If you’ve ever craved a dessert that’s gooey, creamy, and just downright irresistible, then you’re going to love this Delicious Banoffee Pie with Dulce de Leche Recipe. It’s one of those classics that combine bananas, caramel, and whipped cream on a buttery graham cracker crust — seriously, what’s not to love? I’ve perfected this recipe over time, discovering little tricks to make every bite melt in your mouth. Stick around because I’ll share all my tips, and trust me, this pie will quickly become your go-to crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples that come together in no time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Every time I make this, friends and family rave about how addictively good it is.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare components in advance to save stress on serving day.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easy to tweak with additions like nuts or chocolate for your personal touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Delicious Banoffee Pie with Dulce de Leche Recipe truly starts with the harmony of its core ingredients. Each plays its part to balance sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures. Here’s what you’ll want to keep ready before you start rolling up your sleeves.
- Graham cracker crumbs: These form the base crust; use fresh to get that perfect buttery crunch.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and enhances caramel flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Melted to bind the crust together just perfectly.
- Dulce de leche: The star caramel sauce, homemade or store-bought, brings luscious gooeyness.
- Bananas: Use ripe but firm bananas for great flavor and texture that won’t get mushy quickly.
- Heavy cream: Chilled and whipped to soft peaks — you’ll want this light as air!
- Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without graininess.
- Vanilla extract: Adds that rich aroma to the whipped cream topping.
- Optional toppings: Chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or toffee bits for an extra special finish.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Delicious Banoffee Pie with Dulce de Leche Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to add a little crunch, make it dairy-free, or adjust the sweetness, there’s room for creativity here.
- Nutty Surprise: I love tossing chopped pecans or walnuts into the crust for a subtle crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy layers.
- Chocolate Lovers: Adding chocolate shavings or cocoa powder to the whipped cream makes this pie feel extra decadent—my family can’t get enough!
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and butter for a plant-based option that still hits all the right notes.
- Fresh Fruit Twist: Sometimes I add a layer of sliced strawberries or raspberries for a fresh, tart contrast that balances the rich dulce de leche.
How to Make Delicious Banoffee Pie with Dulce de Leche Recipe
Step 1: Craft the Perfect Graham Cracker Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). If you’re using whole graham crackers, pulse them in a food processor until fine crumbs form—that’s what gives the crust its perfect texture. Mix the crumbs with sugar, then stir in melted butter until everything looks sandy but holds together when pinched. When pressing the mixture into your pie dish, use medium pressure—too hard and the crust will turn rock hard! I like using a flat-bottomed measuring cup to smooth out the bottom evenly. Don’t forget to round out that corner between the bottom and sides for a sturdy crust that won’t crumble later. Bake for 15 minutes, then let it cool for about the same amount of time.
Step 2: Whip Up the Fluffy Cream Topping
While the crust cools, grab a chilled bowl and beat the heavy cream with sugar and vanilla on medium-high speed until medium peaks form—this means the peaks should hold shape but still be soft and creamy. I can’t stress enough how using cold cream helps it whip perfectly without turning grainy. Set the whipped cream aside; it’s finally time to build your banoffee masterpiece!
Step 3: Assemble with Dulce de Leche and Bananas
Spread a generous, even layer of dulce de leche over the cooled crust. Here’s my little secret: I make my own dulce de leche by baking a can of sweetened condensed milk in a water bath—it’s richer and less sweet than store-bought, plus you avoid preservatives. Next, arrange banana slices in one or two neat layers right on top of the caramel. If you’re prepping ahead of time, a splash of lemon juice on the bananas helps keep them fresh without affecting flavor. Finally, dollop or spread the whipped cream on top, smoothing it out for a cloud-like finish.
Step 4: Chill and Garnish
Pop the pie into the fridge, uncovered, for at least 2 hours to let everything set. I find that chilling it overnight really lets the flavors meld together perfectly! Right before serving, sprinkle your favorite toppings—think chocolate shavings, nuts, or toffee bits—for that beautiful, finishing touch that makes every slice feel like a celebration.
Pro Tips for Making Delicious Banoffee Pie with Dulce de Leche Recipe
- Don’t Overpack the Crust: Press just enough to hold it together so it stays crumbly and tender, not rock solid.
- Homemade Dulce de Leche: Baking sweetened condensed milk in a water bath gives you the creamiest, most authentic caramel flavor.
- Banana Freshness Hack: Toss banana slices lightly with lemon juice so they don’t brown under the whipped cream if prepping ahead.
- Whip Cream at Just the Right Stage: Stop when medium peaks form—too stiff, and the cream might be heavy; too soft, and it won’t hold well.
How to Serve Delicious Banoffee Pie with Dulce de Leche Recipe
Garnishes
I always go for a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings or a handful of chopped toasted nuts right before serving because they add a delightful texture contrast, and honestly, they make the pie look downright irresistible. If I’m feeling fancy, toffee bits or even a dusting of cocoa powder is my go-to for that extra wow factor.
