A Slice of British Heaven
Banoffee Pie, a portmanteau of “banana” and “toffee,” is a beloved British dessert that’s taken the world by storm. Created in the 1970s at The Hungry Monk restaurant in East Sussex, this heavenly concoction has been delighting taste buds ever since. And the best part? You don’t need to be a master baker to whip up this crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Wonder: Perfect for hot summer days or when you’re short on time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Serves 8-10, ideal for gatherings or family desserts.
- Foolproof: Simple steps that even novice bakers can master.
- Customizable: Easy to adjust flavors or toppings to your liking.
Let’s dive into this irresistible treat that combines the sweetness of bananas, the richness of caramel, and the lightness of whipped cream into one perfect pie!
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 10 oz (280g) digestive biscuits or graham crackers
- 5 oz (140g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 14 oz (400g) dulce de leche or caramel sauce
- 3-4 ripe bananas, sliced
For the Topping:
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 oz (30g) dark chocolate, for shavings
Instructions
- Prepare the Base:
- Crush the biscuits in a food processor or place them in a zip-lock bag and crush with a rolling pin.
- Mix the crushed biscuits with melted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the base and sides of a 9-inch (23cm) pie dish.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
- Create the Caramel Layer:
- Spread the dulce de leche evenly over the chilled biscuit base.
- Return to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes.
- Add the Banana Layer:
- Slice the bananas and arrange them in an even layer over the caramel.
- Whip the Cream:
- In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Spoon the whipped cream over the banana layer, creating soft peaks with the back of a spoon.
- The Finishing Touch:
- Use a vegetable peeler to create chocolate shavings from the dark chocolate bar.
- Sprinkle the shavings generously over the whipped cream.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Slice into 8-10 pieces and enjoy your homemade Banoffee Pie!
Presentation Tips
For picture-perfect slices:
- Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water (and wiped dry) between cuts.
- Garnish each slice with a banana chip or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Serve on chilled plates for an extra touch of elegance.
Make It Your Own
- Chocolate Lover’s Version: Add a layer of melted chocolate over the biscuit base before the caramel.
- Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the banana layer.
- Boozy Adult Version: Add a splash of rum to the whipped cream for an extra kick.
There you have it – a simple, no-bake Banoffee Pie that’s sure to impress! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is your ticket to dessert stardom. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a little slice of British heaven right in your own kitchen.
Happy baking (or should I say, no-baking)!
Also See: The Ultimate Traditional British Banoffee Pie Recipe
