Step 1: Make the Pudding Mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, start by combining the sweetened condensed milk, ice-cold water, and instant vanilla pudding mix. Whisk these ingredients together until fully combined and smooth. If you prefer, you can use a hand mixer for this step. The goal is to get the mixture to be thick and creamy, which should take about 2 minutes.

Once the pudding is mixed and smooth, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge. Allow it to chill for at least 3-4 hours, or preferably overnight. This resting time will help the pudding set and thicken to the perfect consistency.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

While the pudding is chilling, it’s time to whip the cream. In a large mixing bowl, pour the heavy whipping cream. Using either a stand mixer or a hand mixer, beat the whipping cream on high speed until stiff peaks form. This will take about 3-5 minutes, depending on the speed of your mixer.

Tip: Be careful not to overwhip the cream. If you do, the cream can turn into butter, so stop beating as soon as the cream holds its shape when you lift the beaters.

Step 3: Combine the Pudding and Whipped Cream

Once the pudding has chilled and set, it’s time to combine the whipped cream with the pudding mixture. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding using a rubber spatula. You want to fold the two together carefully, as this will help keep the light and airy texture of the whipped cream intact.

Be sure to mix until everything is combined, but don’t overmix. The goal is to have a fluffy, creamy pudding mixture that’s not too dense.

Step 4: Assemble the Banana Pudding

Now comes the fun part—assembling the banana pudding! Start by placing a layer of Nilla Wafers in the bottom of a large, wide-bottomed bowl. Arrange them evenly to cover the base.

Next, add a layer of sliced bananas on top of the wafers. Be generous with the bananas, as they are the star of this dessert. Once the bananas are in place, spoon a generous amount of the pudding mixture on top, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Repeat this layering process two more times, making sure to end with a layer of pudding on top. Garnish the top with some crushed Nilla Wafers for that classic touch.

Step 5: Chill the Pudding

Once your pudding is layered, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 4 hours, though you can chill it for up to 8 hours for the best results. The longer it sits, the better the flavors will meld together, and the texture will improve.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the banana pudding is chilled and ready to go, it’s time to serve! Spoon generous portions into bowls and enjoy the creamy, banana-filled goodness. If you like, you can top the pudding with a bit more whipped cream or extra crushed Nilla Wafers.