Nothing beats the creamy, sweet, and crunchy combo of this Easy Banoffee Pie with Dulce de Leche Recipe. It’s like a little slice of heaven that’s surprisingly simple to throw together, and always a crowd-pleaser whenever I make it for family or friends.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Banoffee Pie with Dulce de Leche Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Easy Banoffee Pie with Dulce de Leche Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Easy Banoffee Pie with Dulce de Leche Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’m all about desserts that look fancy but are totally fuss-free — this banoffee pie fits the bill perfectly. It’s rich and indulgent without needing any baking skills beyond making a crust and whipping cream, which makes it my go-to for last-minute celebrations.
- Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything except the dulce de leche, which is worth hunting down for that perfect caramel flavor.
- No complicated steps: Just bake the crust, layer everything, and chill — no stress, just pure deliciousness.
- Guaranteed crowd-pleaser: Every time I serve this, people ask for seconds — it’s that good.
- Perfect balance of textures: Crunchy crust, smooth caramel, soft bananas, and fluffy cream come together like a dream.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Easy Banoffee Pie with Dulce de Leche Recipe lies in its simple ingredients that blend so well — the buttery graham cracker crust holds everything together while the dulce de leche delivers that irresistible caramel sweetness. Bananas add freshness and cream brings it all home.
- Graham cracker crumbs: This is your crust base; go for full sheets you grind yourself or pre-made crumbs, just make sure they’re fresh for the best crunch.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust and whipped cream, balancing the flavors perfectly.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter binds the crust ingredients and lends richness—don’t skimp here.
- Dulce de leche: The star of the show — silky, creamy caramel that makes this pie unforgettable. You can find it in stores or make your own by simmering sweetened condensed milk.
- Bananas: Choose ripe but firm bananas so they hold up well in the pie without becoming mushy.
- Heavy cream (or heavy whipping cream): For making that fluffy whipped cream topping that balances the caramel's sweetness.
- Confectioners’ sugar (or granulated sugar): Sweetens the whipped cream without adding graininess.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash to elevate the whipped cream flavor and add warmth.
- Optional toppings: Chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or toffee bits add fun textures and a little extra wow factor.
Make It Your Way
I love making the Easy Banoffee Pie with Dulce de Leche Recipe just classic, but over time I’ve discovered some easy tweaks that keep it fresh depending on my mood or occasion—feel free to get playful with yours!
- Variation: Once, I added a thin layer of Nutella under the bananas instead of just dulce de leche — it gave the pie a little chocolate-hazelnut kick that was a hit at a get-together.
- Dietary swap: Use coconut cream whipped with a bit of maple syrup as a dairy-free alternative, and gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
- Seasonal twist: Swap bananas for sliced ripe pears or figs if you want to experiment with different fruit profiles.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Banoffee Pie with Dulce de Leche Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Graham Cracker Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Crush your graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or a sturdy zip-top bag and rolling pin. Mix these crumbs with sugar and melted butter until sandy but evenly moistened. Pat the mixture gently into your 9-inch pie dish, up the edges, making sure it’s compact but not packed hard. Baking it for 15 minutes sets the crust perfectly—don’t skip the cooling step after or the dulce de leche will melt when you layer it.
Step 2: Whip the Cream Just Right
While the crust cools, whisk together the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract with a mixer. Aim for medium peaks — this gives you fluffy yet stable whipped cream that’s easy to spread but not runny. It usually takes me about 3-4 minutes on medium-high speed. If you overwhip, you’ll end up with butter, so keep an eye on the texture.
Step 3: Assemble Your Banoffee Pie
Spread a generous layer of dulce de leche right on that cooled crust — it’s the rich caramel base everyone raves about. Next, arrange your banana slices in neat layers, overlapping gently. Top everything with your freshly whipped cream, smoothing it out into soft peaks or swirls for presentation. Pop it into the fridge for at least 2 hours — this chilling time lets everything meld and the crust soften just enough without getting soggy.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle on some chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or toffee bits if you want that extra crunch and flavor punch. Slice and enjoy the layers of textures and richness with every bite.
Top Tip
From my many attempts at this pie, I've learned that even little tweaks make a big difference in your banoffee pie experience. Here are some golden tips to make your version just right.
- Don’t over-pack the crust: Pressing too hard makes a hard base that’s tough to cut through — a gentle but firm pat is perfect for a tender, crumbly crust.
- Use ripe but firm bananas: Overripe bananas turn mushy quickly, but underripe fruit lacks sweetness, so striking the balance is key for that soft yet fresh layer.
- Chill adequately: Letting the pie rest for a couple of hours (or overnight) really helps the flavors meld and makes slicing easier.
