If you have a soft spot for classic British sweets and love a dessert that’s both indulgent and simple, this Banoffee Pie Parfaits Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine the luscious sweetness of caramelized dulce de leche mingling perfectly with fresh bananas, all layered atop a buttery graham cracker crust and crowned with cloud-like whipped cream. This no-bake delight captures all the iconic flavors of traditional banoffee pie, yet presents them in charming individual parfaits that are as fun to make as they are to enjoy. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, these parfaits are guaranteed to bring smiles all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Banoffee Pie Parfaits Recipe is incredibly straightforward. Each component plays a vital role, adding layers of flavor and texture that turn simple pantry staples into a dazzling dessert experience.
- Graham cracker crumbs (1 1/2 cups): This forms the crunchy, buttery base that grounds the parfait.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup): Helps bind the graham cracker crumbs, giving them a rich mouthfeel.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle caramel undertone to the crust mixture.
- Dulce de leche (1 can, 13.4 ounces): The divine caramel-like spread that’s the heart and soul of any banoffee creation.
- Ripe bananas (3, sliced): Fresh and sweet, these lend natural softness and balance the caramel’s richness.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 1/2 cups): Whipped to perfection, providing a light, creamy topper.
- Powdered sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the whipped cream without graininess.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings depth and a hint of warmth to the whipped cream.
- Dark chocolate shavings or cocoa powder: For that final touch of decadence and visual appeal.
How to Make Banoffee Pie Parfaits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Base
Start by mixing the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar in a bowl until you get a texture reminiscent of wet sand. This mixture will form the crunchy yet buttery foundation of your parfait, so take your time to combine everything well.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream together with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whip until soft peaks form—this means the cream holds its shape but is still soft enough to create a smooth and luscious topping. Freshly whipped cream adds a heavenly texture that store-bought toppings just can’t match.
Step 3: Assemble the Parfaits
Grab small glasses or jars to build these beauties. Begin by layering about 2 tablespoons of the graham cracker mixture at the bottom. Next, spoon on 1 to 2 tablespoons of the luscious dulce de leche over the crumbs. Add a layer of banana slices, then a generous dollop of whipped cream. Repeat these layers once more before finishing with a swirl of whipped cream on top.
Step 4: Garnish and Chill
To complete your Banoffee Pie Parfaits Recipe, sprinkle dark chocolate shavings or dust cocoa powder over the whipped cream for a hint of bittersweet flair. Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 30 minutes so all the flavors meld beautifully and the dessert sets just right.
How to Serve Banoffee Pie Parfaits Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your parfait presentation with a variety of garnishes to delight the eyes and taste buds. Dark chocolate shavings add a sophisticated touch, while a light dusting of cocoa powder brings a lovely aroma. For a little extra sparkle, crushed toffee bits or a drizzle of caramel sauce can make each bite even more exciting.
Side Dishes
While these parfaits stand beautifully on their own, they pair wonderfully with a few complementary sides. A cup of strong coffee or a smooth espresso balances the sweetness perfectly. Alternatively, serve with a bright mixed berry salad to introduce a refreshing contrast that enlivens every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the jar! Serve the parfaits in clear mini trifle bowls or pretty stemmed glasses to highlight the colorful layers. For a party setting, individual mason jars add rustic charm and make for easy serving. You can also experiment with layering different crushed cookies or adding a sprinkle of toasted nuts to bring in textural surprises.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extras (though unlikely!), store the parfaits in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll keep fresh and delicious for up to two days, though the bananas may soften slightly over time.
Freezing
Freezing these parfaits is not ideal because the bananas may become mushy and the texture of the whipped cream will change once thawed. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or within a couple of days refrigerated.
Reheating
No reheating necessary here! These parfaits are meant to be enjoyed chilled. Allowing them to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving helps to soften the cream just enough for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
FAQs
Can I substitute the graham cracker crumbs?
Absolutely! Digestive biscuits or crushed shortbread cookies work wonderfully if you can’t find graham crackers, providing a similar buttery crunch for the parfait base.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can use coconut cream whipped with a powdered sugar substitute and choose a plant-based butter alternative for the crust. Look for dairy-free dulce de leche or caramel to keep the dessert vegan-friendly.
Can I use fresh caramel instead of dulce de leche?
You can, but dulce de leche offers that unique creamy caramel flavor that is essential for an authentic banoffee taste. Fresh caramel might be softer or runnier, so be sure it’s thickened enough to hold its place in the layers.
How ripe should the bananas be?
Go for ripe but firm bananas. Overripe ones will be overly mushy and might cause the parfait to become soggy quickly, while underripe bananas may lack sweetness and softness that balance the caramel.
Can I assemble these parfaits ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble up to 4 hours before serving and keep them refrigerated. This makes them perfect for preparing in advance for dinner parties or special occasions.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way this Banoffee Pie Parfaits Recipe captures the heart of a classic dessert while offering effortless elegance and ease. It’s a sweet little luxury that can brighten any day or gathering. So why wait? Grab your ingredients, whip up these delightful parfaits, and share the magic with loved ones—you’re going to fall in love with every spoonful!
Print
Banoffee Pie Parfaits Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 parfaits
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these easy-to-make Banoffee Pie Parfaits, a luscious no-bake British dessert featuring layers of crumbly graham cracker crust, creamy dulce de leche, ripe bananas, and fluffy whipped cream, finished with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Filling
- 1 (13.4-ounce) can dulce de leche
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
Whipped Cream
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish
- Dark chocolate shavings or cocoa powder
Instructions
- Prepare the crust mixture: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar. Stir thoroughly until the mixture resembles wet sand and set aside.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream together with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, creating a light and airy texture.
- Assemble the parfaits: Take small glasses or jars and layer 2 tablespoons of the graham cracker crumb mixture at the bottom. Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of dulce de leche over the crumbs, then add a layer of banana slices.
- Add whipped cream layer: Top the bananas with a dollop of the freshly whipped cream, then repeat the layers once more starting with the graham cracker crumbs, dulce de leche, bananas, and finishing again with whipped cream.
- Garnish and chill: Finish each parfait with a swirl of whipped cream on top and garnish with dark chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder. Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and chill properly.
Notes
- You can use store-bought whipped topping for convenience, but freshly whipped cream adds a richer flavor and better texture.
- For a crunchier variation, add chopped toffee bits to the graham cracker crumb layer.
- These parfaits can be assembled up to 4 hours ahead and kept refrigerated to save time before serving.
