Banoffee Pie

Banoffee Pie - A Delicacy with Bananas and Caramel

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 3-5 hours
Total time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Who doesn't love the magical combination of bananas and caramel? Banoffee Pie is a dessert that perfectly combines these two ingredients, being not only delicious but also easy to prepare! This cake requires no baking, making it ideal for warm days or for those without an oven. In this recipe, you'll discover each step necessary to achieve a perfect result, full of flavor and varied textures.

Short history

Banoffee Pie was created in the 1970s and quickly became popular due to its simplicity and irresistible taste. This cake has won the hearts of many thanks to its contrasting layers: a crunchy base, a rich cream of caramel and bananas, all topped with fluffy meringue. It is the perfect dessert to impress guests or to indulge yourself after a long day.

Ingredients

For the base:
- 170 grams digestive biscuits (or plain biscuits)
- 90 grams melted butter

For the caramel cream:
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
- 75 grams brown vanilla sugar
- 350 ml skim milk

For the banana filling:
- 2 large bananas, sliced lengthwise

For the meringue:
- 3 egg whites
- A pinch of salt
- 4 teaspoons sugar
- Seeds from one vanilla pod

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the base

1. Start by crushing the biscuits. Use a food processor to turn them into fine crumbs, similar to sand. If you don't have a processor, you can put the biscuits in a bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
2. Melt the butter and add it to the crushed biscuits. Mix well until the mixture becomes homogeneous and sticks together.
3. Take a 23 cm springform pan and evenly line it with the biscuit mixture. Press down well with a fork or your palm to create a compact base.
4. Place the pan in the fridge for 1-2 hours so that the base hardens.

Step 2: Preparing the caramel cream

1. In a bowl, mix the egg yolks with the cornstarch using a whisk. Add 50 ml of the skim milk and mix well to obtain a homogeneous mixture.
2. In a double-bottomed saucepan, melt the sugar over low heat. Be careful, as the sugar can burn very easily! Stir continuously to help it melt evenly.
3. Once the sugar has melted, gradually add the rest of the milk, continuing to stir. You will notice that the caramel will harden when it comes into contact with the milk, but don't worry! Keep stirring constantly over low heat, and the caramel will melt again.
4. Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes, then incorporate the caramel milk into the yolk mixture gradually, stirring continuously to avoid cooking the yolks.
5. Place the saucepan back on medium heat and stir continuously until the cream starts to thicken. When it reaches a consistency similar to pudding, let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cream cool, stirring occasionally to prevent a crust from forming.

Step 3: Assembling the cake

1. Remove the base from the fridge and pour the caramel cream evenly over it. Make sure it is well spread to avoid air pockets.
2. Place the cake back in the fridge for 2-3 hours to set and combine the flavors.

Step 4: Preparing the meringue

1. When you're ready to serve the cake, start preparing the meringue. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form a foam.
2. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until stiff peaks form. Finally, add the vanilla seeds and gently fold with a spatula.
3. Spread the meringue evenly over the banana cake, ensuring that the entire surface is well covered.

Step 5: Serving

1. Remove the cake from the fridge and decorate with banana slices arranged over the entire surface.
2. You can brulee the meringue with a kitchen torch to give it a golden hue, or you can leave it white, depending on your preference.
3. Cut the cake into slices and serve it with a drizzle of caramel on top or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Practical tips

- For an even more intense flavor: Add a little espresso or coffee to the caramel cream for an extra kick.
- Variations: You can replace the digestive biscuits with chocolate biscuits for a more decadent taste. You can also add chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Meringue tips: Make sure the bowl and utensils are completely clean and dry to achieve perfect meringue.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of biscuits?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of biscuits, such as chocolate biscuits or even nut biscuits.

2. How can I prevent the yolks from cooking?
Gradually add the caramel milk to the yolks and stir constantly.

3. Can I use crème fraîche instead of meringue?
Yes, for a simpler version, you can use crème fraîche or whipped cream.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This Banoffee Pie recipe is a delicacy that, when consumed in moderation, can bring joy and satisfaction. Each serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, vitamins, and fiber, while caramel adds a quick energy boost. However, due to its sugar content, it is recommended to be enjoyed occasionally.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to start cooking! Banoffee Pie is a dessert that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!