Banoffee pie is a delightful British classic that brings together the rich flavors of bananas, toffee, and cream, all nestled in a buttery crust. This recipe offers a simple approach to creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Whether for a special occasion or just because, this banoffee pie is bound to become a favorite. Let’s get started on this sweet treat!
Steps
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor, then mix with sugar and melted butter until the mixture is thick and sandy. Press this mixture evenly into a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust, ensuring it is compact but not too hard. Bake for 15 minutes and let it cool for another 15 minutes.
- To make the whipped cream, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip together heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed. Continue whipping for about 3-4 minutes until you achieve medium peaks, which are perfect for topping the pie.
- Spread a layer of dulce de leche evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust. Arrange banana slices in one or two layers on top of the dulce de leche for a fruity layer.
- Generously spread the whipped cream over the bananas, creating a voluminous and soft topping. Place the pie in the refrigerator, uncovered, for at least 2 hours to set, or leave it overnight for convenience.
- Before serving, you can garnish the pie with chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or toffee bits, if desired. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days.
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups (180g) graham cracker crumbs (approximately 12 full sheet graham crackers)
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 and 1/4 cups dulce de leche
- 2 large bananas, sliced
- 2 cups (480ml) cold heavy cream or heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar or granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings
- Chopped nuts
- Toffee bits
FAQ
- What is Banoffee Pie?
- Banoffee pie is a popular dessert originating from England, combining the flavors of bananas and toffee. It features a crust made from biscuits or graham crackers, filled with dulce de leche, fresh banana slices, and topped with homemade whipped cream. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a delightful treat.
- How is Dulce de Leche Different from Caramel?
- Dulce de leche is similar to caramel but is typically sweeter and creamier. It is made by slowly heating sugar and milk, allowing them to caramelize. This process gives dulce de leche its distinct flavor, partially due to the Maillard reaction.
- What is the Easiest Method to Make Dulce de Leche?
- A simple way to make dulce de leche is by using sweetened condensed milk. You can either boil a closed can in water or bake the milk in a pie dish within a water bath. The baking method is often preferred as it avoids the risk of cans bursting.
- Can I Make Banoffee Pie in Advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the graham cracker crust up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freeze it. The dulce de leche can be made two weeks ahead and refrigerated. The fully assembled pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one day before serving.
- Are There Substitutes for Graham Crackers in the Crust?
- If graham crackers are unavailable, you can use digestive biscuits as an alternative. The recipe remains effective with digestive biscuit crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, providing a similar texture and taste.
Tips
- To prevent the bananas from browning, consider adding a few drops of fresh lemon juice to the banana slices before assembling the pie. This will keep them looking fresh without affecting the flavor significantly.
- When making the graham cracker crust, use a small flat-bottomed measuring cup to gently press the crumbs down and smooth out the surface. Avoid applying too much pressure to prevent the crust from becoming too hard.
- If you don’t have graham crackers available, digestive biscuits can be a great substitute for the crust. Adjust the sugar and butter quantities slightly to maintain the right consistency and bake a little longer for a perfect crust.
- Prepare the dulce de leche using the oven method to avoid the risk of cans bursting during boiling. This method is safer and yields delicious results. Ensure you add more hot water to the roasting pan halfway through to prevent it from drying out.
Equipment
- Food Processor or Blender – For grinding graham crackers into fine crumbs.
- 9-inch Pie Dish – Necessary for forming the pie crust and assembling the pie.
- Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand) – For making the whipped cream.
- Large Roasting Pan – Used for creating a water bath to make dulce de leche.
- Glass Mixing Bowl – Useful for mixing ingredients.
- Aluminum Foil – Needed for covering the pie dish during the dulce de leche preparation.
