Learn how to make the perfect Banoffee Pie with this easy-to-follow recipe! A delicious no-bake dessert with bananas, toffee, and whipped cream, perfect for any occasion.
Banoffee Pie Recipe: The Perfect Sweet Treat for All Occasions
Banoffee pie is a delightful and incredibly easy dessert that combines the sweetness of bananas, the richness of caramel, and the creaminess of whipped cream on a crunchy graham cracker crust. It’s an English classic that has taken the world by storm, and it’s no surprise why! The combination of textures and flavors makes every bite irresistible.
In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about making the perfect Banoffee Pie, including ingredient substitutes for readers in the US, UK, and Malaysia (with halal options). We’ll also give you some helpful tips, serving suggestions, and FAQs to ensure your banoffee pie turns out perfectly every time!
What Is Banoffee Pie?
Banoffee pie is a no-bake dessert that originated in England in the 1970s. The name “banoffee” is a fusion of the words “banana” and “toffee” — two key ingredients in this delicious treat. A traditional banoffee pie consists of a graham cracker crust (or biscuit crust), a layer of dulce de leche (toffee), slices of fresh bananas, and a generous topping of whipped cream.
It’s a decadent dessert that’s both easy to make and irresistible. If you love caramel and banana flavors, this pie is your new best friend!
Ingredients for Banoffee Pie
Here’s the list of ingredients you’ll need to make your very own banoffee pie:
| Ingredients | US Measurement | Metric Measurement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graham Cracker Crumbs | 1.5 cups (180g) | 180g | Can be substituted with digestive biscuits (UK) or Marie biscuits (Malaysia). |
| Granulated Sugar | 1/4 cup (50g) | 50g | |
| Unsalted Butter | 6 tbsp (85g) | 85g | |
| Dulce de Leche | 1.25 cups (300g) | 300g | You can make this from sweetened condensed milk using a simple method (see recipe notes). |
| Bananas | 2 large, sliced | 2 large, sliced | Use ripe bananas that are not overripe or mushy. |
| Heavy Cream | 2 cups (480ml) | 480ml | Whipped to soft peaks for best results. |
| Confectioners’ Sugar | 1/4 cup (30g) | 30g | Can use granulated sugar instead. |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp | 1 tsp | |
| Optional Toppings | Chopped nuts, toffee bits, chocolate shavings | N/A | Optional, but they add extra texture and flavor. |
How to Make Banoffee Pie: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
- Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust. Don’t press too hard; just ensure it’s compact.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes. Allow it to cool completely before filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Dulce de Leche (Caramel)
While the crust is cooling, you can prepare the dulce de leche. You can either buy it pre-made or make it at home by gently cooking sweetened condensed milk.
To make homemade dulce de leche:
- Pour a can of sweetened condensed milk into a pie dish and place it in a large roasting pan.
- Fill the pan with hot water halfway up the pie dish.
- Bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 2 hours, adding more hot water after 1 hour if needed. Let it cool.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Be careful not to overwhip, or you’ll end up with butter instead of smooth whipped cream!
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
- Spread the dulce de leche over the cooled crust.
- Arrange the banana slices in a layer over the dulce de leche.
- Top with the whipped cream, spreading it evenly over the bananas.
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours, or up to 1 day, before serving.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with optional toppings like chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or toffee bits. Slice and enjoy the delicious, rich flavors of this decadent dessert!
Ingredient Substitutes for US, UK, and Malaysian Readers
For US Readers:
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Substitute with digestive biscuits (UK) or vanilla wafers.
- Dulce de Leche: Make at home with sweetened condensed milk using the oven method described above.
For UK Readers:
- Digestive Biscuits: Commonly available in the UK and can replace graham crackers for the crust.
- Whipping Cream: Use this instead of heavy cream for whipping.
For Malaysian Readers (Halal Substitutes):
- Biscuit Crust: Substitute with Marie biscuits or digestive biscuits.
- Dulce de Leche: Use **condensed milk** or follow the homemade recipe for dulce de leche (it’s halal).
- Whipping Cream: Make sure the cream is halal-certified or use **non-dairy whipping cream** if preferred.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Banoffee pie is a versatile dessert that pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages and side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Tea or Coffee: Pair with a strong cup of black coffee or a warm English breakfast tea for a balanced flavor.
- Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside fresh berries or a citrus fruit salad to add a refreshing contrast to the rich pie.
- Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is an excellent side dish for Banoffee pie, providing a creamy complement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Banoffee pie ahead of time?
Yes! Banoffee pie is a great make-ahead dessert. Prepare it up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
2. How can I make Banoffee pie without dulce de leche?
If you can’t find dulce de leche, you can easily substitute it with homemade caramel sauce or even a can of sweetened condensed milk that has been cooked to make your own dulce de leche.
3. Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Yes, you can use a store-bought graham cracker or biscuit crust for convenience, though homemade is always best for flavor!
4. Is Banoffee pie gluten-free?
It’s not gluten-free unless you use a gluten-free crust substitute such as crushed gluten-free biscuits or gluten-free graham crackers.
5. How long will Banoffee pie last in the fridge?
Banoffee pie will last for about 2–3 days in the fridge. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.