01 - 
                In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy.
              
              
              
                02 - 
                Incorporate sweetened condensed milk, instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and vanilla extract into the cream cheese. Blend until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
              
              
              
                03 - 
                Gently fold in half of the whipped topping until evenly incorporated.
              
              
              
                04 - 
                Arrange a single layer of vanilla wafer cookies along the bottom of a 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Distribute half of the sliced bananas evenly over the cookies.
              
              
              
                05 - 
                Spoon half of the prepared pudding mixture evenly over the bananas. Add another layer of vanilla wafer cookies and remaining banana slices.
              
              
              
                06 - 
                Spread the remaining pudding mixture as the final layer, ensuring coverage of all bananas.
              
              
              
                07 - 
                Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
              
              
              
                08 - 
                Before serving, garnish with additional vanilla wafer cookies and banana slices if desired.