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Banoffee Icebox Cake Recipe

If you’re a fan of that dreamy combo of banana, caramel, and cream but want something fuss-free and utterly decadent, then you’re in for a treat with this Banoffee Icebox Cake Recipe. I absolutely love how this no-bake dessert layers silky dulce de leche, fluffy whipped cream, and tender bananas between crunchy Biscoff cookies that soften into a pudding-like delight overnight. You’ll find it’s perfect for those days when you want impressive dessert vibes without turning on the oven or standing over a stove. Trust me, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and super easy to pull together!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No-Bake Ease: Skip the oven and still impress with layers that melt in your mouth after chilling.
  • Classic Flavors: Combines the ever-loved trio of bananas, caramel, and cream for a crowd-pleasing dessert.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it the day before and let the fridge do the magic for you.
  • Textural Delight: Crunchy Biscoff cookies turn luxuriously soft, giving you pudding vibes without fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Whipping up this Banoffee Icebox Cake is all about simple, quality ingredients that come together beautifully. You’ll want ripe but firm bananas, silky dulce de leche, and those iconic Biscoff cookies to get the right balance of flavor and texture.

  • Heavy cream: The backbone of your fluffy whipped topping — make sure it’s properly chilled for easy whipping.
  • Icing sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness when whipped with cream without graininess.
  • Dulce de leche: This luscious caramel-like spread is essential — I always buy a good-quality jar or make my own for extra richness.
  • Bananas: Go for firm, ripe bananas so they hold their shape but taste sweet and fresh.
  • Biscoff cookies: Their caramelized spice flavor pairs perfectly; plus, they soften wonderfully overnight.
  • Dark chocolate: To grate over the top for just a hint of bitter contrast and a pretty finish.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Banoffee Icebox Cake Recipe is how easy it is to make your own by swapping a few ingredients or adding extras. Play with it to suit your tastes or dietary needs!

  • Make it vegan: Try coconut whipped cream and a dairy-free caramel sauce to keep it dairy-free but still creamy and rich — I experimented with this and got rave reviews!
  • Nutty twist: Add chopped toasted hazelnuts or walnuts between the layers for extra crunch and flavor — my family goes crazy for this addition.
  • Chocolate lovers: Mix some cocoa powder into the whipped cream or add chocolate chips between layers for a mocha-inspired take.
  • Fruit variations: Swap bananas for sliced strawberries or peaches when they’re in season — it gives a refreshing spin that’s just as delicious.

How to Make Banoffee Icebox Cake Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Cream Just Right

Start by pouring your chilled heavy cream into a bowl and adding the icing sugar. Use an electric mixer to whisk until stiff peaks form — this means when you lift the beaters, the cream holds its shape firmly. I like to transfer it into a piping bag next; it makes layering way cleaner and prettier when assembling. Be careful not to overwhip or it turns grainy! If that happens, just add a splash of milk and whisk again gently.

Step 2: Prepare the Dulce de Leche and Bananas

Fill a second piping bag with the dulce de leche — piping it out is so much easier than spooning and helps you get thin, even layers. Peel your bananas and slice them into nice, even rounds. If your bananas are very ripe, handle them gently to keep the rounds intact. This step sets up those dreamy layers of flavor and texture.

Step 3: Layer It All in Your Glasses

Take your serving glasses or ramekins and pipe a thin layer of cream on the bottom. I usually give the glass a gentle shake side to side to help spread the cream evenly. Then place two Biscoff cookies on top — you might have to break them to fit snugly without gaps. Pipe a thin layer of dulce de leche over the cookies, then add 5-6 banana slices. Repeat this pattern — cream, cookies, dulce, bananas — until you reach the top of your glass, finishing off with a layer of cream to seal the top.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Cover each glass tightly with plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge for at least 8 hours, but ideally overnight. This chilling time lets the cookies soften into that perfect pudding-like texture with the creamy layers and bananas. Just before serving, grate some dark chocolate on top for an elegant touch and a little bite of bittersweet flavor.

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Pro Tips for Making Banoffee Icebox Cake Recipe

  • Use Piping Bags for Neat Layers: Trust me, this trick makes your dessert look professionally layered and avoids messy spoon drops.
  • Choose the Right Bananas: I learned the hard way that overly ripe bananas turn mushy and make layers sloppy—aim for firm but ripe ones.
  • Don’t Rush the Chill Time: The overnight rest is what turns the crunchy cookies into soft, cake-like layers – definitely worth the wait.
  • Grate Chocolate Freshly: Freshly grated dark chocolate melts beautifully atop and adds bitter contrast—avoid pre-shaved chocolate that can get soggy.

How to Serve Banoffee Icebox Cake Recipe

The image shows a clear glass filled with a layered dessert. The bottom layer looks soft and brown, possibly soaked cake or biscuit. The middle layers alternate with thick creamy white layers that are smooth and fluffy. The top is covered with more creamy white layer dusted with fine brown powder, likely cocoa. A spoon is lifting a scoop of the dessert, showing the creamy texture and some of the brown layer beneath. The scene has a warm, cozy feel with a soft brown fabric in the background over a white marbled surface. A woman's hand holds the spoon gently. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping mine with freshly grated dark chocolate because it adds a little bitterness that perfectly balances the rich dulce de leche. Sometimes, I sprinkle a few crushed Biscoff crumbs on top for extra crunch and a pretty finish. If you want to get fancy, a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm hint without overpowering the classic flavors.

