In a large bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk for 2 minutes until thick and smooth.
Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance flavor.
Gently fold in half of the whipped topping into the pudding to create a light and airy base.
Peel and slice ripe bananas into 1/4 inch rounds. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
In a trifle bowl, add a single layer of vanilla wafers as the base.
Spoon a layer of pudding mixture over the wafers and smooth it out evenly.
Layer banana slices evenly over the pudding.
Repeat layering process: wafers, pudding, bananas, until the bowl is full.
Top with remaining whipped topping and optional garnishes like wafer crumbs or banana slices.
Cover and chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight, before serving to allow flavors to meld and wafers to soften.
