Banoffee Pie – Caramel And Banana Pie

Ingredients:

CRUST:

• 1 1/2 c graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 c  sugar
• 1/2 c butter, melted
• 1/4 c unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)

FILLING:

• 6 1/4 Tbsp
  butter
• 1/3 c brown sugar, packed
• 14 oz condensed milk
• 6 bananas, not over ripened or mushy
• 2-4 Tbsp lemon juice, to prevent bananas from browning

WHIPPED CREAM:

• 4 oz cream cheese
• 2 c whipping cream
• 1/4 c confectioners’ sugar
• 2-3 Tbsp brewed extra strong coffee (you can use double strength instant mixed with water, just remove 3 Tbsp for whipped cream.)
• 1 banana, not over ripe or mushy
• 1 large chocolate bar (I used Ghiraradelli chocolate toffee bar)
  chopped walnuts (optional).

Instructions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F. Make the crust by combining the graham cracker crumbs with the sugar. Add the melted butter and mix. If you’d like a chocolate crust, add the cocoa. Combine well.
2. Press into a 9-inch springform pan bottom going up halfway up sides of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.
3. To prepare the filling, melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the brown sugar. Cook over high heat, bringing to a boil and stirring constantly. Make sure the sugar dissolves completely.
4. Add the condensed milk and combine well. Bring to a boil. Set a timer for 1 minute and 30 seconds.
5. Boil on high heat stirring constantly.The mixture should thicken. If not thickened, cook a little longer.
6. Pour half of the caramel on to the bottom of the crust you made
7. Slice 3 bananas into a bowl and toss with a little lemon juice. Place slices in the caramel
   Pour the rest of the caramel on top
8. Slice 3 more bananas into the same bowl and toss with the remaining lemon juice. Place on top of the caramel. Refrigerate until caramel sets.
9. To make the topping, beat the cream cheese until whipped. Add the whipping cream with the confectioners’ sugar and coffee
   Beat until soft peaks form
10. Slice banana and fold it in.
11. Top the pie with the cream.
12. Shave the chocolate bar on top. Sprinkle walnuts on top ,if desired.
13. Decorate how you wish.
    Ready to serve. Keep refrigerated