Nigella Lawson Banoffee Pie

Name: Nigella Lawson Banoffee Pie
Prep time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 400 grams digestive biscuits, crushed; 200 grams butter, melted; 2 tins condensed milk; ½ litre double cream, whipped; 2 large ripe bananas, sliced; 1 bar chocolate, grated for decoration

Delve into the indulgent world of the Banoffee Pie, a dessert that has delighted taste buds for decades with its perfect blend of bananas, cream, and toffee. This British classic, while not originally crafted by Nigella Lawson, has been embraced and celebrated within her culinary community, leading to various renditions of the recipe shared by her fans. The Banoffee Pie's simplicity in preparation, coupled with its rich flavors, makes it a favorite for both novices and seasoned cooks alike.

Cultural or Historical Context

The Banoffee Pie is a testament to the creativity of British cuisine, combining simple ingredients to create a dessert that's both comforting and luxurious. It's a celebration of sweet and creamy textures, originated from the United Kingdom and has become a beloved treat worldwide.

Ingredients for the Banoffee Pie

Digestive biscuits: 400 grams, crushed for the base
Butter: 200 grams, melted to bind the biscuit base
Condensed milk: 2 tins, boiled to create the toffee
Double cream: ½ litre, whipped for topping
Bananas: 2 large, ripe and sliced for layering
Chocolate: 1 bar, grated for decoration

Preparation Instructions

Base Preparation: Mix crushed digestive biscuits with melted butter and press into the bottom of a tin. Chill to set.
Toffee Creation: Boil tins of condensed milk submerged in water for 2-2.5 hours to achieve a rich toffee. Spread this over the chilled biscuit base.
Layering: Arrange slices of ripe banana on top of the toffee.
Topping: Whip the double cream and spread over the bananas. Garnish with grated chocolate.
Serving: Chill the pie before serving. It can be made quickly if the toffee is prepared in advance.

Storage and Reheating

Banoffee Pie is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. It doesn't require reheating; simply allow it to come to a slight chill for the best flavor and texture upon serving.

Nutritional Information

A slice of Banoffee Pie is indulgent, with calories mainly coming from the cream, butter, and condensed milk. It's a dessert best enjoyed in moderation, with a balance of sweetness from the toffee and bananas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the toffee in advance? Yes, boiled condensed milk (toffee) can be stored for months, making the dessert quick to assemble.
Is there a quicker way to prepare the base? The biscuit base can be made and frozen in advance, further simplifying the process.

This beloved dessert, known for its rich flavors and simple preparation, can be adapted to various tastes and occasions. Whether enjoyed as a celebratory treat or a comforting dessert, the Banoffee Pie remains a testament to the joy of homemade sweets.

Original recipe contributions to Nigella Lawson's community showcase the pie's versatility and enduring appeal.