If you’re a fan of indulgent desserts, then Banoffee Pie Ice Cream is about to become your new favorite treat. This frozen delight blends the rich flavors of bananas, toffee, and buttery vanilla wafers into a creamy ice cream that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to cool off on a hot day or simply craving something sweet and satisfying, this dessert has it all.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making Banoffee Pie Ice Cream at home. From the ingredients list to step-by-step instructions, we’ll cover it all. And don’t worry—this recipe is super easy to follow, even if you don’t have an ice cream machine!
What is Banoffee Pie Ice Cream?
Banoffee Pie Ice Cream is inspired by the classic British dessert Banoffee Pie, which combines bananas and toffee (hence the name). In this frozen version, we take those same flavors and swirl them into a creamy ice cream base. The result? A luscious dessert that balances the sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich, caramel-like flavor of toffee.
This ice cream also includes crushed vanilla wafer cookies, adding a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth texture of the ice cream. The best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a few simple ingredients and some freezer space!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons why Banoffee Pie Ice Cream will quickly become a staple in your dessert rotation:
- No-Churn Recipe: You don’t need an ice cream maker! This recipe is no-churn, meaning you can make it with just a hand mixer or whisk.
- Rich and Creamy Texture: Thanks to the heavy whipping cream and sweetened condensed milk, this ice cream is incredibly smooth and luxurious.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of bananas, toffee sauce, and vanilla wafers creates a harmonious blend of sweet and slightly salty flavors.
- Customizable: You can easily personalize this recipe by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even extra caramel sauce.
Ingredients for Banoffee Pie Ice Cream
To make this delicious Banoffee Pie Ice Cream at home, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Most of these are pantry staples, and the rest are easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream: This forms the rich and creamy base of the ice cream.
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and a smooth texture to the ice cream.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle vanilla note.
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed: The star ingredient that gives the ice cream its signature banana flavor.
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafer cookies: These add a crunchy texture that mimics the crust of a traditional Banoffee Pie.
Optional Add-ins:
- Toffee sauce: Drizzle this throughout the ice cream for extra sweetness and that classic Banoffee flavor.
- Chocolate chips or nuts: For those who want to add an extra layer of indulgence.
Kitchen Tools:
- Hand or Stand Mixer: To whip the cream to stiff peaks.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two large bowls—one for whipping the cream and one for mixing the other ingredients.
- Freezer-Safe Dish: A shallow dish works best for freezing the ice cream evenly.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Banoffee Pie Ice Cream
Now that we’ve gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to dive into the process of making this delicious Banoffee Pie Ice Cream. Don’t worry, this recipe is straightforward, and you can easily follow along even if you’re new to ice cream making. Let’s get started!
1. Whip the Cream
Start by adding 2 cups of heavy whipping cream to a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the cream until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial because it gives the ice cream its light and airy texture. Be careful not to overwhip the cream, as it can turn into butter if mixed too long.
2. Prepare the Sweetened Condensed Milk Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until they are fully combined. This mixture will add sweetness and richness to your ice cream base.
3. Fold in the Whipped Cream
Gently fold the whipped cream into the sweetened condensed milk mixture using a spatula. The key here is to be gentle—folding helps retain the airiness of the whipped cream, which will give your ice cream a smooth and creamy texture.
4. Add the Bananas and Vanilla Wafers
Next, take 2 ripe bananas and mash them in a small bowl with a fork until smooth. Fold the mashed bananas into your ice cream mixture. Then, add 1 cup of crushed vanilla wafer cookies, saving about two tablespoons for topping later. The bananas provide that signature Banoffee flavor, while the vanilla wafers add a delightful crunch.
5. Layer with Toffee Sauce
Now comes the fun part—layering! Pour half of your ice cream mixture into a shallow freezer-safe dish. Drizzle toffee sauce over this layer and gently swirl it with a spoon to create ribbons of caramel throughout the ice cream. Repeat this process with the remaining ice cream mixture and more toffee sauce.
6. Freeze
Finally, sprinkle the remaining crushed vanilla wafers on top for added texture. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or wax paper, pressing it directly onto the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming. Place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until solid.
Tips for Perfect Banoffee Pie Ice Cream
Making Banoffee Pie Ice Cream is simple, but a few tips can help you achieve the best possible results. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a beginner, these pointers will ensure your ice cream turns out creamy, flavorful, and irresistible.
1. Use Ripe Bananas
The ripeness of your bananas plays a huge role in the flavor of your ice cream. Make sure to use bananas that are fully ripe, with brown spots on the peel. These bananas are sweeter and more flavorful, which will enhance the overall taste of your ice cream.
2. Don’t Overmix the Whipped Cream
When folding the whipped cream into the sweetened condensed milk mixture, be gentle. Overmixing can cause the whipped cream to deflate, resulting in a denser ice cream. You want to keep as much air in the mixture as possible for a light and fluffy texture.
3. Customize Your Add-ins
Feel free to get creative with your add-ins! While this recipe calls for vanilla wafers and toffee sauce, you can experiment with other ingredients like chocolate chips, caramelized nuts, or even peanut butter swirls. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your Banoffee Pie Ice Cream.
4. Freeze Properly
To avoid ice crystals forming on your ice cream, make sure to press plastic wrap or wax paper directly onto the surface of the ice cream before freezing it. This will help maintain a smooth and creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make Banoffee Pie Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker?
Yes! This recipe is designed to be no-churn, so you don’t need an ice cream maker. The whipped cream provides enough air to create a creamy texture without churning.
2. How Long Does Banoffee Pie Ice Cream Last in the Freezer?
Homemade Banoffee Pie Ice Cream can last up to two weeks in the freezer if stored properly in an airtight container. However, for the best flavor and texture, try to enjoy it within the first week.
3. Can I Use Store-Bought Toffee Sauce?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time or prefer convenience, store-bought toffee sauce works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure it’s a high-quality sauce for the best flavor.
4. What Can I Use Instead of Vanilla Wafers?
If you don’t have vanilla wafers on hand, you can substitute them with graham crackers or digestive biscuits for a similar crunchy texture.
Conclusion:
There you have it—a simple yet indulgent recipe for Banoffee Pie Ice Cream that’s sure to become a household favorite. With its creamy banana base, rich ribbons of toffee sauce, and crunchy vanilla wafers, this dessert offers all the flavors of traditional Banoffee Pie in frozen form. Plus, since it’s no-churn, anyone can make it at home without special equipment.
Whether you’re serving it at a summer BBQ or enjoying it as an after-dinner treat, this ice cream is bound to impress your friends and family. So why not give it a try? You might just discover your new go-to dessert!
