If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying the rich and indulgent flavors of a classic banoffee pie in a quick, elegant, and perfectly portioned way, then you are going to fall in love with this Banoffee Pie Parfaits Recipe. Combining the buttery crunch of graham cracker crumbs, the luscious sweetness of dulce de leche, and fresh banana slices layered with fluffy whipped cream, these parfaits bring the essence of banoffee pie into a delightful, no-fuss dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. They’re incredibly easy to make but so satisfying that they’ll quickly become a go-to treat for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Banoffee Pie Parfaits Recipe lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: the buttery graham cracker crumb base offers texture, the dulce de leche infuses creamy caramel goodness, and the bananas add freshness and natural sweetness—all topped off with whipped cream for that cloud-like finish.
- Graham cracker crumbs (1 1/2 cups): Provides the perfect crunchy base with a subtle sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup): Binds the crumbs together and adds richness to the crust layer.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Enhances the caramel notes and adds a touch of molasses flavor.
- Dulce de leche (1 can, 13.4 ounces): The star ingredient that delivers that irresistible, creamy caramel punch.
- Bananas (3 ripe, sliced): Offers fresh fruitiness and balances sweetness with natural softness.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 1/2 cups): Creates fluffy, luscious whipped cream when sweetened and whipped.
- Powdered sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the whipped cream gently without graininess.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, aromatic depth to the whipped cream.
- Dark chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (for garnish): Adds a touch of elegance and a hint of bitter contrast to the sweetness.
How to Make Banoffee Pie Parfaits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
Begin by mixing the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar in a bowl until the texture resembles wet sand. This mixture forms the crunchy, buttery base for your parfaits, providing a perfect contrast to the creamy layers to come. Setting it aside now allows you to focus on the creamy components.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a separate mixing bowl, whip together the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whip until you reach soft peaks—the whipped cream should hold its shape but still feel light and airy. This step is where your parfait gains that luxurious, velvety texture that ties all the flavors together.
Step 3: Layer Your Parfaits
Grab your favorite small glasses or jars for assembling. Start by spooning about 2 tablespoons of the graham cracker crumb mixture at the bottom of each container. Next, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of luscious dulce de leche over the crumbs followed by a generous layer of freshly sliced bananas. Top this with a dollop of your freshly whipped cream. Repeat these layers one more time for double the flavor in every bite. Finally, finish off with a swirl of whipped cream on top as a crowning touch.
Step 4: Garnish and Chill
Sprinkle the top of each parfait with dark chocolate shavings or a light dusting of cocoa powder. This simple addition adds a beautiful finishing touch and a subtle bittersweet edge that complements the dessert perfectly. Place the parfaits in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
How to Serve Banoffee Pie Parfaits Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Banoffee Pie Parfaits Recipe even more inviting, consider garnishing with a few extra banana slices, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped toffee bits for added texture. Fresh mint leaves can also add a pop of color and refreshing aroma. The more colorful and textured your garnishes, the more irresistible your parfaits will look on the table.
Side Dishes
While these parfaits shine on their own, pairing them with a light, crisp fruit salad or a simple cup of black coffee or espresso can elevate the experience. The freshness of fruit balances the richness, and the bitterness of coffee cuts through the sweetness for perfect harmony.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these parfaits in mason jars or clear stemmed glasses to highlight their beautiful layers. For parties, consider assembling them in mini glass cups or shot glasses for bite-sized portions. You can even layer the ingredients in taller parfait glasses with colorful ribbons tied around the stems for an elegant touch that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extras, no worries—cover your parfaits tightly with plastic wrap or airtight lids and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and maintain their texture for up to 2 days, although they’re best enjoyed within the first day for optimal flavor and consistency.
Freezing
Freezing Banoffee Pie Parfaits Recipe is not recommended as thawing can cause the whipped cream and banana layers to become watery or mushy. For the best experience, prepare and enjoy fresh or refrigerate rather than freeze.
Reheating
Since these parfaits are served chilled and contain whipped cream and fresh banana, reheating is not advised. They are at their best when enjoyed cold and fresh from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought whipped topping instead of whipping cream?
Yes, you can substitute store-bought whipped topping for convenience, but freshly whipped cream really elevates the flavor and texture of the parfaits, making them taste more homemade and decadent.
What if I don’t have dulce de leche? Can I make it myself?
Definitely! You can make dulce de leche by slowly cooking sweetened condensed milk until it caramelizes and thickens. Alternatively, some caramel sauces work, but dulce de leche has that signature silky caramel flavor perfect for this recipe.
Are these parfaits suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Banoffee Pie Parfaits Recipe is vegetarian-friendly since it contains no meat or gelatin-based ingredients, making it a great choice for a wide range of diets.
Can I prepare these parfaits ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! You can assemble the parfaits up to 4 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated. This makes them a fantastic make-ahead dessert that saves you last-minute stress.
How can I add extra crunch to the parfaits?
For a delightful textural twist, mix some chopped toffee bits into the graham cracker crust or sprinkle some toasted nuts on top along with the chocolate garnish. It adds a lovely contrast to the creamy layers.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Banoffee Pie Parfaits Recipe that makes dessert feel both elegant and approachable. Whether you’re treating yourself on a weeknight or impressing guests with a no-bake delight, these parfaits bring all the nostalgic flavors of the classic banoffee pie in an irresistible, easy-to-make form. I can’t wait for you to make these and share the joy of this luscious treat with your loved ones!
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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 the luscious layers of Banoffee Pie Parfaits, a no-bake dessert featuring graham cracker crumbs, creamy dulce de leche, ripe bananas, and fluffy whipped cream, all garnished with chocolate shavings for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Base
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Dulce de Leche
- 1 (13.4-ounce) can dulce de leche
Bananas
- 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, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Graham Cracker Mixture: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar, stirring until the mixture resembles wet sand. Set aside.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, creating a light and fluffy texture.
- Assemble the Parfaits: Layer 2 tablespoons of the graham cracker mixture at the bottom of small glasses or jars. Add 1–2 tablespoons of dulce de leche over the crumbs, followed by a layer of banana slices. Then, add a dollop of whipped cream.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process once more with the graham cracker mixture, dulce de leche, banana slices, and top with a swirl of whipped cream on top.
- Garnish and Chill: Finish by garnishing with dark chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder. Chill the parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to set the layers and enhance flavors.
Notes
- For convenience, store-bought whipped topping can be used, but freshly whipped cream adds superior flavor.
- Mix in chopped toffee bits with the graham cracker layer for added crunch.
- Parfaits can be assembled up to 4 hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
