Banoffee Pie: A Deliciously Creamy Dessert
Banoffee Pie is a sweet and indulgent dessert that combines the rich flavors of bananas, caramel, and fresh cream. With its crunchy biscuit base, luscious dulce de leche filling, and fluffy whipped cream topping, it’s a treat everyone will adore. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just as a sweet weekend treat, this pie is sure to impress!
Category: Desserts
Servings: 8
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Digestive Biscuits | 280g |
| Butter | 140g |
| Brown Sugar | 30g |
| Whole Milk | 1 liter |
| Sugar | 300g |
| Vanilla Bean | ½ pod |
| Baking Soda | ½ tsp |
| Bananas | 2 |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tbsp |
| Heavy Cream (Whipping Cream) | 250g |
| Raspberries | 125g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
To begin making the Banoffee Pie, start by preparing the biscuit base. In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the butter. While the butter is melting, place the Digestive biscuits (or any other dry biscuits you prefer) and brown sugar into a food processor and pulse until you get a fine crumb texture. Once the butter has melted, combine it with the biscuit mixture, mixing thoroughly until the crumbs are fully coated.
Transfer the biscuit mixture into a 24 cm (9-inch) round cake pan, lined with parchment paper for easy removal. Use the back of a spoon to press the crumbs down evenly, creating a firm base. Refrigerate this base for at least 20 minutes to set.
Step 2: Make the Dulce de Leche
While the base is chilling, prepare the creamy caramel filling. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the whole milk and sugar. Gently heat over low heat, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon to dissolve the sugar. Once the mixture begins to heat up, slice the vanilla pod lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add the seeds and the pod itself into the milk mixture. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to simmer and thicken.
Let it simmer gently until the cream darkens in color, and the consistency becomes thick and syrupy, similar to a rich caramel. Remove the vanilla pod with tongs, then take the saucepan off the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
Step 3: Prepare the Bananas
While the dulce de leche is cooling, slice the bananas into thin rounds. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the banana slices to prevent them from browning and set them aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Once the biscuit base has firmed up in the fridge, it’s time to assemble the pie. Arrange the banana slices in a circular pattern over the biscuit base, ensuring an even layer. You can save a few banana slices for decoration at the end.
Pour the slightly cooled dulce de leche over the bananas, spreading it gently to cover the banana slices evenly. Use the back of a spoon to smooth the caramel layer and make sure it’s well-distributed. Place the pie back in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to allow the caramel to set a bit.
Step 5: Whip the Cream
While the pie is chilling, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. You can use an electric mixer for this step to achieve the best results. Once whipped, transfer the cream into a piping bag.
Step 6: Decorate and Serve
After the pie has set for the additional 20 minutes, pipe the whipped cream in decorative swirls on top of the pie. For a final touch, halve the reserved banana slices and arrange them on top of the whipped cream in a beautiful pattern.
Finish the pie with a handful of fresh raspberries for a pop of color and a burst of tangy flavor.
Refrigerate the Banoffee Pie for at least 1 hour before serving to allow all the flavors to meld together and the pie to firm up. When ready to serve, slice it into generous portions and enjoy this heavenly dessert!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 60g |
| Sugars | 35g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Sodium | 80mg |
Tips and Variations:
- Dulce de Leche Shortcut: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought dulce de leche or caramel sauce as a quicker alternative.
- Add a Crunch: For a little texture contrast, sprinkle crushed nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) between the banana slices and the caramel layer.
- Make it Vegan: Substitute the butter and cream for plant-based alternatives (vegan butter and coconut cream work well), and use dairy-free biscuits to make this dessert vegan-friendly.
- Flavors: To add a unique twist, consider adding a pinch of sea salt to the dulce de leche for salted caramel flavor or sprinkle some cinnamon on the whipped cream for extra warmth.
This Banoffee Pie is a crowd-pleasing, mouth-watering dessert that blends the sweetness of bananas with the richness of caramel and the fluffiness of whipped cream. It’s perfect for any occasion and is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
