Ingredients
5 to 6 ripe bananas, sliced into rounds
2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
1 box vanilla wafer cookies (like Nilla Wafers)
🥣 Directions
Step 1: Whisk the Pudding Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of cold milk and the entire can of sweetened condensed milk. Whisk thoroughly until smooth. Add both boxes of instant vanilla pudding mix and continue to whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken.
Step 2: Make it Fluffy
Gently fold half of the thawed whipped topping (4 oz) into the thickened pudding mixture using a rubber spatula. This lightens the pudding up, making it beautifully fluffy. Set the remaining whipped topping aside for the final layer.
Step 3: Layer the Bottom
In a 9×13-inch glass baking dish (or a large trifle bowl), arrange a single, tight layer of vanilla wafer cookies across the bottom. Top the cookies with a generous layer of your sliced banana rounds.
Step 4: Pour and Repeat
Spread half of the creamy pudding mixture evenly over the bananas. Repeat the process by adding another layer of vanilla wafers, a layer of sliced bananas, and the remaining half of the pudding mixture.
Step 5: The Topping Touch
Spread the rest of the whipped topping smoothly over the final pudding layer. To mimic the gorgeous display in the picture, you can alternate neat rows of vanilla wafers with beautiful decorative swirls of whipped topping using a piping bag, or simply crush a few leftover cookies and sprinkle them over the top.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better). This crucial chilling time allows the vanilla wafers to absorb the moisture from the pudding, softening them into a magical, cake-like texture. Slice or scoop, and enjoy!