Banoffee Pie Recipe

Few desserts inspire instant joy quite like this Banoffee Pie Recipe. With its crisp chocolatey crust, sticky layer of creamy caramel, fresh banana slices, and a cloud of soft whipped cream—all finished with glistening chocolate curls—this sweet British classic is both comforting and show-stopping. Whether you have a lingering sweet tooth or simply crave a dessert that combines textures and flavors in every bite, the Banoffee Pie Recipe will absolutely become a favorite at your kitchen table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Banoffee Pie Recipe is in its simplicity—few ingredients, but every one plays a starring role. Each layer, from the buttery crust to the silky whipped cream, helps build rich flavor, satisfying crunch, and that irresistible banoffee magic.

• Chocolate wafers or chocolate-covered digestive cookies (3 cups): These cookies form the base of the crust, lending a deep flavor and a stunning contrast to the sweet filling.
• Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): Acts as the glue that binds your cookie crumbs together for that perfect, sliceable crust.
• Dulce de leche or caramel sauce (1 cup): The sweet, indulgent heart of the pie, providing that signature caramelized note in every bite.
• Bananas, sliced (2): The star fruit of the show, offering a fresh, creamy texture that perfectly balances the sweetness.
• Heavy whipping cream, chilled (1 1/2 cups): When whipped, this becomes a dreamy, fluffy layer that makes each bite feel light and luscious.
• Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the whipped cream just enough to complement the caramel and bananas.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Just a touch adds warmth and rounds out the whipped cream’s flavor.
• Chocolate chips or chunks (2 oz): Melted and transformed into curls, they crown the pie with rich, decorative flair.

How to Make Banoffee Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Plate

Begin by generously greasing an 8-inch tart or pie plate with butter. This simple step prevents sticking and makes sure that beautiful wedge of pie lifts easily onto your dessert plate, chocolate crust and all.

Step 2: Crush the Cookies

Next, turn your chocolate wafers or digestive cookies into fine crumbs. A food processor makes quick work of this, but if you want to get hands-on (and release a little stress), pop the cookies in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin until sandy and uniform.

Step 3: Make the Crust

Stir the melted unsalted butter into your cookie crumbs and mix until the texture feels like damp sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into your greased plate, covering both the bottom and sides to about a 1/4-inch thickness. Slip it in the fridge for at least 4 hours so it firms up for a sturdy, sliceable base—patience is rewarded here!

Step 4: Melt and Chill the Chocolate

Melt your chocolate chips or chunks using a gentle double boiler or short bursts in the microwave. Spread the melted chocolate in a thin, even layer on a baking sheet, then pop it into the fridge for an hour. This sets the stage for those elegant chocolate curls.

Step 5: Make Chocolate Curls

Once the chocolate is firm, take the back of a knife and gently scrape across the surface in steady strokes to form delicate chocolate curls. Not only do these look gorgeous—they melt on your tongue!

Step 6: Add the Caramel Layer

Retrieve your set crust and evenly spread the dulce de leche or caramel sauce across the bottom. This becomes the gooey foundation that really defines a Banoffee Pie Recipe and lures in lovers of caramel everywhere.

Step 7: Layer the Bananas

Arrange sliced bananas in a single layer over the caramel. Let the slices just slightly overlap for the perfect balance between fruitiness and creaminess with every forkful.

Step 8: Whip and Swirl the Cream

Whip the chilled heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Don’t overbeat; you want soft, billowy mounds rather than stiff peaks. Heap the whipped cream atop the bananas, swirling it with the back of a spoon for a rustic, inviting look.

Step 9: Top with Chocolate Curls

Scatter your prepared chocolate curls over the whipped cream. This finishing touch adds shine, texture, and a hint of bittersweet chocolate flavor to every forkful.

Step 10: Chill and Set

Pop the entire Banoffee Pie Recipe into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This allows the layers to meld, flavors to deepen, and ensures every bite holds together beautifully when sliced.

How to Serve Banoffee Pie Recipe

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing, this pie shines with a sprinkling of extra chocolate curls on top. For a little more pizazz, you can dust lightly with cocoa powder or even dot the surface with a few extra slices of fresh banana for an inviting look.

Side Dishes

The Banoffee Pie Recipe needs little else beside it, but it’s lovely alongside a small scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream. Alternatively, a really good cup of espresso or strong black tea brings out all those caramel and banana flavors even more.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, consider making individual mini banoffee pies using ramekins or small jars for a playful, personalized dessert. Or, add a drizzle of extra caramel sauce on each plate before serving for an artistic presentation that will delight your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftover Banoffee Pie Recipe, cover the pie plate well with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bananas might darken a bit but will still taste wonderful.

Freezing

This pie can be frozen if needed! Freeze whole or by the slice, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying. Keep in mind that whipped cream may lose some texture, but the flavors will remain comforting and delicious.

Reheating

Banoffee Pie Recipe is best enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If the chocolate or caramel layer has gotten too firm in the fridge, just let your slice sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use graham crackers instead of chocolate wafers?

Absolutely! While chocolate wafers bring a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with caramel and banana, graham crackers also make a tasty, traditional banoffee pie base. Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to hint at that chocolate vibe if you like.

What if I don’t have dulce de leche?

No worries! You can use a thick, good-quality caramel sauce as a substitute. In a pinch, you can even simmer a can of sweetened condensed milk (closed!) in water for 2-3 hours to make homemade dulce de leche.

How do I keep the bananas from browning?

Layer the bananas just before adding the whipped cream, which helps seal in freshness. You can also toss banana slices with a little lemon juice before assembling if you want to reduce browning even further.

Can I make the Banoffee Pie Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! The whole pie can be made a day ahead and chilled in the refrigerator. For best texture and color, add the whipped cream and chocolate curls on the day you’ll be serving it.

Is there a way to make this Banoffee Pie Recipe gluten-free?

You bet! Simply swap the chocolate wafers or digestives for certified gluten-free chocolate cookies, and proceed as usual—your gluten-free friends will thank you!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give this Banoffee Pie Recipe a try. With every creamy, caramel-drenched, chocolate-crunchy bite, you’re bound to win over family, friends, and your own sweet tooth. Let me know how it turns out—I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do!

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