Banoffee Pie Recipe: How to Make the Perfect Classic Banoffee Pie?

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Banoffee pie is an irresistible British dessert that has captured the hearts of dessert lovers worldwide. With its rich layers of caramel toffee, ripe bananas, and fluffy whipped cream, this pie is a true indulgence.

If you’re craving a sweet, creamy treat, look no further than the classic banoffee pie. Here’s how to make the perfect version of this iconic dessert from scratch!

What is Banoffee Pie?

Origin of Banoffee Pie

Banoffee pie is believed to have been created in the 1970s at the “Hungry Monk” restaurant in East Sussex, England. The combination of bananas and toffee was a stroke of genius, leading to the creation of this beloved dessert that has remained a staple in British kitchens ever since.

Why It’s a Favourite British Dessert?

Banoffee pie quickly became a favourite for its simplicity and satisfying blend of flavours. The rich toffee layer, complemented by the soft bananas and whipped cream, creates an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist. It’s also an easy dessert to make, which contributes to its widespread popularity.

Key Components of a Banoffee Pie

At its core, banoffee pie consists of a crumbly biscuit base, a luscious toffee layer, fresh bananas, and a fluffy whipped cream topping. The layers come together to create a dessert that’s both decadent and comforting.

Ingredients for a Classic Banoffee Pie Recipe

To make the perfect banoffee pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Digestive biscuits or graham crackers	200g	For the base; you can use gluten-free biscuits as an alternative
Butter	100g	Melted, to bind the biscuit crumbs together
Sweetened condensed milk	1 can (397g)	For the toffee layer
Bananas	3 ripe, but firm	For the banana layer
Double cream	300ml	For the whipped cream topping
Sugar (optional)	1–2 tbsp	For sweetening the whipped cream
Dark chocolate (optional)	30g	For garnish, can be shaved or melted

Choosing the Best Bananas and Toffee

For the best flavour, choose ripe bananas with a slight firmness. Overripe bananas can become too mushy. As for the toffee, you can make it yourself by simmering sweetened condensed milk, or you can use store-bought caramel sauce or dulce de leche for a quicker version.

Alternative Ingredient Options

If you’re looking for a twist, you could try using gluten-free biscuits for the base or non-dairy cream for a vegan version. You can also experiment with chocolate toffee or add a hint of espresso to the cream for a gourmet touch.

How to Make the Perfect Banoffee Pie?

Step 1: Preparing the Biscuit Base

Choose your preferred biscuits (digestive biscuits, graham crackers, etc.).
Crush the biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a ziplock bag and using a rolling pin.
Mix the biscuit crumbs with melted butter until well combined.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a pie dish, creating a firm base.
Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set.

Step 2: Making the Toffee Layer

Pour sweetened condensed milk into a saucepan.
Simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally for 1-2 hours until the milk thickens and turns a golden brown.
Alternatively, use store-bought caramel or dulce de leche to save time.
Spread the toffee layer evenly over the chilled biscuit base.

Step 3: Slicing the Bananas

Choose ripe but firm bananas to avoid them being too mushy.
Slice the bananas into thick rounds.
Lightly sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent browning, or cover them with plastic wrap until ready to use.

Step 4: Whipping the Cream

Whip the double cream using a hand mixer or stand mixer until soft peaks form.
Add sugar if desired to sweeten the cream.
Be careful not to overwhip the cream, as it can turn into butter.

Step 5: Assembling the Banoffee Pie

Layer the sliced bananas evenly over the toffee layer.
Spoon or pipe the whipped cream over the bananas, spreading it to the edges.
For a smooth finish, use a spatula to spread the cream evenly.
Garnish with dark chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice of Banoffee Pie)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	420 kcal
Total Fat	23 g
– Saturated Fat	14 g
Cholesterol	55 mg
Sodium	190 mg
Total Carbohydrates	49 g
– Sugars	35 g
– Dietary Fibre	2 g
Protein	4 g
Calcium	80 mg
Potassium	210 mg

Note: Values may vary based on ingredients used, serving size, and recipe variations.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Homemade Banoffee Pie

How to Keep the Base from Becoming Soggy: To avoid a soggy base, make sure the biscuit crumbs are pressed firmly and evenly, and chill the base long enough to allow it to set.
Ideal Chilling Time for the Perfect Texture: After assembling the pie, let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavours to meld and the pie to firm up.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t use overly ripe bananas, as they can make the pie mushy. Also, be cautious not to overwhip the cream, as it can turn into butter.

