Banoffee Pie is a beloved British dessert that combines several delicious elements into one indulgent treat. The name “Banoffee” is a portmanteau of “banana” and “toffee,” which are two of its main ingredients.
The pie was reportedly invented in 1971 at The Hungry Monk restaurant in East Sussex, England, by chef Nigel Mackenzie and his team. The combination of sweet caramel, fresh bananas, and cream creates a rich, creamy dessert that’s become popular worldwide. The contrasting textures – from the crunchy base to the smooth caramel and cream – make it particularly satisfying.
While traditionally served chilled, the pie should be eaten relatively fresh as the bananas can brown over time. Many variations exist, including versions with different types of crusts or additional flavour elements like coffee or chocolate.