Side Dishes
This pie loves company! I often pair it with a light espresso or a simple cup of black tea to balance all that sweetness. For a party, fresh fruit salad on the side complements the richness naturally and keeps things fresh on the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve layered individual banoffee pies in pretty glass jars or clear dessert cups to show off those gorgeous layers of crust, caramel, banana, and cream. It’s visually stunning and makes serving a breeze. You can also pipe the whipped cream with a star tip for a fancier finish that’ll impress your guests every single time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When storing leftover banoffee pie, I usually keep it covered tightly in the fridge for up to 5 days. It stays creamy and delicious without the bananas browning too much, especially if you gave them that lemon juice treatment. Just grab a fork and dive back in whenever you want a sweet fix.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing the fully assembled pie since the whipped cream and bananas don’t thaw well. However, if you have leftover slices, freezing them wrapped tightly in airtight containers or foil works fine for up to 3 months. Just note that the texture might be a little softer after thawing.
Reheating
This pie is best served cold, so I usually don’t reheat it. When I’ve frozen slices before, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and serve chilled to preserve that perfect creaminess.
FAQs
-
Can I use store-bought dulce de leche for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought dulce de leche works well if you’re short on time, but I highly recommend making your own at home for a richer, fresher flavor. It’s surprisingly simple—baking sweetened condensed milk in a water bath creates an amazing golden caramel that makes this pie stand out.
-
How do I prevent the bananas from browning in the pie?
To keep those banana slices looking fresh, sprinkle a few drops of lemon juice over them before layering in the pie. This method gently prevents oxidation without affecting the taste, especially helpful if you’re assembling your pie a few hours or even a day ahead.
-
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the graham cracker crust for a gluten-free biscuit alternative or gluten-free graham cracker crumbs, and use the rest of the recipe as is. Just be sure your dulce de leche and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
-
How long does the pie need to chill before serving?
At minimum, chill the banoffee pie in the refrigerator for 2 hours to allow the crust to set and the flavors to meld. For best results, I prefer chilling it overnight—the texture and taste improve noticeably with time!
-
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can bake the graham cracker crust up to 2 days in advance (or freeze it for longer), and make the dulce de leche up to 2 weeks ahead. Assemble the pie a day before serving and keep refrigerated for a stress-free dessert.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Banoffee Pie with Dulce de Leche Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen lineup. It’s that perfect sweet finishing touch that’s easy enough for weeknights but elegant enough for celebrations. I love how the layers come together to create an unforgettable combination of crunchy, creamy, and fruity flavors. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself making it again and again, just like me.
Print
Delicious Banoffee Pie with Dulce de Leche Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours, 35 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
This classic Banoffee Pie combines a buttery graham cracker crust with rich homemade dulce de leche, fresh banana slices, and fluffy whipped cream, creating an indulgent no-bake dessert perfect for any occasion. With a crispy crust baked to golden perfection, luscious caramel-like filling, and refreshing bananas, this pie offers layers of delicious textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 and 1/2 cups (180g) graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheet graham crackers)
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 1 and 1/4 cups dulce de leche (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 large bananas, sliced
Whipped Cream
- 2 cups (480ml) cold heavy cream or heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar or granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Chocolate shavings
- Chopped nuts
- Toffee bits for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). If using full graham crackers, pulse them in a food processor or blender until you have fine crumbs. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar, then stir in the melted butter until the mixture is sandy and holds together when pressed.
- Form the crust: Transfer the crumb mixture to an ungreased 9-inch pie dish. Gently press the crumbs evenly across the bottom and up the sides to form a compact crust, avoiding packing too hard to keep it from being tough. Use a small flat-bottomed cup or your fingers to smooth and round the edges to prevent crumbling during serving.
- Bake the crust: Place the pie dish in the oven and bake for 15 minutes until set and fragrant. Remove and allow the crust to cool completely for about 15 minutes.
- Make the whipped cream: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until medium peaks form, about 3-4 minutes. Medium peaks should be firm but still smooth enough to spread easily.
- Assemble the pie: Spread the cooled dulce de leche evenly over the crust. Layer the banana slices in one or two rows on top of the dulce de leche. Gently spread the freshly whipped cream over the bananas, covering the entire surface.
- Chill the pie: Refrigerate the assembled pie uncovered for at least 2 hours to allow it to set properly and flavors to meld. You can also chill it up to 1 day before serving.
- Garnish and serve: Just before serving, optionally sprinkle chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or toffee bits on top for added texture and flavor. Slice and enjoy!
- Storage: Cover leftover pie and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, consume within this time frame to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Make Ahead: The baked graham cracker crust can be stored tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.
- Dulce de Leche: Can be made up to 2 weeks ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator. Homemade dulce de leche is made by baking sweetened condensed milk in a water bath until caramelized.
- Banana Browning: To prevent the bananas from browning, lightly brush or sprinkle fresh lemon juice over the banana slices before assembling the pie.
- Non-US Substitutes: If graham crackers are unavailable, digestive biscuits work well as a substitute. Use 200g ground digestive biscuits, 1/3 cup sugar, and 6 tablespoons melted butter, baking slightly longer (16-17 minutes).
- Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze the fully assembled pie as its texture suffers, but leftover slices can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of pie)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg