If you’ve ever fallen in love with a dessert that combines rich caramel, fresh bananas, and a crunchy biscuit base, then you are going to adore this Homemade Banoffee Pie Recipe. It’s a heavenly blend of textures and flavors that come together effortlessly to create a classic British dessert that feels both indulgent and comforting. Perfect for family gatherings or an impressive weekend treat, this pie captures the magic of sweet condensed milk caramel paired with the brightness of ripe bananas and the lightness of whipped cream. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed dessert without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let me tell you, the ingredients for this pie are wonderfully simple but absolutely essential in creating that iconic banoffee flavor and texture. Each one plays a vital role, from the buttery base that provides a satisfying crunch to the luscious caramel and fresh bananas that create that perfect harmony of sweet and fruity.
- 200g digestive biscuits: The classic choice for a crumbly, buttery base that holds everything together beautifully.
- 100g unsalted butter, melted: This adds richness to the biscuit crust and helps it set firmly.
- 397g can sweetened condensed milk: The star ingredient for making that rich, creamy caramel filling without any fuss.
- 2 ripe bananas: They provide the natural sweetness and freshness that balance the pie perfectly.
- 300ml heavy cream, whipped: For that light and airy layer that adds a luxurious finish to the pie.
- Cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for dusting and decoration: Adds a touch of elegance and a hint of bittersweet flavor on top.
How to Make Homemade Banoffee Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Crush those digestive biscuits finely — you can use a rolling pin or pop them in a food processor for quick results. Then mix them with the melted unsalted butter. This step is crucial because it binds the crumbs together and creates the perfect crisp, buttery foundation that will hold all the delicious layers to come. Press the buttery crumb mixture firmly into the base of your pie dish, making sure the coverage is even and the edges are neat. Pop it aside for a moment and get ready for the caramel magic.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Filling
This is where the magic really happens. Pour your sweetened condensed milk into a saucepan and heat it gently, stirring continuously—it takes about 15 minutes to turn a gorgeous rich golden brown color. Keep a close eye on it because the transformation is what gives this pie its luscious, creamy caramel flavor that’s simply irresistible. The slow stirring creates thick, velvety toffee that sets the scene for the bananas and cream layers.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Once your biscuit base is ready and your caramel has reached that perfect color and thickness, pour the caramel generously over the base. Spread it evenly, then refrigerate the pie for at least an hour so the caramel can set completely. This patience ensures each slice will hold its shape beautifully and each bite will be perfectly gooey without being runny.
Step 4: Add the Bananas and Whipped Cream
Slice your ripe bananas evenly—uniform slices make for a prettier presentation and an even distribution of flavor in every bite. Layer the bananas generously over the set caramel, then top with the lightly whipped cream. The cream adds a heavenly fluff that balances the sweetness with a silky softness. Finish with a dusting of cocoa powder or scatter on some chocolate shavings for that picture-perfect finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, creamy, and crunchy contrasts all at once.
How to Serve Homemade Banoffee Pie Recipe
Garnishes
To make your pie look as spectacular as it tastes, consider a sprinkle of cocoa powder or some fine chocolate shavings. You can also add a few caramel drizzle lines or even a few extra banana slices on top. These thoughtful touches not only elevate the visual appeal but also add extra bursts of flavor that delight every palate.
Side Dishes
This pie is rich and filling, but if you want to serve it with a refreshing side, a simple bowl of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream works wonderfully. The tartness of berries or the creamy coolness of ice cream provides a lovely contrast to the sweet, dense pie and keeps the dessert experience balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling a little inventive? Serve individual portions in glass jars or clear dessert cups to showcase the beautiful layers of biscuit, caramel, banana, and whipped cream. You could also experiment with adding a splash of rum to your caramel for a boozy twist, perfect for entertaining guests. The Homemade Banoffee Pie Recipe is your canvas for creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Homemade Banoffee Pie keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two days, covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to save some slices for later, just make sure they are kept chilled and bring them to room temperature briefly before serving for the best flavor.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this pie because the bananas and cream don’t hold up well under freezing conditions, leading to a soggy texture once thawed. For best results, enjoy this pie fresh or refrigerated only.
Reheating
Since this pie is a no-bake dessert with cold layers, reheating is not necessary and would alter its signature texture and flavor. Serve it chilled for that perfect creamy and crunchy contrast every time.
FAQs
Can I make the caramel filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the caramel in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. When ready to assemble, just warm it slightly if it’s become too firm so it’s spreadable.
What kind of bananas should I use?
Choose bananas that are fully ripe but not overly mushy. They should be sweet and firm enough to hold their shape when sliced.
Is there a way to make this pie vegan?
Yes, for a vegan twist, use vegan biscuits and butter substitutes, replace condensed milk with a coconut milk caramel alternative, and whip up coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious!
Can I use ready-made caramel instead of making it?
You can, but homemade caramel from sweetened condensed milk offers that rich, authentic toffee flavor that makes this recipe truly special. Store-bought caramel may be sweeter or thinner, so adjust accordingly.
How long does it take to prepare this pie?
The prep, cooking, and setting time combined is about 45 minutes active time plus an hour chilling time. It’s a quick process for such an impressive dessert!
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Banoffee Pie Recipe is an absolute joy to make and an even greater joy to eat. It’s a delightful combination of textures and flavors, simple ingredients brought together in a way that feels special and satisfying. Give it a try and watch everyone fall head over heels for your creation—you’ll have a new favorite dessert, guaranteed!
Print
Homemade Banoffee Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Description
This homemade Banoffee Pie combines a buttery biscuit base with rich caramel, ripe bananas, and fluffy whipped cream, finished with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings. A delightfully indulgent dessert perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with simple ingredients and classic flavors.
Ingredients
Base
- 200g digestive biscuits
- 100g unsalted butter, melted
Caramel
- 397g can sweetened condensed milk
Topping
- 2 ripe bananas
- 300ml heavy cream, whipped
- Cocoa powder or chocolate shavings, for dusting and decoration
Instructions
- Base Prep: Crush the digestive biscuits finely and mix them thoroughly with the melted unsalted butter. Press this mixture evenly into the base of a pie dish to create a compact and uniform crust. This step should take about 10 minutes to ensure a solid foundation for your pie.
- Caramel Making: Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a saucepan and heat gently while stirring continuously. Maintain the heat and continue stirring until the milk turns a rich golden brown, thickening into a caramel consistency. This process takes approximately 15 minutes and requires careful attention to prevent burning.
- Assembly: Pour the freshly made caramel evenly over the biscuit base. Place the pie in the refrigerator and allow the caramel to set firmly, which will take about 60 minutes. Patience here is key to achieve the perfect texture.
- Final Touch: Once the caramel is set, slice the ripe bananas and arrange them on top of the caramel layer. Spread the whipped heavy cream over the bananas, creating a smooth and fluffy topping. Finish by dusting with cocoa powder or sprinkling chocolate shavings for decoration. Serve immediately after adding the topping to maintain freshness, taking about 5 minutes.
Notes
- For a quicker caramel option, use ready-made dulce de leche.
- Ensure bananas are ripe for optimal sweetness and texture.
- Chill the pie well before serving for best set and taste.
- Can be prepared a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
