Sometimes when I’m making a sandwich, I think of my dad.
When I was in high school, my dad would help make me little breakfast sandwiches to eat in the car, or he would help make my lunch. And he would make the sandwiches the same way I make sandwiches now: carefully, evenly spreading whatever spread or condiment is being used, making sure that all four corners of each sandwich bread is covered evenly.
Sometimes when I catch myself looking at a little post-it note in my purse, where I jotted down a quick list of to-do’s (maybe a grocery list, or a list of errands I need to attend to for the weekend), I think of my dad. I see an image of him quickly glancing down at a little a scrap of paper in his pocket. He’s a list-maker, too.
And sometimes, actually most of the time, whenever I eat gelato, I think of my dad, too. When we went to Italy a few years ago, we ate gelato every single day. My mom took one of my favorite photos ever: me and my dad eating gelato, side by side, grinning and looking satisfied. You can see it in this older blog post I wrote for Father’s Day, where I also said that desserts made with bananas make me think of my dad, as well.
This is the first time I made Banoffee Pie, and I virtually dedicate it to my dad. Right now we’re continents apart, but because we are so alike, and because he is my dad, I just know that he’d love to have a slice (or two).
Banoffee Pie is traditionally made with crushed biscuits, sticky toffee (or dulce de leche), bananas, and whipped cream. But this recipe is extra special, because it has an added layer of salted chocolate ganache. Extra special, just like my dad.
Salted Chocolate Banoffee Pie
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
5 tablespoons butter, melted
1 (13 oz) can dulce de leche
3 bananas
3 cups whipped cream (from approximately 1 1/2 cups heavy cream)
4 oz dark chocolate with sea salt (I used Lindt A Touch of Sea Salt Bar; you can also just use plain dark chocolate plus 1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt) plus 2 more oz, chopped, for topping
1/2 cup heavy cream
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375 F.
- Make the crust. Combine graham cracker crumbs, butter and sugar. Using the back of a large spoon, press crumb mixture firmly on the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Bake crust 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven to cool.
- Make the ganache. Combine 1/2 cup heavy cream and 4 oz dark chocolate with sea salt in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 2 minutes then whisk together until smooth and glossy. (You can also make ganache the traditional way - by heating the cream over medium heat until right before boiling, then pouring on top of chocolate, letting it sit, then whisking together). Pour ganache onto pie crust, and chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes or until the ganache sets or firms up a little.
- Pour dulce de leche over ganache and spread evenly. Slice the bananas and place on a single layer on top of the caramel. Whip the cream and spoon it on top of the pie. Sprinkle with the remaining chopped chocolate. Cover loosely with foil or plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for an hour or so before serving.
Recipe
When I sliced into this Salted Chocolate Banoffee Pie, I realized that underbaked the crust a little and it didn’t set properly. One of my favorite things about pie is the crust, and as I scraped off the extra graham cracker bits from the plate and topped my pie with it, I thought of my dad, again. He likes pie crust a lot, too. I really am my father’s daughter, and I couldn’t be happier. He is my idol, my hero, and my number one banana dessert companion.
Happy Father’s Day, Daddy! I love you!
Welcome, I’m Bianca Garcia. I love food, yoga, running, sangria, and my job. I'm an advertising professional, social media enthusiast, blogger, freelance writer, and obsessive list-maker. I think about dessert constantly. 
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What a beautiful post! And a fabulous addition to one of my favorite desserts!
What a great Father’s Day Post, I am sure he would love that pie!
So sweet! Lovely Father’s Day post for your awesome dad. I wish I had such great dad memories (mine passed when I was very little). I’m sure he is virtually enjoying your pie.
almost a shame to “virtually” share this, i’d totally want a slice or two :) yum!!
What a nice tribute to your dad. I want to sink my teeth into that whipped cream topping and everything that’s beneath! (I also leave post-its as reminders… :) )
this is SUCH a sweet post. you’re Dad sounds like one of a kind. And your twist on this pie looks delicious!
So sweet! Happy Fathers’ Day! The pie looks so delicious..
Wow. What a great pie!
Oh wow, this pie sounds freaking amazing. I love everything about it. What a great idea to add that chocolate ganache layer. I think my dad would love it too! Maybe one year when I’m actually with him on his bday or father’s day…
Awww such sweet memories with your dad. I hope you had a great Father’s day weekend! This pie looks incredible!
