Make the Creamy FillingIn a large bowl, whisk together:
Vanilla pudding mix
Cold milk
Whisk until thick (about 2 minutes).
Stir in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract.
Fold in whipped topping gently until smooth and fluffy.
This is what makes it rich and cloud-like.
Layer It UpIn a 9×13 dish (or trifle bowl), start layering:
Vanilla wafers Sliced bananas
Pudding mixtureRepeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with pudding on top.
Chill & SetCover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better!).
The cookies soften, the flavors blend, and magic happens. 
OPTIONAL TOPPINGCrushed vanilla wafers
Extra banana slices
Dollops of whipped cream
Or a light layer of toasted meringue for a classic Southern finish
PRO TIPS
Use ripe but firm bananas (not too brown) Chill long enough so the wafers soften perfectly For extra homemade flavor, use cooked custard instead of instant puddingCreamy. Sweet. Soft. Comforting.
The kind of dessert that makes people scrape the dish clean.
Who remembers eating this straight from Grandma’s fridge? 
