These Banoffee Pie Cups are the ultimate no-bake dessert, combining buttery biscuit layers, luscious dulce de leche, fresh bananas, and clouds of whipped cream. Served in individual glasses, they’re a fun, elegant, and fuss-free way to enjoy the beloved banoffee flavor combination in perfectly portioned servings.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Banoffee Pie Cups take the indulgence of a classic banoffee pie and transform it into a portable, easy-to-serve treat. The layered presentation makes them visually stunning while ensuring that every spoonful captures all the best flavors—sweet caramel, creamy banana, crunchy crust, and airy whipped topping. They are the perfect dessert for dinner parties, picnics, or whenever you want something decadent but simple to prepare.
Banoffee Pie Cups
Banoffee pie is a British classic that has gained worldwide love for its irresistible blend of bananas and caramel. This recipe takes all the magic of the traditional pie and transforms it into convenient individual servings. Instead of wrestling with slices of pie that sometimes fall apart, you can serve these cups neatly layered and stunningly presented in clear glasses. The transparency allows you to admire the gorgeous textures before diving in with your spoon.
The beauty of Banoffee Pie Cups lies in their balance of flavors. The base of crushed biscuits provides a buttery, slightly crunchy foundation that contrasts beautifully with the silky dulce de leche. The bananas bring a natural sweetness and fruity freshness that lightens the richness of the caramel. Topping everything is a swirl of whipped cream that adds softness and airiness, ensuring the dessert feels indulgent yet not overly heavy.
Another advantage of this recipe is its adaptability. You can choose to make a single layer of crust, caramel, bananas, and cream for quick, elegant servings. Or, for those who crave extra decadence, you can build double-decker cups with two layers of everything—an irresistible treat for those who love indulgence. This flexibility means the dessert can work for both casual gatherings and special celebrations.
The dulce de leche is the heart of the recipe. If you prepare it yourself by slowly simmering sweetened condensed milk, you’ll be rewarded with a caramel that’s rich, deep, and luxurious. That said, if time is short, you can also buy ready-made dulce de leche from stores. Either way, the caramel layer ensures this dessert has a velvety sweetness that pairs beautifully with bananas.
The whipped cream plays a critical role in this dessert. It’s not just a garnish—it balances the flavors by providing a creamy, airy texture that cuts through the richness. For best results, whip your cream until it forms stiff peaks but avoid overwhipping, which can cause it to turn grainy. Using chilled equipment speeds up the process and helps create the perfect texture.
What makes Banoffee Pie Cups so appealing is how approachable they are. Even beginner bakers can create this dessert with confidence, as there’s no oven required and very little technical skill involved. The process of layering is straightforward and leaves room for creativity in presentation. You can pipe the whipped cream with decorative tips for a professional look or spoon it casually for a more rustic charm.
These cups are also perfect for preparing ahead of time. Once assembled, they can be stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This makes them a host’s dream, as you can focus on entertaining guests without worrying about last-minute dessert prep. Simply garnish with chocolate curls before serving, and they’re ready to impress.
The garnish is more than just decoration. A few curls of chocolate add a touch of sophistication and a subtle bitterness that complements the caramel’s sweetness. It’s a small addition that elevates the entire dessert, turning it from delicious to spectacular. You can also sprinkle crushed nuts or drizzle a little extra caramel for variation.
Banoffee Pie Cups are also a fantastic option for portion control. Since they’re served individually, there’s no temptation to cut oversized slices of pie. Each serving feels indulgent yet balanced, making them perfect for gatherings where guests might want to try multiple desserts.
Another reason these cups are so loved is their versatility. You can use different bases like graham crackers or even chocolate cookies for a richer variation. You can also experiment with toppings—perhaps adding a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth or a few berries for freshness. The adaptability makes this recipe one you can return to again and again, tailoring it to suit the occasion.
Banoffee Pie Cups also appeal to a wide range of palates. Children love the sweetness of the bananas and caramel, while adults appreciate the depth of flavor and the elegant presentation. It’s a dessert that bridges generations and brings people together over something universally enjoyable.
Finally, these cups embody the joy of homemade desserts. While they look elegant and taste luxurious, they are surprisingly easy to make. Every step is approachable, yet the result feels worthy of a special occasion. That’s the true beauty of Banoffee Pie Cups—they’re simple, stunning, and irresistibly delicious.
Servings
Makes: 10 single-layer cups (or 5 double-layer cups)
Time
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Prep Time: 30 minutes (longer if making homemade dulce de leche)
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Chilling Time: 2 hours
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Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Crust
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1 cup (114 g) digestive biscuit crumbs (or graham crackers)
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2 tablespoons (28 g) light brown sugar
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4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Dulce de Leche
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1 (14 oz / 397 g) can sweetened condensed milk (or ready-made dulce de leche)
For the Bananas
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3–4 bananas, sliced
For the Whipped Cream
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1 cup (237 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
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2 tablespoons (14 g) powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish
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Chocolate curls or shavings
Instructions
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If making homemade dulce de leche, simmer an unopened can of condensed milk in water for 3–4 hours, ensuring it stays submerged. Cool completely before opening.
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In a bowl, mix biscuit crumbs and sugar. Stir in melted butter until evenly coated. Press 2 tablespoons into the base of each dessert cup. Chill.
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Whip cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Keep chilled until ready to use.
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Layer each cup with 2 tablespoons of dulce de leche, spreading evenly.
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Arrange banana slices over the caramel.
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Add whipped cream, either spooned casually or piped decoratively.
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For double-layer cups, repeat the layering once more.
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Garnish with chocolate curls and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips
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Make Dulce de Leche Ahead: Preparing it a day early saves time.
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Chill Equipment: Cold bowls and whisks help cream whip faster.
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Use Ripe Bananas: Overripe bananas can become mushy, so choose just-ripe ones.
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Texture Contrast: A sprinkle of nuts adds crunch.
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Presentation: Serve in clear glasses for the best layered effect.
Banoffee Pie Cups
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup 114 g digestive biscuit crumbs (or graham crackers)
- 2 tablespoons 28 g light brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons 57 g unsalted butter, melted
For the Dulce de Leche:
- 1 14 oz / 397 g can sweetened condensed milk (or ready-made dulce de leche)
For the Bananas:
- 3 –4 bananas sliced
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup 237 ml heavy whipping cream, cold
- 2 tablespoons 14 g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Chocolate curls or shavings
Instructions
- If making homemade dulce de leche, simmer an unopened can of condensed milk in water for 3–4 hours, ensuring it stays submerged. Cool completely before opening.
- In a bowl, mix biscuit crumbs and sugar. Stir in melted butter until evenly coated. Press 2 tablespoons into the base of each dessert cup. Chill.
- Whip cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Keep chilled until ready to use.
- Layer each cup with 2 tablespoons of dulce de leche, spreading evenly.
- Arrange banana slices over the caramel.
- Add whipped cream, either spooned casually or piped decoratively.
- For double-layer cups, repeat the layering once more.
- Garnish with chocolate curls and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Make Dulce de Leche Ahead: Preparing it a day early saves time.
- Chill Equipment: Cold bowls and whisks help cream whip faster.
- Use Ripe Bananas: Overripe bananas can become mushy, so choose just-ripe ones.
- Texture Contrast: A sprinkle of nuts adds crunch.
- Presentation: Serve in clear glasses for the best layered effect.