How fortunate to have such a loving and caring daughter! Although far away from each other, she tried a new and very creative recipe to make Father’s Day extra special for him. What a better way to show appreciation to her beloved father. As they say, she is good because she could feel that her father believed in her…. they are like two volumes in one book!! Cheers to father and daughter!
Bianca Garcia replied June 17th, 2013 at 9:52 am
Thank you po, Tita Lon!
This sounds so good, what a lovely thing to make for your Dad! I can imagine it would be easy to eat the whole thing.
Bianca Garcia replied June 17th, 2013 at 9:46 pm
Yes! I thought it might be too sweet but the salted chocolate ganache tempers it down (and I do love super sweet desserts!)
This looks gorgeous and delicious! Salted chocolate is my new addiction!
Bianca Garcia replied June 17th, 2013 at 9:46 pm
Thank you! It’s certainly worth the addiction ;)
I bet that salted chocolate ganache makes the pie! What a nice post for your dad.
Oh my goodness…this looks heavenly! Salted chocolate is just a fantastic combo. I love the family photos. :)
Bianca Garcia replied June 17th, 2013 at 9:45 pm
Thanks, Erin! There really is something so awesome about salted chocolate… and dulce de leche :)
Beautifully done! This looks so delicious!
Bianca Garcia replied June 17th, 2013 at 10:32 pm
Thank you, fellow dessert fan!
Wow, that pie has me salivating! Must try!
What a lovely dessert for Father’s Day (or any day!)
Such a great post for Father’s Day – super “sweet”! This pie is amazing, Bianca. I wish you could have shared it with your Dad, but I bet he was so thrilled that you dedicated this post to him.
Bianca Garcia replied June 18th, 2013 at 12:46 pm
Thank you, Georgia :)
What a sweet tribute to your dad! And the pie looks pretty delicious too! I’d love to try some :)
Bianca Garcia replied June 18th, 2013 at 12:46 pm
Thank you, Tiffany :)
wow!!! What a pie! This looks just incredible!!!
looks delicious. Banaoffe PIe is a British thing, I think. Reminds me of a banana bread pudding, love your spin on this.. salted caramel. YUM!
You guys look so happy…the wicked banana chocolate concoction probably didn’t hurt! Love the pic of y’all and the delicious accessibility of this pie!
A gorgeous pie! Really tempting and luscious.
Cheers,
Rosa
super sweet post, bianca! banoffee pie is a favorite, but by adding chocolate (SALTED chocolate, no less), you’ve made it even more irresistible!
Bianca Garcia replied June 20th, 2013 at 1:01 am
Thank you! It was definitely hard to resist a second piece ;)
Your dad is one lucky guy!!!! I’m so tempted by the look of this fabulous pie-a perfect treat for a very special holiday with your family ;)
Bianca Garcia replied June 20th, 2013 at 1:00 am
Thank you! We are luckier to have him :) Hope you get to make this pie for your family too!
Aww this is such a sweet post and a great tribute to your dad! And the pie looks amazing. So many good things all within one crust!
Caramel and banana I hear?
Oh my – I’m in for a slice.. or 5!
Beautiful post all around! What a moving tribute to your dad, and I love banoffee pie – this brings it to a new level.
Bianca Garcia replied June 21st, 2013 at 9:58 am
Thanks, Liz. Banoffee pie is definitely hard to resist! Hope you’re enjoying the summer!
What a sweet post, in every sense of the word. Your dad sounds like a wonderful man and the pie looks wonderful!
Bianca Garcia replied June 21st, 2013 at 9:58 am
Thank you, Nancie! He’s the best :)
What a touching post. This pie looks incredible.
Bianca Garcia replied June 21st, 2013 at 9:58 am
Thank you, Nicole! Hope you’re enjoying the summer!
This is a beautiful and touching post and – my oh my – does that pie ever look good :)
This is such a lovely dedication to your dad! I love the idea of layer of chocolate in your banoffee pie I’m going to have to try that next time I make it!
Awww this pie is the mot beautiful dedication to your dad my friend and the most delicious too :D
Cheers
CCU
You had me at salted chocolate! Yum. This pie looks so good.
This looks absolutely perfect!! Banoffee pie is a favourite in this house – I can only imagine how awesome it is with chocolate!
I’ve never had Banoffee pie before. Looks delicious, although I am not sure if I can make this at home. If I did, I guarantee you that all 1,000,000 calories will be consumed by me and me alone! Bahahaha! Have a good weekend!