Banana Dulce de Leche Pie (Banana Caramel Pie)

Recipe View Crafting the Dulce de Leche: Submerge the unopened can of sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan, ensuring it's halfway covered with water. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, maintaining a consistent simmer for 3 hours. Replenish water as needed to keep the can submerged. (Cook time: 3 hours)

Recipe View Cooling Period: Carefully remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the can to cool completely before opening, ideally for 1 to 2 hours. (Cool time: 1-2 hours)

Recipe View Preheat Perfection: Set your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). (Prep time: 5 minutes)

Recipe View Crust Creation: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until well combined. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

Recipe View Press and Bake: Press the crumb mixture evenly into a 9-inch pie plate, forming a firm crust. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

Recipe View Golden Bake: Bake in the preheated oven until the crust is lightly golden brown, approximately 10 to 15 minutes. (Bake time: 10-15 minutes)

Recipe View Crust Cool-Down: Remove the baked pie crust from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack, around 10 minutes. (Cool time: 10 minutes)

Recipe View Layering Begins: Open the cooled can of dulce de leche and spread half of it (about 3/4 cup) evenly over the cooled pie crust. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

Recipe View Banana Bliss: Arrange half of the sliced bananas in a single layer over the dulce de leche. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

Recipe View Repeat the Magic: Repeat the dulce de leche and banana layers once more, creating a beautiful stack of flavors. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

Recipe View Whipped Cream Cloud: In a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

Recipe View Sweeten and Flavor: Add the confectioners' sugar and vanilla extract to the whipped cream. Continue beating until stiff peaks form, ensuring a stable and luscious topping. (Prep time: 2 minutes)

Recipe View Creamy Finish: Generously spoon the whipped cream over the layered bananas, creating a smooth and appealing surface. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

Recipe View Chill Time: Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the pie to set properly. (Chill time: 1 hour+)