How to Make a Classic British Banoffee Pie

How to Make a Classic British Banoffee Pie

Banoffee pie is a delicious British dessert that combines the rich flavors of bananas, toffee, and whipped cream on a buttery biscuit base. It is an indulgent treat that’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for gatherings, or when you just want to treat yourself. Here’s how you can make a classic British Banoffee pie from scratch.

Ingredients

For the Biscuit Base:

• 250g (9 oz) digestive biscuits or Graham crackers
• 100g (3.5 oz) unsalted butter, melted

For the Toffee Filling:

• 400g (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk
• 100g (3.5 oz) unsalted butter
• 50g (1.75 oz) soft brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 3 ripe bananas
• 300ml (10 fl oz) double cream
• 1 tbsp icing sugar (optional)
• Dark chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Base

1. Crush the Biscuits: Start by breaking the digestive biscuits (or Graham crackers) into small pieces and placing them in a food processor. Pulse until the biscuits turn into fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, you can place the biscuits in a sealed bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

2. Mix with Butter: Pour the melted butter into the biscuit crumbs and mix until it resembles wet sand. The butter helps to bind the crumbs together, forming a solid base.

3. Form the Base: Transfer the biscuit mixture into a 9-inch (23 cm) tart or pie dish. Press the crumbs into the bottom and up the sides of the dish to form an even, compact base. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to press it down tightly.

4. Chill the Base: Place the pie dish in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the biscuit base to set.

Step 2: Prepare the Toffee Filling

1. Make the Toffee: In a saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and soft brown sugar. Stir the mixture over low heat, allowing the butter to melt and the sugar to dissolve. Once melted, bring it to a simmer, stirring constantly. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns a golden brown color.

2. Add Vanilla: Once the toffee has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.

3. Cool the Toffee: Allow the toffee mixture to cool slightly, and then pour it over the chilled biscuit base. Use a spoon or spatula to spread it evenly. Put the pie back in the fridge to let the toffee set for another 30 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Bananas

1. Slice the Bananas: Peel and slice the bananas into even rounds. Arrange them in an even layer over the set toffee filling.

Step 4: Whip the Cream

1. Whip the Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, pour the double cream and whip until soft peaks form. If you prefer a slightly sweeter cream, add a tablespoon of icing sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.

2. Top the Pie: Spoon or pipe the whipped cream over the bananas, covering them completely.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish the Pie: For a decorative touch, sprinkle the top with dark chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder. This adds a rich contrast to the sweetness of the cream and toffee.

2. Chill and Serve: Allow the Banoffee pie to chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This will give the flavors time to meld together and make it easier to slice.

Once ready, slice the pie and serve. The combination of the crunchy biscuit base, creamy toffee filling, soft bananas, and whipped cream will surely delight your taste buds.

Tips for the Perfect Banoffee Pie

• Use Ripe Bananas: The bananas should be ripe but not overripe. They should be firm enough to slice easily, while still sweet and full of flavor.

• Homemade Toffee: Making your own toffee from condensed milk gives it a richer flavor compared to store-bought caramel sauces. Be sure to keep an eye on the toffee as it cooks to avoid burning.

• Chill the Pie: Chilling the pie for a couple of hours before serving helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.

• Variations: If you’re looking to add a twist, you could drizzle some caramel sauce on top or add a layer of chopped nuts, like toffee-coated pecans, for a crunchy texture.

Conclusion

Banoffee pie is a classic British dessert that combines simple ingredients into an irresistible treat. Its layers of biscuit base, homemade toffee, ripe bananas, and fluffy whipped cream create the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just as a sweet treat, this dessert is sure to impress everyone who gets a taste.