Lawson Banoffee Pie Recipe

The Dreamiest Lawson Banoffee Pie Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Sweet tooths will absolutely adore this classic lawson banoffee pie that combines creamy textures with irresistible caramel notes.

Layers of rich condensed milk caramel cascade between crisp graham cracker crusts.

Ripe bananas add fresh complexity to each delectable bite.

Whipped cream crowns this decadent dessert with luxurious softness.

British baking traditions shine through in every slice of this beloved treat.

Minimal ingredients and simple techniques mean anyone can master this delightful pudding.

Prepare to be transported by a dessert that promises pure indulgence.

Why Nigella Lawson Banoffee Pie Is Always a Hit

Why Nigella Lawson Banoffee Pie Is Always a Hit
  • Craft Foolproof Dessert: This banoffee pie requires minimal baking skills, making it perfect for novice cooks wanting to impress without complex techniques.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Just a handful of simple pantry staples transform into a luxurious dessert that looks professionally crafted with zero culinary training.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Showstopper: Guaranteed to delight guests at dinner parties, potlucks, or family gatherings with its irresistible combination of creamy, sweet layers that appeal to all ages.
  • Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare this dessert in advance and refrigerate, reducing last-minute stress and allowing flavors to meld beautifully before serving.

Everything Needed for Nigella Lawson Banoffee Pie

Base:
  • Graham Crackers or Digestive Biscuits: Classic cookies that create a sturdy and crumbly foundation for the pie.
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crushed biscuits together and provides a rich, smooth base.
Filling:
  • Condensed Milk: Creates a thick, sweet caramel through slow simmering that serves as the pie's signature layer.
  • Bananas: Soft, ripe fruit that adds natural sweetness and creamy texture to the dessert.
Topping:
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Provides a light, airy texture and rich dairy flavor to complement the caramel and bananas.
  • Dark Chocolate: Adds a delightful garnish with its rich, slightly bitter notes that balance the sweet pie.

How to Prepare Nigella Lawson Banoffee Pie

How to Prepare Nigella Lawson Banoffee Pie

Step 1: Prepare The Buttery Biscuit Base

Grab some graham crackers or digestive biscuits and crush them into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin. Melt butter and mix thoroughly with the biscuit crumbs until they hold together like wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a pie dish, creating an even layer. Place the crust in the refrigerator to firm up while you prepare the next components.

Step 2: Create Silky Caramel

Place an unopened can of sweetened condensed milk in a large pot of water, ensuring it’s completely submerged. Bring the water to a gentle simmer and let the can cook for approximately 2.5 hours. Monitor the water level, adding more if needed to keep the can covered. Once done, carefully remove the can and let it cool completely at room temperature before opening.

Step 3: Build The Caramel Layer

Open the cooled can and spread the rich, golden caramel evenly across the chilled biscuit base. Use a spatula to create a smooth, consistent layer that covers the entire crust.

Step 4: Add Banana Slices

Peel ripe bananas and slice them at a slight angle. Arrange the banana slices in a beautiful, overlapping pattern directly on top of the caramel layer, covering the entire surface.

Step 5: Whip Creamy Topping

Pour heavy whipping cream into a chilled mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream until it forms soft, billowy peaks that hold their shape but aren’t too stiff.

Step 6: Finish And Chill

Spread the whipped cream gently over the banana layer, creating elegant swirls. Sprinkle grated chocolate on top for a delightful finish. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours to allow all flavors to meld and the dessert to set perfectly.

Top Tips for Nigella Lawson Banoffee Pie

  • Slow Simmer Safely: Ensure the condensed milk can is fully submerged in water during caramel-making to prevent explosions and create smooth, rich dulce de leche.
  • Banana Browning Prevention: Toss sliced bananas with a splash of lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent quick discoloration on the pie surface.
  • Crust Binding Trick: Press biscuit mixture firmly and evenly into the dish to create a stable, crisp base that won't crumble when serving.
  • Cream Whipping Perfection: Use cold heavy cream and chill your mixing bowl beforehand to achieve stable, fluffy whipped cream with beautiful soft peaks.

