There's something utterly irresistible about the creamy, crunchy, and sweet layers in my Banoffee Pie with Caramel and Bananas Recipe. It’s that perfect mix of buttery biscuit base, gooey caramel, and fresh bananas that makes it feel like a special treat every time – trust me, you won’t regret making this.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Banoffee Pie with Caramel and Bananas Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Banoffee Pie with Caramel and Bananas Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Banoffee Pie with Caramel and Bananas Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this Banoffee Pie with Caramel and Bananas Recipe more times than I can count, and it never fails to wow guests and family alike. It’s one of those desserts that’s deceptively simple but feels like a luxurious indulgence – perfect for weekend baking or impressing without stress.
- Combination of textures: Crunchy biscuit base meets silky caramel and fluffy cream for a memorable bite every time.
- Easy to customize: You can tweak the sweetness, add flavors like vanilla or lemon, and even swap toppings to fit your taste.
- Make-ahead friendly: Chill it overnight and it'll be even better the next day, making it perfect for busy days or dinner parties.
- Classic crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s a family gathering or just a treat for yourself, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Banoffee Pie with Caramel and Bananas Recipe has a purpose: from the buttery base that holds everything together to the luscious caramel that’s rich yet balanced by fresh bananas. Choosing quality ingredients really makes a difference here.
- Digestive biscuits: They provide the perfect crumbly, slightly sweet foundation; opt for a good-quality brand or graham crackers if you're in the US.
- Unsalted butter: This binds the biscuit base and enriches the caramel’s flavor – salted butter can work, but reduce additional salt accordingly.
- Dark brown sugar: It adds a deep molasses note to the caramel that just can’t be beat.
- Condensed milk (sweetened): The heart of the caramel—be sure to use the canned version for that perfect creamy thickness.
- Bananas: Choose ripe but firm bananas to avoid mushiness; tossing them in a little lemon juice keeps them fresh-looking.
- Double cream: Whipping this gives the pie its cloud-like top; American heavy cream is a great substitute.
- Dark chocolate: Optional, but a few shavings on top lift the dessert with slight bitterness and texture contrast.
- Vanilla extract and icing sugar (optional): These add nuanced sweetness and aroma to the cream—nice but not mandatory.
Make It Your Way
This Banoffee Pie with Caramel and Bananas Recipe is a wonderful canvas for creativity. I often tweak the toppings to suit the season or my mood, and you should too—you'll discover your own signature version in no time.
- Variation: One of my favorite twists is swapping regular bananas for caramelized bananas. Simply quickly pan-fry banana slices in butter and brown sugar before layering – it adds a lovely caramelized depth.
- Dietary tweaks: For a lighter pie, try using Greek yogurt instead of cream, or swap in gluten-free biscuits if needed.
- Seasonal spins: Add sliced strawberries or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for a bit of extra texture and freshness.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Banoffee Pie with Caramel and Bananas Recipe
Step 1: Crush and chill the biscuit base
Start by crushing your digestive biscuits finely—either in a food processor or by hand in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin. Then, mix them with melted butter and salt until they resemble wet sand. Press this mix firmly and evenly into a 23cm removable flan tin using the back of a spoon. If you have time, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to set—it gives a much sturdier base that holds together beautifully when sliced.
Step 2: Make the caramel with love
In a small non-stick saucepan, melt butter and dark brown sugar over low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar fully dissolves into a glossy liquid. Add the condensed milk, then increase the heat to medium. Keep stirring vigorously for about a minute as the caramel bubbles – you want it thick, golden, and luscious, but be careful not to burn it. Stirring is key here to get that creamy texture without lumps or scorching.
Step 3: Layer caramel and chill
Pour the warm caramel over the biscuit base and smooth it out with a spatula. Transfer the tin back to your fridge and chill for at least 1 hour to firm up. This resting time really helps the flavors meld and the caramel to set nicely for that perfect slice.
Step 4: Top with bananas and whipped cream
Slice your bananas evenly and arrange them over the chilled caramel layer. For the cream, whip the double cream until it’s soft but holds its shape. If you like, mix in vanilla extract and a touch of icing sugar before whipping to add extra flavor. Spread or pipe the cream gently over the bananas.
Step 5: Add finishing touches and serve
For a final flourish, shave some dark chocolate over the top using a vegetable peeler—this gives a nice contrast and a beautiful presentation. Alternatively, sprinkle with cocoa powder or sprinkles if that’s your vibe. Serve immediately or chill until ready to wow your guests.
Top Tip
From baking this Banoffee Pie with Caramel and Bananas Recipe dozens of times, I've learned there are a few game-changing tricks to make it perfect every time. These little tips save you from common pitfalls and make the process smoother.
- Perfect caramel consistency: Stir continuously when adding condensed milk and watch for bubbling to ensure the caramel thickens without burning.
