Ingredients:

  • 1 (5.1 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 (12 ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed
  • 1 (12 ounce) box vanilla wafers
  • 3-4 ripe bananas, sliced

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and creamy.
  2. Whisk in the milk until fully combined. Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk for 2 minutes until the pudding begins to thicken. Let stand for 5 minutes to fully set.
  3. Gently fold in half of the Cool Whip into the pudding mixture until just combined. (Reserve remaining Cool Whip for topping.)
  4. In the baking dish or trifle bowl, create a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom. Top with a layer of sliced bananas. Pour a layer of the pudding mixture over the bananas.
  5. Repeat the layers of vanilla wafers, bananas, and pudding until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of pudding.
  6. Spread the remaining Cool Whip evenly over the top of the pudding.
  7. Garnish with additional vanilla wafers (crushed or whole) and/or banana slices.
  8. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.