Tasty Variations for Nigella Lawson Banoffee Pie

  • Vegan Banoffee Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free condensed milk, swap whipped cream with coconut cream, and top with dairy-free chocolate shavings.
  • Gluten-Free Banana Caramel Treat: Substitute biscuits with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour crust, keeping other ingredients the same.
  • No-Bake Chocolate Banana Parfait: Layer ingredients in individual glasses, using crushed chocolate cookies as base, caramel, sliced bananas, and whipped cream for a portable version.
  • Low-Sugar Banana Caramel Slice: Use sugar-free condensed milk, replace chocolate with cacao nibs, and add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.

Pairing Guide for Nigella Lawson Banoffee Pie

  • Pair Creamy Caramel with Bold Coffee: Serve a rich, dark espresso or cappuccino that cuts through the pie's sweetness and complements its smooth caramel notes.
  • Match Sweet Dessert with Crisp Dessert Wine: Select a chilled Sauternes or late-harvest Riesling, whose bright acidity and honeyed undertones enhance the banoffee's creamy texture.
  • Elevate with Nutty Liqueur Companion: Pour a small glass of amaretto or hazelnut liqueur, which adds depth and introduces a complementary nutty flavor profile to the dessert's caramel and banana layers.
  • Balance with Sparkling Palate Cleanser: Offer a crisp prosecco or champagne that provides refreshing bubbles and helps cleanse the palate between rich, decadent bites of the pie.

Best Way to Store Nigella Lawson Banoffee Pie

  • Store covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep pie protected from other strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before serving.
  • Never leave banoffee pie out for more than 2 hours due to dairy and fresh banana components. Bacterial growth can occur quickly at room temperature.
  • Do not reheat this dessert. Enjoy chilled directly from the refrigerator for best texture and taste. Cream and bananas will lose quality if warmed.

FAQs on Nigella Lawson Banoffee Pie

  • Can I make the caramel ahead of time?

Yes, you can boil the condensed milk can in advance and store the caramel in the refrigerator for up to a week before assembling the pie.

  • Is it safe to boil a sealed condensed milk can?

While many people do this, there’s a small risk of the can exploding. Use a large pot with plenty of water, ensuring the can is fully submerged, and monitor water levels carefully.

  • What type of biscuits work best for the crust?

Graham crackers or digestive biscuits are perfect for this recipe. They provide the right texture and mild sweetness that complements the caramel and bananas.

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Lawson Banoffee Pie Recipe

Lawson Banoffee Pie Recipe


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4.9 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 52 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Lawson banoffee pie delivers a divine British dessert where creamy banana, rich caramel, and smooth whipped cream dance together on a crisp biscuit base. Sweet indulgence awaits you in each delectable slice of this classic comfort treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 1 can (397 grams / 14 ounces) condensed milk
  • 300 milliliters (10.1 fluid ounces) heavy cream

Crust Ingredients:

  • 250 grams (8.8 ounces) digestive biscuits
  • 150 grams (5.3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted

Garnish Ingredients:

  • Dark chocolate (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Transform graham crackers into fine crumbs by pulsing in a food processor, then blend thoroughly with melted butter until mixture resembles wet sand.
  2. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into a 9-inch pie dish, creating a compact base. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set and firm up the crust.
  3. Submerge an unopened condensed milk can completely in water, ensuring it’s covered by at least 2 inches. Gently simmer on low heat for 2.5 hours, monitoring water level and replenishing as needed.
  4. Remove the can carefully and allow it to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1 hour before opening, creating a rich, golden caramel.
  5. Once chilled, carefully spread the transformed condensed milk caramel in an even layer across the prepared crust.
  6. Peel ripe bananas and slice diagonally into uniform thin rounds, arranging them meticulously over the caramel layer to cover completely.
  7. Whip heavy cream using an electric mixer until soft, billowy peaks form, being careful not to overbeat.
  8. Gently spread the whipped cream across the banana layer, creating elegant swirls and peaks.
  9. Delicately grate dark chocolate over the cream surface using a microplane for a delicate, elegant finish.
  10. Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of 4 hours to allow flavors to meld and texture to set perfectly.

Notes

  • Caramelize condensed milk carefully by ensuring the can is fully submerged in water to prevent explosions, and use a timer to achieve the perfect golden-brown color.
  • Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular biscuits with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour-based cookies.
  • Prevent banana browning by tossing sliced bananas in a bit of lemon juice before layering, which adds a subtle brightness and keeps them looking fresh.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by adding a sprinkle of sea salt over the caramel layer or using dark chocolate shavings for a more sophisticated finish.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 32 minutes (simmering condensed milk)
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 492kcal
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3g
  • Carbohydrates: 54g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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