- Keep the base crisp: Don’t skip chilling the biscuit base before adding caramel; it prevents sogginess and keeps the texture just right.
- Banana freshness hack: Toss banana slices in a little lemon juice before layering to prevent browning and add a subtle tang.
- Whip cream gently: Aim for a soft peak stage to keep cream fluffy and not grainy or overbeaten.
How to Serve Banoffee Pie with Caramel and Bananas Recipe
Garnishes
I often top this Banoffee Pie with a generous sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings for a touch of elegance and that slight bitter edge against the sweet layers. Sometimes, I add a dusting of cocoa powder or even a few toasted hazelnuts to add some crunch and visual appeal—it’s all about balancing sweetness and texture to keep every bite interesting.
Side Dishes
Since this pie is rich and indulgent, I like to serve it alongside a light, fresh side like a mixed green salad with a citrus dressing if it’s part of a larger meal. For dessert-only occasions, a strong coffee or an espresso pairs perfectly to cut through the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Once, I made miniature individual Banoffee pies in small glass jars for a dinner party—it was a hit and made serving super easy! You can also layer it in trifle dishes or even invert it into small tart shells for a fun, bite-sized take. Presentation is a chance to let your creativity shine, and this recipe is so versatile it handles all sorts of fun formats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I find the texture and flavor actually improve after a few hours chilling, but try to enjoy it sooner rather than later to keep bananas fresh and cream fluffy.
Freezing
I usually avoid freezing this Banoffee Pie with Caramel and Bananas Recipe because the bananas and cream don’t thaw well—they get watery or mushy. If you must freeze, consider freezing just the biscuit base or caramel separately and assembling fresh when ready.
Reheating
This pie is best eaten chilled, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. If you want to warm the caramel or biscuit base (say, if serving with ice cream), do so gently and separately to maintain texture and avoid melting the cream topping.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can prepare the caramel up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Gently warm it before spreading over the biscuit base for easier layering.
Heavy cream works just fine if you're in the US. Alternatively, you can whip whipping cream or even use mascarpone mixed with a bit of sugar for a richer topping.
Toss your banana slices in a little lemon juice right before adding them to the pie. The citrus helps slow oxidation and adds a nice, subtle tang.
You can, but homemade caramel in this recipe really elevates the flavor and texture. Store-bought caramel can be sweeter or thinner, which might change the pie’s balance. If using store-bought, look for a thick dulce de leche for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Banoffee Pie with Caramel and Bananas Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen – it’s easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether it becomes a weekly treat or your go-to dessert for celebrations, I promise it’s worth every minute spent. So grab your whisk and give it a go – you’ll love sharing this comforting, classic dessert with those you care about.
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Banoffee Pie with Caramel and Bananas Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and indulgent Banoffee Pie featuring a crunchy biscuit base, creamy caramel topping, fresh banana slices, and fluffy whipped cream, finished with dark chocolate shavings for an irresistible dessert.
Ingredients
For the base:
- 200 g Digestive biscuits, crushed
- 100 g Unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon Salt
For the caramel:
- 80 g Unsalted butter
- 80 g Dark brown sugar
- 397 g Can of condensed milk (1x tin)
For the topping:
- 2 Bananas, peeled and sliced
- 300 ml Double cream, whipped
- 10 g Dark chocolate
Optional:
- 2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoon Icing sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Mix the crushed digestive biscuits with melted butter and salt until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 23cm removable base flan tin using the back of a spoon. Chill for 30 minutes if time permits to help set the base.
- Make the caramel: In a small non-stick saucepan over low heat, combine butter and dark brown sugar, stirring continuously until melted and sugar dissolves. Add condensed milk, then increase heat to medium and stir constantly, letting the caramel bubble rapidly for about 1 minute until it thickens and turns golden.
- Assemble the pie: Spoon the hot caramel over the biscuit base and smooth the top evenly. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour to allow the caramel to set.
- Add toppings: Arrange the sliced bananas evenly over the set caramel. Whip the double cream until firm but soft, optionally mixing in vanilla extract and icing sugar, then spread over the bananas.
- Finishing touch: Garnish with dark chocolate shavings created using a vegetable peeler or sprinkle cocoa powder if preferred. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute digestive biscuits with graham crackers or any dry biscuit; adjust butter quantity as needed for proper consistency.
- To prevent bananas from browning and to add a slight tang, toss banana slices lightly in lemon juice before placing on the pie.
- Whip double cream until it holds shape but remains soft; in the USA, heavy cream is a suitable alternative.
- Vanilla extract and icing sugar are optional additions to the cream but enhance flavor.
- Dark chocolate shavings add a nice touch but can be replaced with sprinkles or cocoa powder if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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