Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by making the crust. Take one box of vanilla wafers and place them in a food processor or blender. Pulse until they turn into fine crumbs—this is the base of your lasagna. If you don’t have a food processor, you can place the wafers in a large resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Once crushed, transfer the crumbs to a bowl and mix in the melted butter. Use a fork to combine everything thoroughly. It’s important that the crumbs are evenly coated with butter, as this will help them stick together once pressed into the baking dish. Now, press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust. Use the back of a spoon or a measuring cup to press the crumbs down firmly so that the crust holds together. Once that’s done, set it aside while you prepare the next layer. It’s essential to make sure the crust is compacted well, as it forms the base of your lasagna, giving it structure and flavor.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer
For the cheesecake layer, beat together the softened cream cheese and sugar in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This will take about 2 minutes. If you don’t have a mixer, you can use a whisk, but it will take more effort to get it nice and smooth. Next, add the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract. Continue to beat the mixture until stiff peaks form. You’ll know the mixture is ready when it holds its shape and doesn’t collapse. This step is crucial for getting that perfect creamy, cheesecake-like texture. If you overbeat the cream, however, it could start turning into butter, so be mindful and stop as soon as it forms stiff peaks. In a separate bowl, prepare the banana pudding mix by whisking together the pudding mix and milk until it thickens. Once it has thickened, add the pudding mixture to the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together until fully combined. This will create the creamy, rich filling for your lasagna. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the texture light and airy.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Now, it’s time to assemble the banana pudding lasagna. Start by spreading half of the cheesecake mixture over the crust you prepared earlier. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface. Make sure it reaches all the edges to ensure every bite will have that creamy goodness. Next, add a layer of sliced bananas on top of the cheesecake mixture. You’ll want to arrange the banana slices in an even layer to ensure every bite has a piece of banana. The bananas are an essential part of this dessert, adding sweetness and freshness to balance out the rich creaminess of the cheesecake layer. After that, place a layer of whole vanilla wafers over the bananas. Gently press the wafers into the mixture, ensuring they stick slightly to the creamy layers. The wafers will soften as the dessert chills, providing the perfect texture contrast to the cream and bananas. Don’t worry if the wafers overlap or break a little—they’ll still work perfectly in the layers. Spread the remaining cheesecake mixture over the wafers, smoothing it out with your spatula. Then, add another layer of sliced bananas on top of the cheesecake layer. This repetition of banana layers gives the dessert its signature banana pudding flavor and makes it extra indulgent.

Step 4: Add the Final Touches
For the final layer, crush the remaining vanilla wafers into smaller chunks and sprinkle them over the top of the banana layer. This adds a nice texture contrast and enhances the overall flavor. If you like a bit of extra crunch, you can add more crushed wafers than suggested—feel free to customize it based on your preferences.

Step 5: Refrigerate
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling time allows the dessert to set properly and ensures the flavors meld together. If you have time, letting it chill overnight will give the dessert even more time to develop its flavor. The longer it sits, the more the layers will come together, and the more the wafers will absorb the creamy layers, making it even more delicious. Once the time is up, it’s time to serve and enjoy! The dessert will be firm and sliceable, making it perfect for cutting into squares or serving in individual portions.