Whisk together the pudding mix and milk in a medium mixing bowl for 2 minutes. Place in the fridge for 10 minutes.
Fold in β of the cool whip to the pudding.
Add a layer of nilla wafers to the bottom of a trifle bowl. Add ΒΌ of the pudding mixture on top of the wafers, then top that with banana slices. Repeat these layers until you fill the trifle bowl.
Spread the remaining cool whip on top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Before serving, add crushed nilla wafers and banana slices to the top.
9x13 Dish Method
Whisk together the pudding mix and milk in a medium mixing bowl for 2 minutes. Place in the fridge for 10 minutes.
Fold in β of the cool whip to the pudding.
In a 9x13-inch dish, arrange a single layer of nilla wafers to cover the bottom. Pour half of the prepared pudding over the wafers and spread evenly. Arrange a single layer of sliced bananas on top of the pudding.
Add another single layer of nilla wafers over the bananas. Pour the remaining pudding over the second layer of wafers and spread evenly. Arrange the remaining sliced bananas on top of the pudding.
Spread the remaining cool whip evenly over the entire dish, ensuring all layers are covered. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Before serving, add crushed nilla wafers and banana slices to the top.
Notes
Layering options include trifle bowl or 9x13-inch dish.