🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Dessert
Classic Banoffee Pie
By eatmundo · July 5, 2026
🇬🇧 UKIndulge in the sweet symphony of Banoffee Pie, a modern British classic featuring a buttery biscuit base, layers of luscious toffee, fresh bananas, and fluffy whipped cream. A truly irresistible dessert that's perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Prepare the toffee by submerging two 397g cans of sweetened condensed milk (unopened) in a large saucepan of water, ensuring the cans are fully covered. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 3 hours, topping up the water as needed. This creates a rich dulce de leche; let cool completely before opening – do not open hot!
- 2
While the toffee cools, prepare the biscuit base. Crush 250g of digestive biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor or a rolling pin. Melt 125g of unsalted butter and mix it thoroughly with the biscuit crumbs until well combined and resembling wet sand.
- 3
Press the biscuit mixture firmly and evenly into the base and up the sides of a 23cm loose-bottomed flan tin. Use the back of a spoon to create a neat, compact base. Chill the base in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- 4
Once the condensed milk cans are completely cool, open them to reveal the thick, golden toffee. Spread this luxurious toffee evenly over the chilled biscuit base, using a spatula to ensure a smooth layer.
- 5
Slice 3-4 ripe bananas into even rounds, about 1/2 cm thick. Arrange the banana slices neatly over the toffee layer, creating a full, attractive layer of fruit. Don't worry if they overlap slightly.
- 6
In a large chilled bowl, whip 500ml of double cream with 1 tablespoon of icing sugar and 1 teaspoon of instant coffee dissolved in a tiny bit of hot water (optional, for a mocha hint). Whisk until soft peaks form, being careful not to over-whisk, which can make it grainy.
- 7
Generously spoon or pipe the whipped cream over the banana layer, creating beautiful swirls or a smooth, even topping. You want a good, thick layer of cream for that perfect balance of textures.
- 8
For the finishing touch, grate 20g of dark chocolate over the top of the pie. Chill the Banoffee Pie for at least 2 hours before serving, allowing all the layers to set perfectly. This resting time is crucial for easy slicing and optimal flavour integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Banoffee Pie?+
Banoffee pie is a British dessert consisting of a biscuit base, bananas, whipped cream, and a thick caramel made from condensed milk. Often flavored with chocolate or coffee, this sweet pie is typically served as an after-dinner treat.
What type of biscuit is best for the base and how do I prevent it from being too crumbly or too hard?+
Digestives or rich tea biscuits work best for the base. Ensure the crushed biscuits are thoroughly mixed with melted butter and pressed firmly into the tin to create a stable, non-crumbly crust.
How do I make the perfect toffee layer and avoid it being too runny or grainy?+
The key is simmering the unopened can of sweetened condensed milk in water for 2.5-3 hours, or cooking it gently in a saucepan after opening. It should be thick, golden, and smooth when cooled, not grainy or overly runny.
What's the best ripeness for bananas and how do I keep them from browning?+
Use firm, ripe bananas that are yellow with a few small brown spots for optimal sweetness and texture. To prevent browning, toss sliced bananas lightly with a little lemon juice before layering, or assemble just before serving.
What kind of cream should I use and what's a common mistake in assembling?+
Use a high-fat whipping cream (35-38% fat) for best results, whipped to soft peaks. A common mistake is overfilling the pie, making it hard to cut; ensure adequate space for each layer.
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