In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and cold water until smooth. Then, add the instant vanilla pudding mix, ensuring no lumps remain. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken.
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. If you’re using vanilla paste or extract, add it in during this step. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture, being careful not to deflate the cream.
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, start by placing a layer of vanilla wafer cookies at the bottom. Next, add a layer of sliced bananas, followed by a generous layer of the pudding mixture. Repeat these layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften beautifully.
When ready to serve, you can garnish the top with additional whipped cream, banana slices, or even a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers for an extra touch. Dive into this delightful dessert and enjoy every creamy bite!
