ripe bananas
- Juice of ½ lemon (to prevent browning)
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) heavy cream (or pre-made whipped cream)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Crush the Cookies
Start by placing your cookies into a blender or food processor. Blend until you achieve a fine crumb texture. If you don’t have a blender, you can crush the cookies using a rolling pin inside a sealed plastic bag. The goal is to get uniform crumbs for a smooth crust.
Step 2: Combine the Butter and Cinnamon
Add the melted butter and ground cinnamon to the crushed cookies. Mix everything together until the mixture resembles wet sand. The butter acts as the binding agent, holding your crust together once it cools and sets.
Step 3: Line the Glass Dish
Transfer the cookie mixture into an 18 cm (7-inch) removable-bottom pan. Press it firmly into the bottom and up the sides using the back of a spoon or a glass. Be sure to compact the mixture evenly, especially around the corners, to create a sturdy crust that holds up under the creamy filling.
Step 4: Bake the Base
Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C). Bake the crust for about 15 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden and firm. This step enhances the flavor and ensures a crisp texture. Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely before adding any filling.
Assembling the Banoffee Pie
Step 1: Spread the Dulce de Leche
Once the crust has cooled, spread dulce de leche evenly across the base using a spatula. Make sure to reach all edges for a smooth, consistent layer. Dulce de leche provides that signature caramel flavor and creamy texture that makes Banoffee Pie so special.
Step 2: Slice and Arrange the Bananas
Peel and slice the bananas into thin, even rounds. Toss the slices gently with a few drops of lemon juice — this helps prevent oxidation and keeps your bananas looking fresh. Arrange the slices neatly over the dulce de leche layer, ensuring full coverage.
Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream
In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue beating until stiff peaks form — the cream should be light, airy, and hold its shape. Be careful not to overbeat, or you’ll end up with butter instead of whipped cream.
Step 4: Add the Whipped Cream
Gently spoon or pipe the whipped cream over the banana layer. Smooth it out with a spatula, ensuring no banana slices are exposed. The whipped cream not only adds richness but also seals in the bananas, maintaining their color and freshness.
Finishing Touches and Serving
Step 1: Refrigerate
Place your assembled Banoffee Pie in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This chilling period allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld together beautifully. It also makes slicing and serving much easier.
Step 2: Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, carefully remove the pie from the pan. Use a warm knife (dipped in hot water and wiped dry) for clean slices. For a decorative touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top or add some chocolate shavings for an extra indulgent finish.
Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of buttery crust, caramel sweetness, and the light freshness of whipped cream and bananas.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Banoffee Pie
- Use ripe but firm bananas to avoid a mushy texture.
- Chill the crust completely before adding the filling to prevent it from crumbling.
- Make your own dulce de leche by slowly simmering a can of sweetened condensed milk for a few hours — just ensure the can stays fully submerged in water.
- Use cold cream for whipping; it helps achieve stable peaks.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Banoffee Pie: Add a thin layer of melted dark chocolate between the crust and dulce de leche.
- Coffee Banoffee Pie: Mix a teaspoon of instant coffee into the dulce de leche for a subtle mocha flavor.
- Nutty Banoffee Pie: Sprinkle crushed pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts between layers for extra crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use pre-made crust?
Yes, a store-bought graham cracker crust works perfectly if you’re short on time.
2. Can I skip baking the crust?
You can, but baking enhances the texture and flavor. If you skip baking, refrigerate the crust for at least 30 minutes before adding the filling.
3. What if I don’t have dulce de leche?
You can substitute with caramel sauce, though it will be slightly thinner. Homemade dulce de leche is thicker and richer.
4. Can I make Banoffee Pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day ahead. Just add the whipped cream right before serving to keep it fresh and fluffy.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 48 hours. Avoid freezing, as the bananas will become mushy.
6. What toppings go best with Banoffee Pie?
Chocolate curls, cocoa powder, or even crushed toffee bits make wonderful toppings that enhance flavor and presentation.
Conclusion
This Banoffee Pie recipe brings together everything you love in a dessert — buttery crust, rich caramel sweetness, fresh bananas, and fluffy whipped cream. It’s elegant yet effortless, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a dinner party or a cozy family dessert, this pie promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like it came straight from a bakery. So grab your ingredients, follow these steps, and treat yourself to the creamy, dreamy perfection of homemade Banoffee Pie.