Banoffee Original: The Classic British Dessert Recipe

After years of making (and eating!) banoffee pie, I’ve perfected this banoffee original recipe that stays true to its Jevington roots. Created in 1971 at The Hungry Monk restaurant, this classic combination of bananas, toffee, and cream has become a worldwide sensation. Today, I’m sharing my tested version of the banoffee original that honors its British heritage.

Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours (including toffee making)
• Chilling Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
• Servings: 8-10 slices

Equipment Needed

• 9-inch pie dish
• Food processor
• Heavy-bottomed saucepan
• Electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Can opener
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Wire whisk

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits for true authenticity)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons sugar

For the Toffee Filling:

• 2 cans sweetened condensed milk
• Pinch of sea salt

For the Topping:

• 4 ripe bananas
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• Dark chocolate for grating
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Creating the Perfect Banoffee Original Base

Let me tell you, the base of a banoffee original is crucial – it needs to hold up to that rich toffee without becoming soggy. I learned this the hard way after several crumbly disasters! While modern recipes often use graham crackers, I stick to digestive biscuits for that authentic British taste.

1. Crush biscuits until finely ground
2. Mix with melted butter and sugar until combined
3. Press firmly into pie dish, creating an even layer
4. Chill for 30 minutes to set

Making Traditional Toffee Filling

1. Combine in heavy-bottomed saucepan:
   • 1 cup unsalted butter
   • 1 cup dark brown sugar
   • 4 tablespoons golden syrup (or light corn syrup)
   • 1 can condensed milk
   • Pinch of sea salt
2. Heat over medium-low, stirring until sugar dissolves
3. Bring to gentle boil, stirring constantly
4. Cook until mixture reaches 240°F (soft ball stage)
5. Continue stirring to prevent burning
6. Cook until deep golden color (about 15-20 minutes)
7. Test by dropping small amount in cold water
8. Should form soft ball that holds shape
9. Remove from heat, stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla
10. Let cool slightly before spreading

Safety Tip: Never open hot cans – I always let them cool naturally to avoid any accidents.

Assembling Your Banoffee Original

The assembly of a banoffee original requires patience and timing. I’ve found that layering in the right order makes all the difference between a picture-perfect slice and a messy (though still delicious) puddle.

1. Spread cooled toffee evenly over chilled base
2. Let set for 15 minutes in fridge
3. Slice bananas in uniform thickness
4. Layer bananas over toffee, starting from outside
5. Gently press bananas into toffee

The Crowning Glory

The whipped cream topping isn’t just a garnish – it’s an essential component of a proper banoffee original. I whip mine just before serving for the freshest taste and best texture.

1. Chill mixing bowl and beaters for 10 minutes
2. Pour heavy cream into cold bowl
3. Add powdered sugar and vanilla
4. Whip until soft peaks form
5. Spread or pipe over banana layer
6. Finish with fine grating of dark chocolate

Serving Your Banoffee Original

Timing is everything with this dessert. After years of serving banoffee original at dinner parties, I’ve learned that it’s best enjoyed within 12 hours of assembly. The bananas stay fresh, the cream holds its peaks, and the toffee maintains its perfect consistency.

For the best slices:

1. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water
2. Wipe blade between cuts
3. Serve immediately after cutting

Storage Notes

While banoffee original is best fresh, sometimes you need to make components ahead. The toffee can be made up to two weeks in advance (keep cans unopened), and the base can be prepared a day ahead. However, once assembled, the pie should be enjoyed within 24 hours – though in my house, it rarely lasts that long!

Remember, a true banoffee original celebrates simple ingredients combined perfectly. Don’t be tempted to add extra flavors or toppings – its beauty lies in its classic simplicity. Want to explore more traditional dessert recipes? Check out our collection of classic treats!