Creating No-Bake Southern Banana Pudding is a delightful experience when you follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare the Pudding: In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk. Whisk for about 2 minutes until thickened.
2. Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Stir in the sweetened condensed milk until fully blended. Set aside.
3. Whip the Cream: In another bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gradually fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture. Be gentle to maintain the airiness.
4. Slice the Bananas: Peel and slice the bananas into ¼-inch rounds.
5. Layer the Ingredients: In a trifle dish or a large serving bowl, start layering. Begin with a layer of vanilla wafers, followed by a layer of sliced bananas, and then a layer of the pudding mixture. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with pudding on top.
6. Chill the Pudding: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften.
7. Add a Touch of Decoration: Just before serving, you can add additional banana slices or crushed vanilla wafers on top as a garnish.

These steps will lead you to create an incredible No-Bake Southern Banana Pudding that’s sure to impress!