Banoffee Pie
Bananas, toffee, and whipped cream combine to create one of the most decadent desserts known to mankind—Banoffee Pie. This British classic features a luscious filling that marries sweet bananas with rich caramel, all topped with a cloud of fluffy whipped cream. It’s perfect for sharing (or devouring all by yourself). This straightforward recipe guarantees success with each layer offering heavenly flavors that complement each other flawlessly.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Banoffee Pie is an echo of everything delightful about desserts. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas paired with caramelized sweetened condensed milk creates a rich, indulgent filling that will satisfy even the most insatiable sweet tooth. Meanwhile, the light and airy whipped cream adds a refreshing touch, creating that perfect balance. This pie is also incredibly easy to prepare and requires no fancy techniques, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. With just a few ingredients, you can create a show-stopping dessert that impresses family and friends!
Pro Tips for Making Banoffee Pie
- Choose Ripe Bananas: Make sure to use spotty, ripe bananas. They’re sweeter and offer a better texture in the pie.
- Prepare Ahead: This pie can be made a few hours or even a day in advance. The flavors will meld beautifully as it sits.
- Chill Your Tools: For perfectly whipped cream, chill the mixing bowl and whisk beforehand for the best results.
- Don’t Overbeat the Cream: Stop mixing just as stiff peaks form to prevent the cream from becoming grainy.
- Garnish Creatively: Experiment with cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, or even crushed nuts to add an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this dreamy Banoffee Pie:
- 1 9-inch store-bought graham cracker crust
- 2 cans (14 ounces each) sweetened condensed milk
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder for garnish
Directions
Follow these easy steps to create your Banoffee Pie:
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: Pour the sweetened condensed milk into an oven-safe baking dish.
- Step 3: Place the baking dish in a larger container filled with water, ensuring it reaches halfway up the sides of the condensed milk dish.
- Step 4: Bake for 90 minutes or until the milk thickens and caramelizes. Check the water level occasionally, adding more as needed.
- Step 5: After baking, allow the dish to cool at room temperature on a wire rack. Whisk the dulce de leche until smooth and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
- Step 6: Once chilled, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake the graham cracker crust for 5 minutes. Allow it to cool at room temperature.
- Step 7: Pour the prepared dulce de leche into the cooled pie shell, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Step 8: Arrange the sliced bananas evenly on top of the dulce de leche.
- Step 9: In an electric mixer, combine the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla. Whip on medium speed until stiff peaks form.
- Step 10: Spread the whipped cream over the banana layer with a spatula and dust with cocoa powder for garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade dulce de leche instead of canned sweetened condensed milk?
Absolutely! You can prepare homemade dulce de leche on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, but ensure it’s thick and caramelized for the best flavor.
How long can I store this Banoffee Pie?
Banoffee Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh as the bananas may brown over time.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use a combination of milk and Greek yogurt, but it may not whip up as well as heavy cream.
Can I freeze Banoffee Pie?
While you can freeze the pie, it’s not recommended as the whipped cream and bananas may change in texture. It’s best served fresh.
Can I add other toppings to the pie?
Definitely! Feel free to add chocolate shavings, nuts, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra decadent touch!
Conclusion
This Banoffee Pie encapsulates everything we love about desserts—a perfect blend of sweet and creamy with a buttery crust. It’s an effortless recipe sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. So, whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself, this pie is a must-try! Relish in the comforting blend of bananas, toffee, and whipped cream, and understand why this combination has captured hearts around the world.