If you adore the rich, comforting flavors of banoffee pie but want a fun, fresh twist, the Banoffee Pie Parfaits Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This delightful no-bake dessert layers luscious slices of ripe banana, buttery graham cracker crumbs, indulgent dulce de leche, and fluffy whipped cream into charming glasses, creating a perfectly balanced treat that’s as beautiful as it is scrumptious. Whether you’re serving it up for a casual family night or a special gathering, these parfaits bring all the magic of the classic British dessert in an easy, playful way that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right simple ingredients is the key to nailing this dessert’s perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each component here plays an essential role, from the crispness of the graham cracker base to the silky sweetness of the caramel and the creamy finish.
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs: Provides a buttery, crunchy foundation that brings delightful texture contrast.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crumbs together while adding a rich, mellow flavor.
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced: Offers natural sweetness and a soft, fresh bite in every layer.
- 1 cup dulce de leche or thick caramel sauce: Infuses that signature deep caramel taste that makes banoffee so irresistible.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold: Whipped into airy peaks to add lightness and creaminess to the parfait.
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream just right without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the whipped cream’s profile.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the caramel notes.
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (optional): Perfect for garnish, lending a subtle hint of chocolate to finish.
How to Make Banoffee Pie Parfaits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Base
Start by mixing your graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter in a small bowl. Stir gently until every crumb is coated and looks like wet sand. This buttery crust layer is what gives your parfait the delightful crunch reminiscent of traditional banoffee pie crust.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
Grab a chilled mixing bowl and beat the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whip until stiff peaks form—this means when you lift your beater, the cream holds firm peaks without drooping. The luscious whipped cream creates that fluffy cloud that perfectly balances the rich caramel and sweet bananas.
Step 3: Assemble the Parfaits
In beautiful serving glasses or jars, start spooning a layer of the buttery graham cracker crumbs into the bottom. Then carefully add a layer of those sweet, ripe banana slices. Drizzle a generous spoonful of dulce de leche, letting its sticky richness seep into the layers below. Next, top with a thick crown of whipped cream using a spoon or piping bag for prettier presentation. Repeat these layers until your glass is full, always finishing with a final dollop of whipped cream.
Step 4: Garnish and Chill
For that extra wow factor, sprinkle chocolate shavings or dust a little cocoa powder on top. This finishing touch adds a hint of bitterness that cuts through the sweetness beautifully. Chill your parfaits in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes before serving to let everything set and flavors meld perfectly.
How to Serve Banoffee Pie Parfaits Recipe
Garnishes
Besides chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, consider adding a fresh mint leaf or even a sprinkle of toasted nuts for contrast. These simple garnishes turn your Banoffee Pie Parfaits Recipe from classic to show-stopping with very little effort.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a dollop of crème fraîche on the side for added creaminess. Light, citrusy fruit salads also complement the rich layers perfectly, providing a refreshing counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the parfaits in small mason jars for a rustic feel or in elegant martini glasses when entertaining. You can also add a fun twist by serving mini parfait shooters as party favors. The layered colors and textures make this dessert visually enticing no matter how you serve it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 1 day. Keep in mind the bananas may start to brown and the graham cracker crumbs might soften over time, so fresh enjoyment is best.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for the Banoffee Pie Parfaits Recipe because the texture of bananas and whipped cream changes unfavorably once frozen and thawed. The parfaits taste their best served fresh.
Reheating
Since this dessert is meant to be enjoyed chilled, reheating is never necessary. Simply pull them out of the fridge a few minutes before serving to take the chill off slightly, if desired.
FAQs
Can I use something other than graham cracker crumbs?
Absolutely! Digestive biscuits or crushed shortbread work wonderfully as alternatives. They each bring a slightly different flavor but maintain that essential crunchy base your Banoffee Pie Parfaits Recipe needs.
Is there a substitute for dulce de leche?
Yes! You can use a good quality caramel sauce or even make your own by slowly simmering sweetened condensed milk. Just be sure it has a thick, rich consistency for the best layering effect.
Can I prepare the parfaits in advance?
You can assemble the components a few hours ahead, but it’s best to wait to layer the bananas and whipped cream just before serving to keep everything fresh and prevent browning.
How do I prevent bananas from browning?
A quick toss in a little lemon or lime juice will slow down the browning process without affecting the taste. This is especially helpful if you want to prep the bananas early.
Can I make a larger batch of this recipe?
Definitely! Just multiply the ingredients accordingly and assemble in bigger glasses or trifle bowls. It’s a fantastic dessert to share at parties or family dinners.
Final Thoughts
The Banoffee Pie Parfaits Recipe is such a treasure: simple to whip up, impressive to present, and utterly delicious to eat. I am thrilled every time I pull out those elegant layers of caramel, banana, and cream—it feels like a little party in a glass. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and find it becoming one of your own favorite go-to desserts for any occasion.
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Banoffee Pie Parfaits Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 parfaits 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the rich and creamy Banoffee Pie Parfaits, a no-bake British dessert featuring layers of buttery graham cracker crumbs, ripe bananas, luscious dulce de leche, and fluffy whipped cream. This easy-to-assemble treat combines classic banoffee flavors served in elegant parfait glasses, perfect for a quick yet indulgent dessert.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup dulce de leche or thick caramel sauce
Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Garnish (optional)
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder
Instructions
- Prepare the crust mixture: In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted unsalted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened and holds together slightly.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, ensuring a light and stable whipped cream layer.
- Assemble the parfaits: Begin by spooning a layer of the graham cracker crumb mixture into the bottom of serving glasses to create a crunchy base.
- Add fruit and caramel: Follow the crumbs with a generous layer of sliced bananas, then drizzle with a layer of dulce de leche or caramel sauce for sweetness.
- Top with whipped cream: Spoon or pipe a layer of the prepared whipped cream over the caramel and banana layers to add creaminess and balance flavors.
- Repeat layering: Continue layering graham cracker crumbs, bananas, caramel, and whipped cream until the glasses are nearly full, finishing with a whipped cream layer on top.
- Garnish and chill: Optionally, garnish the top with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder. Chill the parfaits in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes before serving to achieve the best texture and let flavors meld.
Notes
- Assemble the parfaits just before serving to prevent the banana slices from browning.
- If preparing slightly in advance, toss the banana slices lightly with lemon juice to maintain their color.
- Use cold heavy cream straight from the fridge for better whipping results.
- To make dulce de leche, you can simmer sweetened condensed milk or purchase it pre-made for convenience.
- Parfaits can be customized by adding nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt for texture and flavor contrast.
