Banana Pudding Lasagna A Southern Belles Dream Dessert

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vanilla Wafer Base: Pulse vanilla wafers in a food processor until finely crushed. Combine with melted butter. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish. Chill while preparing the filling.
2. Make the Banana Pudding Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together instant pudding mix and milk. Let it stand for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
4. Gently fold the pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and completely incorporated.
5. Assemble the Lasagna: Spread half of the banana pudding filling evenly over the vanilla wafer crust.
6. Toss banana slices with lemon juice. Arrange half of the sliced bananas over the pudding layer.
7. Repeat layers: remaining banana pudding filling, remaining banana slices.
8. Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping: In a clean bowl, beat heavy cream with sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
9. Spread whipped cream evenly over the top banana layer.
10. Garnish & Chill: Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers (optional) over the whipped cream. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set.