Side Dishes

Since this Banoffee Icebox Cake is quite rich, I usually serve it after a light meal — something like a crisp green salad or grilled chicken works beautifully. Alternatively, pairing it with a cup of strong coffee or spiced tea complements the caramel and banana flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered this dessert in tall clear trifle glasses so guests can admire those beautiful layers. You can also assemble it in a large glass dish for a scoopable dessert experience. Another fun idea is to serve it in individual mason jars with labels for a charming picnic or party favor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Banoffee Icebox Cake keeps really well — I store mine covered tightly with plastic wrap or airtight lids in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit in that time, but trust me, the earliest bites are always the best for that fresh banana texture.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this dessert because the bananas and cream can change texture when thawed, turning a bit watery. However, if you want to freeze, try freezing unassembled components separately (like baked cookies and dulce de leche) and assemble fresh when ready.

Reheating

This is a no-heat dessert, so I recommend serving it straight from the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes if you want it a little less chilled, but reheating usually isn’t necessary or recommended.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other cookies instead of Biscoff for this Banoffee Icebox Cake Recipe?

    Absolutely! While Biscoff cookies add a unique caramelized spice flavor, you can substitute with digestive biscuits, graham crackers, or any crunchy cookie you enjoy. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture might change slightly, but will still be delicious.

  2. Is it possible to make the dulce de leche from scratch?

    Yes! If you have sweetened condensed milk, you can make your own dulce de leche by simmering it slowly until caramelized. I’ve done this before, and it adds a homemade touch that’s truly special, but store-bought jars work perfectly for convenience.

  3. How long can I prepare the Banoffee Icebox Cake in advance?

    This dessert is best made the day before you plan to serve it. The chilling time allows the cookies to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully. You can keep it refrigerated for up to 2 days with no issues.

  4. Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

    Definitely. You’d just need to swap the Biscoff cookies for gluten-free biscuits with a similar texture. The rest of the recipe remains the same, and you won’t miss a thing.

Final Thoughts

This Banoffee Icebox Cake Recipe quickly became a favorite in my household — it’s effortlessly elegant yet comfortingly familiar. I love how the layers come together overnight to create a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s both nostalgic and a little bit fancy. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s sure to wow without the stress, give this a shot and see for yourself. I promise, you’ll want to make it again and again — your friends and family will be asking for the recipe too!

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Banoffee Icebox Cake Recipe

4.7 from 79 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 0 min
  • Total Time: 8 hr 15 min
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: British

Description

This Banoffee Icebox Cake is a luscious no-bake dessert combining layers of creamy whipped cream, rich dulce de leche, ripe banana slices, and crunchy Biscoff cookies. Perfectly chilled overnight, the cookies soften to create a pudding-like texture topped with a sprinkle of dark chocolate for an indulgent finish.


Ingredients

Whipped Cream

  • 600 mL heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp icing sugar

Layers

  • 380 g dulce de leche
  • 4 medium bananas, sliced into rounds
  • 250 g Biscoff cookies

Topping

  • 25 g dark chocolate, for grating


Instructions

  1. Whip the cream: Pour the heavy cream into a bowl and add the icing sugar. Whisk continuously until you see stiff peaks form, indicating the cream is fully whipped. Transfer the whipped cream into a piping bag to make layering easier and more precise.
  2. Prepare dulce de leche: Fill a second piping bag with the dulce de leche. Using a piping bag will help you layer it neatly without mess.
  3. Slice bananas: Peel the bananas and cut them into thin round slices, ready to create even layers in the glass.
  4. Assemble the cake: Take your serving glasses and start by piping a thin layer of whipped cream at the bottom. Gently shake the glass side to side to spread the cream evenly. Place two Biscoff cookies on top of the cream layer; you may need to break them slightly to fit the glass.
  5. Add dulce de leche and banana: Pipe a thin layer of dulce de leche over the cookies, then add 5-6 banana slices evenly. Repeat this sequence—cream, cookies, dulce de leche, bananas—until you fill the glass, ending with a final layer of whipped cream on top.
  6. Chill: Cover each glass with plastic wrap and refrigerate them for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the cookies to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully.
  7. Serve: Just before serving, grate the dark chocolate over the top layer of cream to add a touch of bitterness and decoration. Enjoy your soft, creamy, and indulgent banoffee icebox cake!

Notes

  • This dessert requires no baking, making it quick and easy to prepare.
  • Using piping bags for cream and dulce de leche ensures neat layering and an elegant presentation.
  • Chilling overnight is essential to soften the cookies and develop the pudding-like texture.
  • The Biscoff cookies add a unique spiced flavor complementing the caramel and banana.
  • You can substitute dark chocolate topping with shaved milk chocolate or a sprinkle of cinnamon for variation.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 glass (approx. 1/4 recipe)
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 110 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

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