The Ultimate Traditional British Banoffee Pie Recipe

This quintessentially British dessert has been delighting taste buds since the 1970s. With its buttery biscuit base, luscious layers of caramel and banana, and a cloud-like whipped cream topping, it’s no wonder this pie has become a national treasure. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my foolproof recipe for a truly spectacular banoffee pie that serves 10-12 lucky individuals.

Recipe Overview

• Skill Level: Suitable for all levels
• Servings: 10-12
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 300g (10.5 oz) digestive biscuits
• 150g (2/3 cup) unsalted butter, melted

For the Caramel Layers:

• 200g (1 cup) unsalted butter
• 200g (1 cup) dark brown sugar
• 2 x 397g (14 oz) cans of sweetened condensed milk

For the Filling and Topping:

• 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
• 600ml (2.5 cups) heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon for dusting
• Caramel sauce for drizzling

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

1. Crush the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and rolling with a rolling pin.
2. Mix the crumbs with melted butter until well combined.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the base and sides of a 23cm (9-inch) pie dish.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set.

2. Make the Caramel

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over low heat, stirring constantly.
2. Add the condensed milk and bring to a gentle boil, stirring continuously.
3. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns a rich golden color.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. Assemble the Pie

1. Pour half of the caramel over the chilled biscuit base and spread evenly.
2. Arrange a layer of sliced bananas over the caramel.
3. Pour the remaining caramel over the bananas, ensuring even coverage.
4. Chill the pie for at least 1 hour to set the caramel.

4. Prepare the Whipped Cream Frosting

1. In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
2. Spread the whipped cream over the chilled caramel layer, creating soft peaks and swirls.

5. Final Touches

1. Dust the top of the pie with ground cinnamon.
2. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce.
3. If desired, add a few banana slices on top for decoration.

Tips for Banoffee Brilliance

• Banana Selection: Choose ripe but firm bananas for the best flavor and texture.
• Caramel Consistency: Be patient when making the caramel – slow and steady wins the race for a smooth, lump-free result.
• Chill Factor: For clean slices, refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours before serving.
• Whipped Cream Stability: Add a teaspoon of cornstarch to your cream for a more stable whipped topping that won’t weep.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your banoffee pie chilled, perhaps with a steaming cup of English tea or a bold espresso to cut through the sweetness. For an extra special touch, warm your serving plates slightly – the contrast of temperatures will make each bite even more delightful.

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There you have it – a slice of British heaven on a plate! This banoffee pie is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re serving it at a summer garden party or as a comforting winter pudding, it’s bound to bring smiles all around.

Happy baking, and may your banoffee adventures be as sweet as this pie! 🍌🥧

Also See: Easy No-Bake Banoffee Pie Recipe