Serving and Storing Banoffee Pie

Best Ways to Serve Banoffee Pie: Serve the pie chilled, and garnish with extra chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for a beautiful presentation.
How Long It Stays Fresh in the Fridge: The pie can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours to maintain its fresh texture.
Freezing Tips for Longer Storage: You can freeze the pie for up to a month, but it’s best to freeze only the base and toffee layer. Assemble with fresh bananas and whipped cream after thawing.

Variations of Banoffee Pie to Try

Jamie Oliver Banoffee Pie Recipe Variation: Salted Caramel Twist

Difference: Adding a touch of sea salt to the caramel layer introduces a contrast between sweet and salty, making the caramel flavor even more pronounced and rich.

Instructions:

Base: Prepare the digestive biscuit base as per Jamie’s recipe. Mix crushed biscuits with melted butter and press into the base of a pie dish.
Caramel: In a saucepan, heat butter and brown sugar as usual. Once melted, add sweetened condensed milk and cook until it thickens. Stir in a pinch of sea salt before removing from heat.
Assembly: Once the caramel has cooled slightly, spread it evenly over the biscuit base. Layer sliced bananas on top.
Cream: Whip double cream with a teaspoon of vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread this over the bananas.
Final Touch: Drizzle with a bit more sea salt on top of the whipped cream for a salted caramel finish.
Result: The salted caramel enhances the richness of the pie, giving it a delightful contrast with the sweetness of the bananas and cream.

Carnation Banoffee Pie Recipe Variation: Chocolate Ganache Layer

Difference: Adding a layer of smooth chocolate ganache under the whipped cream adds a rich, indulgent depth to the pie, blending perfectly with the caramel and banana flavors.

Instructions:

Base: Follow Carnation’s base recipe for the digestive biscuit and butter mixture. Press into a pie dish and chill.
Caramel: Prepare the caramel filling with butter, brown sugar, and sweetened condensed milk as per the original recipe. Once thickened, pour over the biscuit base.
Chocolate Layer: Melt 100g of dark chocolate with a little cream to create a smooth ganache. Once the caramel layer is set, spread a thin layer of chocolate ganache over it.
Bananas: Arrange the sliced bananas on top of the ganache layer.
Cream: Whip the double cream and spread it on top of the bananas.
Result: The chocolate ganache creates an extra level of luxury and richness in the pie, making it even more indulgent.

Mary Berry Banoffee Pie Recipe Variation: Cinnamon-Spiced Caramel

Difference: Adding a hint of cinnamon to the caramel layer gives the pie a warming, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of the bananas.

Instructions:

Base: Prepare the biscuit base as per Mary Berry’s recipe with crushed biscuits and melted butter. Press into the dish and chill.
Caramel: For the caramel layer, follow Mary’s method but add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the sugar and butter mixture as it melts. Stir well and cook until thickened, then pour over the biscuit base.
Bananas: Arrange the banana slices over the caramel layer.
Cream: Whip the double cream and spread it over the bananas.
Final Touch: Lightly dust the top of the whipped cream with a little cinnamon for a warm, spiced finish.
Result: The cinnamon adds a comforting, aromatic touch that perfectly complements the banana and caramel combination.

BBC Banoffee Pie Recipe Variation: Coffee-Infused Caramel

Difference: Infusing the caramel with coffee adds a rich, deep flavor that enhances the sweetness and complexity of the pie, making it more decadent.

Instructions:

Base: Follow the BBC recipe for the biscuit base and press it into a pie dish. Chill to set.
Caramel: In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar, then add sweetened condensed milk. Stir in 1 tablespoon of strong brewed coffee or espresso and cook until thickened.
Bananas: Layer the sliced bananas over the caramel once it has cooled slightly.
Cream: Whip double cream until soft peaks form and spread it over the banana layer.
Result: The coffee adds a bold depth to the caramel and a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness of the pie.

Hairy Bikers Banoffee Pie Recipe Variation: Toffee Apple Twist

Difference: Adding thinly sliced caramelized apples on top of the banana layer introduces a fruity contrast that complements the rich toffee and cream.

Instructions:

Base: Prepare the biscuit base as per Hairy Bikers’ recipe and chill to set.
Caramel: Follow the standard caramel recipe with butter, brown sugar, and condensed milk. Pour this over the biscuit base.
Apple Topping: Thinly slice one or two apples and caramelize them in a hot pan with butter and a little sugar until golden and soft.
Bananas: Arrange the banana slices on top of the caramel layer, then add the caramelized apples on top of the bananas.
Cream: Whip the double cream until soft peaks form and spread it over the apple and banana layers.
Result: The caramelized apples provide an extra layer of sweetness and tartness that balances the rich flavors of the toffee and bananas.

