Banoffee Pie is one of those decadent desserts that has earned its place in the hearts of dessert lovers worldwide. This irresistible pie combines the rich flavors of bananas, toffee, and whipped cream, all sitting on a buttery biscuit base. Whether you're preparing a special treat for a dinner party, a holiday celebration, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, Banoffee Pie is guaranteed to delight. In this blog, we'll explore everything you need to know about creating this iconic dessert, from its origins to step-by-step instructions on how to make it at home.



The Origin of Banoffee Pie

Banoffee Pie is a classic British dessert that has an interesting and relatively modern history. It was first created in 1972 by Nigel Mackenzie and Ian Dowding, the owners of the "The Hungry Monk" restaurant in East Sussex, England. As the story goes, the creation of the pie was the result of a little experimentation in the kitchen, with Dowding looking for a way to incorporate bananas and toffee into a dessert. The result was a luscious, layered pie that quickly gained popularity and became a staple on menus across the UK and beyond.

The name "Banoffee" is a combination of "banana" and "toffee," which perfectly describes the two main flavors of the pie. While this dessert may be relatively modern, its classic flavor combination has stood the test of time, making it a crowd-pleaser for people of all ages.

Banoffee Pie: Ingredients

To make a traditional Banoffee Pie, you’ll need the following ingredients. This recipe creates a perfectly balanced dessert with a buttery biscuit base, a luscious toffee filling, and a generous topping of whipped cream. Here’s what you'll need:

For the Biscuit Base:

  • 250g digestive biscuits (you can also use graham crackers or speculoos biscuits as alternatives)
  • 125g unsalted butter, melted

For the Toffee Filling:

  • 400g can of sweetened condensed milk
  • 50g unsalted butter
  • 50g brown sugar
  • A pinch of sea salt (optional)

For the Topping:

  • 3 large ripe bananas
  • 300ml double cream
  • 1 tbsp icing sugar
  • A small amount of chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish (optional)

Preparation Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes (for making the toffee filling)
  • Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling and setting time)
  • Servings: 8-10 people
  • Yield: 1 9-inch pie

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s get started on creating this show-stopping Banoffee Pie. Follow these easy-to-follow directions, and you’ll be treating your guests to a mouthwatering dessert in no time!

Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Base

The base of Banoffee Pie is made from crushed digestive biscuits (or your preferred biscuit) mixed with melted butter to create a crumbly, buttery texture. Here's how to do it:

  1. Crush the biscuits: Place the digestive biscuits in a large ziplock bag or food processor. If using a bag, crush them with a rolling pin until they turn into fine crumbs. Alternatively, a food processor will make quick work of this step.

  2. Mix with butter: Transfer the crushed biscuits into a mixing bowl and pour in the melted butter. Stir to combine until the mixture resembles wet sand and all the crumbs are coated in butter.

  3. Form the base: Press the biscuit mixture into the base of a 9-inch round pie dish or tart pan. Use the back of a spoon to firmly pack the crumbs into an even layer. Make sure to push the mixture up the sides of the dish as well.

  4. Chill: Place the prepared base in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes. This will help the base firm up and hold together when you cut the pie later.

Step 2: Make the Toffee Filling

The toffee filling is the heart and soul of Banoffee Pie. It’s made by cooking condensed milk, butter, and sugar together to form a rich, caramelized toffee sauce. Here’s how to prepare it:

  1. Heat the ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and brown sugar. Stir continuously to prevent the mixture from burning.

  2. Simmer and thicken: Continue cooking for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns a rich golden caramel color. Be patient and stir regularly to avoid burning the toffee.

  3. Add salt (optional): If you like a touch of contrast in flavor, add a pinch of sea salt to the toffee mixture. This will give the pie a slight salted caramel flavor, which complements the sweetness of the bananas and whipped cream.

  4. Cool: Once the toffee has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, pour it over the chilled biscuit base and spread it into an even layer. Return the pie to the fridge to allow the toffee to set for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Bananas

The bananas provide a fresh, fruity layer that balances out the richness of the toffee and cream. Choose ripe bananas, but avoid ones that are overripe and too soft.

  1. Slice the bananas: Peel the bananas and slice them into thin, even rounds. Arrange the banana slices in a layer over the cooled toffee filling. Be generous with the bananas, as they add a delightful texture to the pie.

Step 4: Whip the Cream

The final component of Banoffee Pie is the fluffy whipped cream topping, which adds a light, airy element to balance out the sweetness of the pie. Here’s how to make it:

  1. Whisk the cream: In a large mixing bowl, pour the double cream and add the icing sugar. Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as you want the cream to be smooth and light.

  2. Top the pie: Spoon the whipped cream over the bananas in a generous layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, creating a beautiful smooth surface.

  3. Garnish (optional): If desired, sprinkle chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder on top for an extra touch of elegance. This is entirely optional, but it adds a nice visual appeal to the finished pie.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

The final step is to allow the pie to chill and set for at least 1-2 hours in the refrigerator. This helps the layers to meld together and makes the pie easier to slice when serving.

Once it’s fully chilled, slice and serve your delicious Banoffee Pie! The creamy toffee filling, fresh banana layers, and light whipped cream will surely impress your guests.

Tips for Making the Perfect Banoffee Pie

  • Use ripe bananas: Choose bananas that are ripe but not too soft. They should have a slight firmness to them so they hold their shape when sliced.

  • Chill the pie properly: Allow the pie to set in the fridge for at least a couple of hours before serving. This will help the layers firm up and make it easier to slice.

  • Make it your own: While the classic Banoffee Pie is amazing on its own, you can experiment with different variations. Some people like to add a layer of chocolate ganache or caramel drizzle for extra indulgence. Others add crushed nuts for a bit of crunch.

  • Use high-quality toffee: The toffee filling is the most important part of this dessert, so use a good-quality sweetened condensed milk, butter, and sugar. Don't rush the cooking process—allow the toffee to cook slowly so it reaches the perfect texture.

  • For a more decadent twist: Some people enjoy adding a layer of crushed up chocolate biscuits or graham crackers into the toffee filling for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Love Banoffee Pie

Banoffee Pie is a crowd favorite for a reason. It brings together the perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and texture. The crumbly biscuit base pairs wonderfully with the smooth and rich toffee filling. The bananas add a fresh and fruity layer, while the whipped cream adds a light touch. Each bite is a delightful combination of flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or as an everyday treat, Banoffee Pie is sure to impress!

Fun Variations and Add-Ons

If you’re looking to put your unique spin on the classic Banoffee Pie, there are plenty of ways to get creative! You can experiment with different types of biscuits for the base, try adding different toppings like chocolate curls or toffee drizzle, or even mix in other fruits like strawberries or raspberries for a fresh twist. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes Banoffee Pie such a fun and versatile dessert to prepare!