Banoffee Pie is a classic British dessert that combines sweet toffee, fresh bananas, and fluffy whipped cream on a crunchy graham cracker crust. This nearly no-bake treat is simple to make and perfect for any occasion. The rich dulce de leche filling pairs beautifully with the banana’s natural sweetness, creating an irresistible dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Crust and Filling

• 1 1/2 cups (190g) graham cracker crumbs (about 12 whole crackers)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 (13.4-ounce/380g) can dulce de leche
• 2 to 3 medium bananas, sliced

For the Topping

• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) cold heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the crust: If using whole graham crackers, crush them into fine crumbs using a food processor or a rolling pin inside a zip-top bag.
3. In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
4. Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie plate.
5. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool for at least 30 minutes.
6. Add the filling: Spread the dulce de leche evenly over the cooled crust.
7. Slice the bananas into 1/4-inch thick rounds and arrange them over the dulce de leche.
8. Make the whipped cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
9. Assemble the pie: Spread the whipped cream over the bananas, covering them completely.
10. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
11. Garnish with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder before serving.

Nutrients

• Calories: 527 kcal per serving
• Total Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 19g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Protein: 7g
• Sodium: 264mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 37g
• Potassium: 366mg

The Origins of Banoffee Pie

Banoffee Pie has its roots in England, where it was first created in the 1970s by chefs Nigel Mackenzie and Ian Dowding at The Hungry Monk restaurant in Sussex. The name “banoffee” is a clever fusion of “banana” and “toffee,” the two defining elements of the dessert. Originally inspired by an American recipe for Blum’s Coffee Toffee Pie, Mackenzie and Dowding made adjustments, replacing the toffee filling with a thick layer of dulce de leche and adding fresh bananas.

Since its invention, Banoffee Pie has become a staple dessert in British cuisine and has gained popularity worldwide. Many variations have emerged, from no-bake versions to different crust alternatives, but the core ingredients—bananas, toffee, and whipped cream—remain unchanged.

The Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures

Banoffee Pie is adored for its rich yet balanced combination of flavors. The buttery graham cracker crust provides a crunchy contrast to the silky dulce de leche. The bananas contribute a fresh, natural sweetness that complements the caramel-like richness of the filling, while the whipped cream adds a light, airy finish that keeps the dessert from feeling overly heavy.

Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures—crisp, creamy, and smooth—making it an irresistible dessert choice. The final touch of chocolate shavings or cocoa powder enhances the presentation and adds a subtle depth of flavor.

Why Dulce de Leche is Essential

The key to an authentic Banoffee Pie is the luscious, caramelized toffee layer, which is typically made from dulce de leche. Dulce de leche is a thick, sweet milk-based caramel that develops a deep golden hue and a rich, buttery flavor when cooked slowly over time. While some traditional recipes call for boiling condensed milk to achieve the caramelized effect, using store-bought dulce de leche is a convenient and foolproof alternative.

If you want to make homemade dulce de leche, it can be prepared by slowly simmering sweetened condensed milk until it reaches a thick, caramel consistency. This process enhances the flavor, making the pie even more decadent.

Choosing the Right Bananas

Selecting the right bananas is crucial for achieving the perfect balance in Banoffee Pie. The best bananas to use are ripe but firm—yellow with small brown speckles. Overripe bananas may become too soft and release excess moisture, affecting the texture of the filling. On the other hand, underripe bananas may lack the natural sweetness needed to complement the dulce de leche.

To ensure freshness, slice the bananas just before assembling the pie to prevent browning. You can also lightly brush them with lemon juice to help maintain their vibrant color without altering the flavor.

How to Achieve a Perfect Graham Cracker Crust

The graham cracker crust is the foundation of Banoffee Pie, and getting it just right enhances the overall experience. A well-prepared crust should be firm enough to hold the filling while still being tender and buttery.

Crushing the graham crackers into fine crumbs ensures a compact base, while adding a touch of cinnamon enhances the flavor. The melted butter acts as a binding agent, giving the crust structure and richness. Pressing the mixture firmly into the pie dish and baking it briefly helps create a sturdy foundation that won’t become soggy once the filling is added.

For those who prefer a different base, alternatives such as crushed digestive biscuits, shortbread cookies, or even a chocolate cookie crust can be used to add variation to the traditional graham cracker crust.

The Secret to Light and Fluffy Whipped Cream

A perfectly whipped cream topping is essential to balance the richness of Banoffee Pie. The cream should be whipped until it forms stiff peaks, ensuring that it holds its shape when spread over the bananas and toffee layer.

Using chilled heavy cream and a cold mixing bowl helps achieve the best results. A touch of powdered sugar and vanilla extract enhances the flavor, adding a light sweetness that complements the other ingredients. For an extra touch of indulgence, a hint of cinnamon or a splash of rum can be added to the whipped cream for a more complex flavor profile.

Serving and Presentation

Banoffee Pie is best served chilled, allowing the layers to set and the flavors to meld together. Garnishing with chocolate shavings, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce enhances both the taste and the visual appeal.

For an elegant presentation, individual mini Banoffee Pies can be made using small tart pans or serving glasses. This variation makes portioning easier and adds a modern twist to the classic dessert. Pairing the pie with a cup of coffee or tea enhances the experience, as the rich flavors of the dessert contrast beautifully with the slight bitterness of the beverage.

How to Store Banoffee Pie

Banoffee Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, since bananas tend to brown over time, consuming the pie within the first 24 hours ensures the best texture and flavor.

To keep the whipped cream fresh, loosely covering the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil helps prevent it from absorbing odors from the refrigerator. If preparing the pie in advance, it’s best to assemble the crust and dulce de leche layer ahead of time, then add the bananas and whipped cream just before serving.

Freezing Banoffee Pie is not recommended, as the texture of the bananas and whipped cream can change when thawed, resulting in a less desirable consistency.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Banoffee Pie is a perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special event, or simply craving something sweet. Its combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout treat that appeals to both casual dessert lovers and devoted sweet tooths alike.

The simplicity of the recipe, with its minimal baking and easy-to-find ingredients, makes it accessible for home bakers of all skill levels. Plus, the ability to customize the pie with different crusts or flavor additions allows for creativity in the kitchen.

Conclusion

Banoffee Pie is a timeless dessert that continues to captivate taste buds with its rich, creamy, and indulgent flavors. With its buttery graham cracker crust, silky dulce de leche, fresh bananas, and airy whipped cream, every bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

Whether you’re making it for the first time or returning to a beloved favorite, Banoffee Pie is a dessert that never fails to impress. Its ease of preparation and universally loved ingredients make it a staple recipe that belongs in every home baker’s collection. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a go-to dessert for any occasion.