Recipe

		Dulce de Leche Banana Cream Pie
		Serving Size - 8
		Prepared By - DnD
		Recipe Rating * * * * *	Printer Friendly Recipe

CRUST:

1 (5-ounce) package Maria crackers (about 41 crackers), or graham crackers

1/2 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts, plus 1/2 cup chopped, for garnish

1/8 teaspoon salt

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

CREAM FILLING:

6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature

4 tablespoons powdered sugar

3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

1 1/2 cup store-bought dulce de leche (recommended: Nestle La Lechera Dulce de Leche), plus extra for decorating

4 medium bananas, sliced

CRUST: - Place the Maria crackers in the bowl of a food processor and process until coarsely ground. Add the peanuts and salt to the crumb mixture and process until finely ground. Add the melted butter and pulse until combined. Transfer the crust mixture into a 9 1/2-inch diameter glass pie dish, pressing and forming the crust evenly across the bottom and up the sides. Refrigerate for 10 to 20 minutes to solidify the butter. CREAM FILLING: - Using a hand-held mixer, whip the cream cheese and butter at medium speed until fluffy with minimal lumps. Add the powdered sugar and cinnamon, whipping at low speed until just combined and being careful not to curdle the butter. Add the cream and whip to soft peaks. To assemble the pie: Spread the dulce de leche on top of the chilled crust. Top with the sliced bananas, forming 2 layers if necessary. Pour the whipped cream on top and spread evenly to completely cover the banana layer. Refrigerate and chill until set, about 2 hours. To serve, top the pie with a 1-inch border of the remaining chopped peanuts. Warm the remaining dulce de leche in the microwave or on the stovetop until melted. Drizzle the dulce de leche on top of the pie and serve.