Biting into this banoffee (ban- o- fee) pie is actually ‘falling in love’ all over again; this time it is with a banana concoction poured over a layer of caramel sauce in a graham cracker crust and topped with billowy whipped cream. Soo delicious, that when biting into this pie for the first time, you moan with words such as yum, ahhh, oh my, or this is the most delicious pie I have ever eaten. I promise you, from the guest who really doesn’t care for bananas to the ones who love bananas, they will ALL love this pie.
In the movie Love Actually, Keira’s character shows up at the home of her husband’s friend asking for a favor. Payment for this favor is a banoffee pie.
My children’s grandmother Anna, came by ship in 1919 from Croatia at the age of 20. The first morning on the ship at breakfast, there was a banana on her plate. Unfamiliar with bananas, biting into it she immediately spat the banana out. It was a few months later that Anna learned unlike apples, bananas were meant to be peeled before eating. Years later Anna learned to love my banoffee pie.
Banoffee pie’s origin was in Sussex, England in the 1870’s. Digestive biscuits were originally used as the crust of the pie. These whole wheat biscuits can be found at Walmart. Carr’s whole wheat crackers which are the same, can be found locally at Safeway. I however, prefer to make a graham cracker crust for my version.
There are two ways to make the toffee (caramel) sauce for this pie.
One is to place an unopened can of sweetened condensed milk into a pan of water, bring it to a boil and then turn the heat down to a high simmer, and cook for three and one-half hours. Let cool down about 45 minutes before opening can. Stir it well before adding to the pie’s crust.
The other way is to melt Kraft caramels in a little hot water which is described below. Either way is delicious.
One important step to be aware of…this pie should go into the freezer for two hours before serving. Remove from freezer ten minutes ahead of serving to thaw. The whipped cream will freeze through. I have kept this pie in the freezer for two days and it was as delicious as it was the day it was made.
Follow these easy steps carefully, and I guarantee a perfect Banoffee Pie. It is a showstopper at any party. Well worth the effort.
Banoffee Pie
Step 1. Crust:
9 honey graham crackers finely ground
2 Tbsp. gran. sugar
5 Tbsp. melted butter
Mix together well and dump into a 9” tart pan with a removeable
bottom. Press into pan and sides evenly. I use a measuring cup for
this step.
In a 350deg. preheated oven, bake 12 min. Remove from oven and cool.
Step 2. Caramel:
¼ cup boiling water
1 package Kraft caramels (about 30)
Melt caramels in water until smooth, stirring occasionally.
Pour evenly into graham cracker crust.
Step 3. Banana layer:
4 bananas sliced ½ in. thick and placed overlapping in a circle
around top of caramel sauce, covering completely.
Step 4. Topping;
1 1/2cups heavy whipping cream chilled.
2 Tbsp. gran. sugar
1 tsp. instant expresso or regular instant coffee.
Beat together on med. speed until whipped to soft peaks.
Pile on top of pie and smooth to edges.
Sprinkle top with chocolate sprinkles or chocolate shavings if
desired.
Freeze two hours. Remove from freezer 10 minutes prior to
serving.
