Banoffee Pie Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth craving something irresistibly decadent yet delightfully simple, this Banoffee Pie Recipe is just what you need. Combining a buttery biscuit crust with a luscious homemade caramel layer, topped with fresh bananas and fluffy whipped cream, this dessert is pure comfort on a plate. Every bite is a perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, and fruity textures with a beautiful harmony of flavors that keeps you coming back for more. Trust me, once you try this Banoffee Pie Recipe, it will become an absolute favorite in your dessert rotation.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these straightforward, classic ingredients is the first step to making magic in your kitchen. Each plays a crucial role, with the buttery biscuits creating a crunchy base, the golden caramel bringing a rich sweetness, and fresh bananas adding natural fruitiness and freshness. The whipped cream on top makes everything feel light and dreamy.

• Digestive biscuits or graham crackers (250 g / about 2 cups): Perfect for a sturdy yet crumbly crust that holds all the goodness together.
• Unsalted butter (100 g melted for crust, plus 100 g for caramel): Adds richness and helps bind the crust and caramel layers with silky smoothness.
• Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 400 g / 14 oz): The secret to that irresistibly thick, creamy caramel or toffee layer.
• Brown sugar (100 g / 1/2 cup): Deepens the caramel flavor with its molasses notes.
• Ripe bananas (3–4): Bring natural sweetness and a lovely fresh texture to balance all the richness.
• Heavy cream (300 ml / 1 1/4 cups), chilled: Whipped to soft peaks, it adds a light, airy finish.
• Powdered sugar (2 tbsp): Sweetens the cream without any grittiness.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Elevates the whipped cream with warm fragrance and flavor.
• Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder: For a decorative, slightly bitter contrast and that extra wow factor.

How to Make Banoffee Pie Recipe

Step 1: Make the Crust

Start by crushing your digestive biscuits into fine crumbs—this is best done in a sealed plastic bag with a rolling pin or in a food processor for ease. Mix those buttery crumbs thoroughly with the melted butter until every crumb is coated. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the base of a tart or pie pan, creating a solid, crunchy foundation. Pop it into the fridge to chill while you prepare the delicious caramel layer. Chilling helps it set nicely and hold its shape when adding the soft fillings later.

Step 2: Prepare the Caramel (Toffee)

This is where the magic unfolds. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar until fully dissolved and bubbling gently. Stirring constantly, pour in the sweetened condensed milk and bring it to a slow, gentle boil—keep stirring for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns a gorgeous golden caramel color. Take your time here, as patience ensures that perfectly smooth, luscious caramel. Pour this warm, toffee-like sauce evenly over the chilled biscuit crust and smooth it out. Refrigerate for at least an hour until it sets firmly and is ready to support bananas and cream.

Step 3: Add Bananas and Cream

Slice your ripe bananas into even rounds and layer them generously over the caramel. The fresh bananas add a lovely natural sweetness and soft texture that contrasts beautifully with the sticky caramel beneath. Next, whip the cold heavy cream together with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form—light, fluffy, and just sweet enough to enhance the pie without overpowering it. Spread or pipe this whipped cream layer artfully on top of your bananas, creating a cloud-like finish to your Banoffee Pie Recipe.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

To add the final flourish, sprinkle chocolate shavings generously across the cream or dust the whole pie lightly with cocoa powder. These details not only make it look irresistible but add subtle bittersweet notes that balance the pie perfectly. Chill the assembled pie for another hour before serving to let all the flavors meld and textures set up just right. Then slice up generous wedges, and prepare for sweet, creamy bliss!

How to Serve Banoffee Pie Recipe

Garnishes

Beyond the classic chocolate shavings or cocoa dusting, you can get playful with your garnishes. A light sprinkle of cinnamon adds warmth and depth, or a pinch of espresso powder sprinkled on the whipped cream introduces a subtle coffee kick that perfectly offsets the sweetness. Fresh mint leaves also offer a bright contrast and a pop of color that makes the pie even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of extra whipped cream for those who just can’t get enough. For a fresh element, a small fruit salad featuring berries or citrus segments complements the sweetness and balances the richness beautifully. Or keep it simple with a hot cup of strong black coffee or your favorite tea to cut through the decadence.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress friends, present your Banoffee Pie Recipe in individual glass jars or transparent cups layered with biscuit crumbs, caramel, bananas, and whipped cream. This not only looks stunning but makes serving a breeze. Another fun idea: pipe the whipped cream using a star nozzle for a decorative finish, or drizzle extra caramel sauce in elegant swirls across the top for a professional touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Banoffee Pie Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a pie dome to prevent the whipped cream from absorbing other fridge odors and to keep the bananas fresh and from browning too much. It tastes just as good the day after making it, sometimes even better as the flavors marry.

Freezing

Because of the fresh banana topping and delicate whipped cream, freezing a fully assembled Banoffee Pie Recipe isn’t recommended, as these elements won’t hold up well. However, you can freeze the biscuit crust and caramel layers separately if needed, then thaw and assemble with fresh bananas and whipped cream closer to serving time.

Reheating

This pie is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not necessary or advised. If your caramel layer gets too firm in the fridge, simply let the pie sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before slicing to soften slightly for perfect forks full every time.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought caramel instead of making my own?

Absolutely! While the homemade caramel in this Banoffee Pie Recipe is rich and fresh-tasting, a good-quality store-bought dulce de leche can be a convenient substitute and still yield delicious results.

What if I don’t have digestive biscuits or graham crackers?

No problem! You can swap them for any crisp, mildly sweet cookie or biscuit like shortbread or vanilla wafers. Just make sure to crush them finely and press well for a good crust.

How do I prevent bananas from browning in the pie?

Using ripe yet firm bananas helps them hold their shape and color longer. You can also toss the slices lightly in lemon juice before layering to slow browning, especially if you’re making the pie ahead.

Is this Banoffee Pie Recipe suitable for kids?

Definitely! It’s a kid-friendly dessert with no alcohol and a lovely balance of flavors and textures that most children adore. Just watch portion sizes since it’s quite rich.

Can I make this dessert vegan or dairy-free?

With some tweaks, yes! Swap butter for plant-based spreads, use coconut condensed milk if you can find it or make a homemade version, and replace heavy cream with chilled coconut cream whipped to soft peaks. The texture and taste will be different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

Once you whip up this Banoffee Pie Recipe and taste its heavenly layers, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved dessert worldwide. Its perfect blend of buttery biscuit, indulgent caramel, fresh bananas, and airy cream is truly unforgettable. So don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients, enjoy the process, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful masterpiece. Trust me, Banoffee Pie is love at first bite!