It was a rainy afternoon when I stumbled upon an old family recipe for banoffee pie tucked away in a dusty cookbook. The pages were yellowed with age, but the aroma of fresh bananas and rich toffee seemed to leap from the pages and wrap around me like a warm hug. I decided to put a unique spin on this classic treat by infusing it with a hint of espresso and a sprinkle of sea salt. The combination transformed the already delicious pie into an indulgent masterpiece that has since become a favorite among friends and family.
Ingredients
1 pack digestive biscuits (about 250g)
125g unsalted butter, melted
1 can (397g) sweetened condensed milk
2 ripe bananas, sliced
300ml heavy cream
2 tablespoons espresso coffee, cooled
2 tablespoons brown sugar
A pinch of sea salt
Chocolate shavings, for garnish
Instructions
To create the base, start by crushing the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs. A rolling pin works wonders for this task, or you can use a food processor if you have one on hand. Once crushed, mix the biscuit crumbs with the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a pie dish to form an even layer. Place it in the fridge to set while you prepare the toffee filling.
Next, pour the sweetened condensed milk into a saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously for about 10-15 minutes until it transforms into a luscious caramel color. Be patient; this is the essence of your banoffee pie! Once you achieve the perfect toffee consistency, remove it from the heat and mix in the espresso coffee, brown sugar, and a pinch of sea salt. Allow this heavenly mixture to cool slightly before pouring it over the chilled biscuit base.
Now for the pièce de résistance: the banana layer. Arrange the sliced bananas evenly over the toffee layer, creating a beautiful mosaic of yellow. The bananas add a delightful contrast to the rich toffee and buttery crust.
Whip the heavy cream in a separate bowl until soft peaks form. Gently spread the whipped cream over the bananas, creating a fluffy cloud that crowns your pie. For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle chocolate shavings on top. They’ll melt into the cream and add a rich chocolatey note to each bite.
Refrigerate the pie for at least an hour to allow all the flavors to meld and the cream to set. When ready to serve, slice into this beautiful creation and watch as everyone’s eyes light up with delight. Each forkful is a perfect balance of creaminess, sweetness, and that delightful hint of espresso. Enjoy this exquisite banoffee pie with your loved ones, and let the flavors whisk you away to a cozy café on a rainy day!