Magnolia Bakery's Famous Banana Pudding

Ingredients

• 1 (14oz) can sweetened condensed milk cups (360g/12.7oz)
• 1½ cups (360g/12.7oz) ice-cold water
• 1 (3.4oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix (preferably Jell-O brand)
• 3 cups (720g/25.5oz) heavy cream
• 1 (11oz) box Nilla wafers
• 4 to 5 ripe bananas, sliced

Directions

1. Using a hand mixer, beat the condensed milk and water on medium speed until well combined, about 1 minute. Add the pudding mix and beat until there are no lumps and the mixture is smooth, about 2 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl, cover, and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour or overnight.
2. Using a hand mixer, whip the heavy cream on medium speed for about 1 minute, until the cream starts to thicken, then increase the speed to medium-high and whip until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
3. Mixing on low, add the pudding mixture a spoonful at a time. Mix until well blended and no streaks of pudding remain.
4. To assemble, select a trifle bowl or a wide glass bowl with a 4- to 5-quart capacity, or individual serving bowls.
5. Saving 4 to 5 cookies for the garnish on top, begin assembly. Spread one-quarter of the pudding over the bottom and layer with one-third of the cookies and one-third of the sliced bananas (enough to cover the layer). Repeat the layering twice more. End with a final layer of pudding. Garnish the top with additional cookies or cookie crumbs.
6. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours. Cookies should be tender when poked with a knife. This dessert is best served within 12 hours of assembling.

Makes: 4 to 5 quarts; serves up to 16