Banoffee Pie Parfaits offer a delightful twist on the classic British dessert, presenting layers of buttery biscuit base, rich toffee, fresh bananas, and fluffy whipped cream in individual servings. 

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

For the Biscuit Base:

• 1 cup digestive biscuits, crushed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Toffee Layer:

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Banana Layer:

• 2 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Prepare the Biscuit Base: Combine crushed digestive biscuits with melted butter until well mixed. Divide the mixture evenly among serving glasses, pressing down to form a firm base.
2. Make the Toffee Layer: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, butter, and brown sugar. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and turns a deep caramel color, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Allow the toffee to cool slightly, then pour over the biscuit bases in each glass.
3. Add the Banana Layer: Toss banana slices with lemon juice to prevent browning. Arrange banana slices over the toffee layer in each glass.
4. Prepare the Whipped Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
5. Assemble the Parfaits: Top the banana layer with a generous dollop of whipped cream. For garnish, consider adding chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder.
6. Serve: Chill the parfaits for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the layers to set.

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 parfait
• Calories: 450
• Total Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 30g
• Protein: 5g
• Vitamin D: 15% DV
• Calcium: 20% DV
• Iron: 6% DV
• Potassium: 10% DV

The Origins of Banoffee Pie

Banoffee Pie, the inspiration for this delightful parfait, is a beloved British dessert that originated in the 1970s. It was first created by Nigel Mackenzie and Ian Dowding at The Hungry Monk restaurant in East Sussex, England. The name “banoffee” is a fusion of “banana” and “toffee,” which are the two key components of the dessert. Over time, the classic pie has evolved into various formats, including these easy-to-make Banoffee Pie Parfaits, offering the same indulgent flavors in a convenient single-serving style.

Why You’ll Love Banoffee Pie Parfaits

Banoffee Pie Parfaits take the rich, indulgent taste of the classic pie and transform it into a no-bake, hassle-free dessert. These parfaits are ideal for dinner parties, special occasions, or even a quick treat when you’re craving something sweet. The layers of buttery biscuit, homemade toffee, fresh bananas, and airy whipped cream create a perfect balance of textures and flavors. One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. Unlike traditional Banoffee Pie, which requires baking a crust, these parfaits come together quickly with minimal effort. They are also easy to customize whether you want to add a chocolate drizzle, crushed nuts, or even a hint of coffee in the toffee sauce.

The Secret to a Perfect Toffee Layer

The toffee layer is the heart of this dessert, providing a rich, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the bananas. The key to achieving the perfect toffee consistency is patience. Cooking the condensed milk with butter and brown sugar over medium heat while stirring constantly helps prevent burning and ensures a smooth, velvety texture. If the heat is too high, the sugar may crystallize, leading to a grainy toffee instead of a silky sauce. For those who want to make an even quicker version, store-bought dulce de leche can be used as a substitute. However, making your own toffee from scratch enhances the depth of flavor and gives the parfait a homemade touch.

How to Choose the Best Bananas

Since bananas are a crucial ingredient in this dessert, selecting the right ones is important. The best bananas for Banoffee Pie Parfaits are ripe but still firm. Overripe bananas may become too mushy, affecting the texture of the parfait. Slightly speckled bananas provide the perfect level of sweetness while holding their shape when layered in the dessert. To prevent the bananas from browning, tossing them in a little lemon juice is highly recommended. The acidity slows oxidation, keeping the banana slices fresh and visually appealing in the parfait.

Whipped Cream Tips for a Fluffy Texture

The final layer of these parfaits is the whipped cream, which adds a light, airy contrast to the rich toffee and banana layers. Achieving perfectly whipped cream requires a few simple tricks:

1. Use Cold Ingredients – Chilling the bowl and whisk before whipping helps stabilize the cream and speeds up the process.
2. Do Not Overwhip – Beating the cream too much can turn it into butter. Stop when soft peaks form for the perfect consistency.
3. Add Flavor – A hint of vanilla extract or even a dash of cinnamon can enhance the flavor of the whipped cream.

Creative Variations of Banoffee Pie Parfaits

While the classic recipe is already a winner, there are plenty of ways to customize Banoffee Pie Parfaits to suit different preferences. Here are some fun variations:

• Chocolate Banoffee Parfait: Add layers of chocolate ganache or sprinkle cocoa powder over the whipped cream for a richer flavor.
• Coffee-Infused Banoffee: Mix a teaspoon of espresso powder into the toffee sauce for a subtle coffee undertone.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts between the layers for added crunch.
• Healthier Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream and opt for a granola base instead of biscuits.
• Frozen Banoffee Parfait: Freeze the parfaits for a couple of hours for a refreshing, ice-cream-like treat.

Serving Suggestions

Banoffee Pie Parfaits are best served chilled, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert for gatherings. Preparing them in individual glasses or jars not only makes them visually appealing but also ensures portion control. For an elegant presentation, top the parfaits with a dusting of cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, or caramel drizzle. A few extra banana slices arranged on top can also add a nice finishing touch.

Storing and Making Ahead

These parfaits can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, to keep the whipped cream fresh and fluffy, it’s best to add it just before serving. The toffee and biscuit base can be prepared in advance and assembled later to maintain the best texture. If you plan to store leftovers, covering the parfaits with plastic wrap or lids can help prevent the bananas from browning and keep the dessert fresh.

Conclusion

Banoffee Pie Parfaits are a delightful and effortless dessert that brings together the classic flavors of banana, toffee, and cream in a modern, easy-to-serve format. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family dinner, or just treating yourself, they are guaranteed to impress. With their rich layers and customizable options, these parfaits offer a versatile way to enjoy the traditional Banoffee Pie in a refreshing new form.