In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and the French vanilla pudding mix for about 2 minutes, or until smooth and slightly thickened. Set aside to let it continue to firm up while preparing the next steps.
2️⃣ Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In another large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and free of lumps.
Add the sweetened condensed milk and continue beating until fully blended and creamy. The mixture should be thick and velvety.
Fold the prepared pudding into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula until everything is evenly combined. The result should be a silky, luscious custard-like filling.
Gently fold in half of the whipped topping to make the texture light and airy. Reserve the remaining half for the top layer.
3️⃣ Assemble the Banana Pudding
In a large trifle dish, glass bowl, or 9×13-inch pan, start by spreading a thin layer of the pudding mixture on the bottom.
Add a layer of vanilla wafers evenly across the surface, followed by a layer of banana slices.
Spoon a generous layer of the pudding mixture over the bananas and spread it out evenly.
Repeat the layering process — wafers, bananas, pudding — until all the ingredients are used, ending with the pudding mixture as the final layer.
Top with the remaining whipped topping, spreading it smoothly over the surface.
Crush a few vanilla wafers and sprinkle them over the top for a decorative finish, or add fresh banana slices just before serving.