Weight Watchers Banoffee Pie Recipe Variation: Lightened-Up Version

Difference: By using lighter ingredients like low-fat cream and a reduced-sugar caramel, this variation makes the traditional banoffee pie more weight-conscious without sacrificing taste.

Instructions:

Base: Use wholemeal digestive biscuits to reduce the sugar content in the crust. Mix with light margarine or a low-fat butter substitute, and press into a pie dish.
Caramel: Replace some of the butter in the caramel with a lower-fat alternative, and reduce the sugar slightly. Use reduced-fat sweetened condensed milk or a sugar-free version.
Bananas: Layer the banana slices over the caramel once it has cooled.
Cream: Use light double cream or a fat-free whipped topping as the cream layer.
Result: The lighter ingredients make the pie more diet-friendly while still offering the sweet, creamy experience of a traditional banoffee pie.

Miller and Carter Banoffee Pie Recipe Variation: Honey Caramel Drizzle

Difference: Adding a honey drizzle over the whipped cream gives the pie a delicate floral sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor with a luxurious finish.

Instructions:

Base: Follow Miller and Carter’s base recipe with crushed biscuits and melted butter, pressing into the base and chilling.
Caramel: Prepare the caramel using the traditional method with butter, brown sugar, and sweetened condensed milk.
Bananas: Slice the bananas and layer them over the caramel.
Cream: Whip the cream until stiff peaks form and spread it over the bananas.
Honey Drizzle: Lightly warm a tablespoon of honey and drizzle it over the whipped cream layer for an extra layer of sweetness.
Result: The honey adds a subtle yet rich sweetness that enhances the overall dessert with a touch of elegance.

Nutritional Information for Classic Banoffee Pie

Banoffee pie is a deliciously indulgent dessert, but like most treats, it’s best enjoyed in moderation. Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown for one slice (assuming the recipe serves 8 slices) of classic banoffee pie:

Nutrient	Per Slice (1/8 of the pie)
Calories	400–450 kcal
Protein	3g
Fat	25g
Saturated Fat	14g
Carbohydrates	50g
Sugar	30g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	100mg
Cholesterol	50mg
Calcium	50mg
Iron	1.5mg

Notes:

Calories: The calorie count can vary depending on the specific ingredients used, such as the type of cream, the biscuits, or any added toppings.
Fat: This dessert contains a high amount of fat due to the butter in the biscuit base, the cream, and the toffee. Consider using reduced-fat cream or other substitutes for a lighter version.
Sugar: The sugar content is also quite high due to the sweetened condensed milk and the bananas, so if you’re looking to reduce sugar, using less caramel or opting for a sugar-free whipped cream might help.
Fiber: Bananas contribute a small amount of fiber, and using whole wheat or gluten-free biscuits can boost the fiber content.

Conclusion

Banoffee pie is the ultimate indulgence, combining the rich flavours of toffee, fresh bananas, and whipped cream, all nestled on a crunchy biscuit base. With its simple yet decadent layers, it’s no wonder this classic British dessert remains a favourite.

Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this easy-to-follow recipe ensures that you’ll create a show-stopping dessert every time.

So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of homemade banoffee pie that will have everyone coming back for more!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make banoffee pie in advance?

Yes, banoffee pie can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just wait until shortly before serving to add the whipped cream and bananas.

What’s the best type of biscuit for the base?

Digestive biscuits are traditional and work perfectly, but graham crackers or other plain biscuits can also be used.

How do I prevent the bananas from going brown?

Lightly sprinkle the sliced bananas with lemon juice or cover them tightly until you’re ready to assemble the pie.

Can I use dulce de leche instead of homemade toffee?

Yes, dulce de leche is a great alternative and will give you a rich, caramel-like flavour.

Is banoffee pie suitable for vegetarians?

Banoffee pie is typically suitable for vegetarians, but if you are making a vegan version, make sure to use non-dairy cream and vegan biscuits.

How do I make a lighter version of banoffee pie?

Use reduced-fat cream or a non-dairy whipped cream alternative to cut down on calories.

Can I add chocolate to banoffee pie?

Yes, chocolate is a delicious addition. You can melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the toffee or sprinkle chocolate shavings on top of the whipped cream for extra flavour.