- Whip cream just right: Medium peaks on whipped cream provide that light texture without it collapsing or getting too stiff.
How to Serve Easy Banoffee Pie with Dulce de Leche Recipe
Garnishes
I usually stick with classic chocolate shavings because they melt slightly on the cream, adding a subtle bittersweet edge. Sometimes, though, I toss on chopped pecans for some nutty crunch or sprinkle crushed toffee bits to echo the caramel theme—it’s all about what mood I’m in!
Side Dishes
Pair this banoffee pie with a simple fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. A cup of strong coffee or black tea also complements the sweetness perfectly, especially after a big meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served the pie in individual ramekins—layering the components in clear glasses so the beautiful stripes show through. It makes a pretty presentation and keeps portions neat. Another fun twist is topping with edible flowers or drizzling a bit of dark chocolate sauce for a gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After serving, cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 5 days, though I’ve noticed the bananas tend to brown around day 3—if that bugs you, slice the bananas just before serving next time.
Freezing
I don’t usually freeze this pie because whipped cream and bananas don’t respond well to freezing—they separate and turn mushy. Instead, I recommend making it fresh or storing leftovers in the fridge as described.
Reheating
This pie is best served chilled and is not meant to be heated. If you want warm caramel, try gently warming a little dulce de leche on the stove and pouring it over the slices just before serving, but keep the whipped cream chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can crush graham crackers by placing them in a sturdy zip-top bag and using a rolling pin or heavy pan to crush them into fine crumbs. Just work in small batches for even texture.
You can make dulce de leche by gently simmering an unopened can of sweetened condensed milk in a water bath for about 2 to 3 hours. Make sure the can is fully submerged and add more water as needed. Once done and cooled, you’ll have a delicious caramel sauce ready for your banoffee pie.
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before slicing for clean cuts. This helps the layers stay neat and prevents the crust from crumbling too much. Serving chilled improves slicing as well.
Yes! In fact, chilling the pie for a few hours or overnight enhances the flavors and texture. Just cover it with plastic wrap and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Banoffee Pie with Dulce de Leche Recipe feels like a cozy hug on a plate — familiar, comforting, and a little bit indulgent. Each time I make it, I’m reminded how a few simple ingredients can come together for something truly special. Trust me, giving this recipe a try will add a delicious new favorite to your dessert repertoire, and I can’t wait to hear how much you love it too!
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Easy Banoffee Pie with Dulce de Leche Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Banoffee Pie features a crunchy graham cracker crust, a luscious layer of dulce de leche, fresh banana slices, and fluffy whipped cream, making it a delightfully easy dessert that's loved by everyone.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 and ½ cups (180g) graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheet graham crackers)
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
Filling and Topping
- 1 and ¼ cups dulce de leche
- 2 large bananas, sliced
- 2 cups (480ml) cold heavy cream or heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar or granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or toffee bits for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). If using full graham crackers, grind them into fine crumbs using a food processor or blender. Combine graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar in a medium bowl, then stir in melted butter until thick and sandy with no large chunks.
- Form crust: Pour the crumb mixture into an ungreased 9-inch pie dish. Pat the crumbs down gently with your hand or a small flat-bottomed measuring cup to compact the crust evenly on the bottom and up the sides, avoiding heavy packing to keep the crust from becoming too hard. Use a spoon to round the edges where the crust meets the bottom for better stability.
- Bake the crust: Bake the crust for 15 minutes, then remove and let it cool for 15 minutes.
- Whip cream: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the cold heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until medium peaks form, about 3-4 minutes. Medium peaks mean the cream holds shape but is still soft and silky, perfect for topping.
- Assemble the pie: Spread the dulce de leche evenly over the cooled crust. Arrange sliced bananas in 1 to 2 layers on top of the dulce de leche. Spread the whipped cream over the banana layer to cover completely.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pie uncovered for at least 2 hours and up to 1 day to set and meld the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, optionally garnish with chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or toffee bits. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- This easy banana toffee pie perfectly balances crunchy crust, creamy dulce de leche, fresh bananas, and light whipped cream for an irresistible dessert.
- Do not over-pack the crust, as this will make it too hard and affect texture.
- Medium peaks on whipped cream are ideal for texture and appearance, so watch the mixing closely.
- For best results, chill the pie long enough to allow flavors to meld and the whipped cream to set.
- If dulce de leche isn’t available, caramel sauce can be a substitute, but dulce de leche provides authentic flavor.
- Optional toppings add a nice decorative touch and additional texture but can be omitted if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (⅛ pie)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
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