Ingredients:

  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, cold
  • 1.5 cups ice-cold filtered water
  • 1 package (5 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 3 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla paste
  • 14.5 oz chessmen-style butter cookies (two 7.25 oz boxes)
  • 4 large ripe bananas, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
  • 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the cold sweetened condensed milk and ice water until fully incorporated. Sprinkle the instant vanilla pudding mix over the top and whisk vigorously for 2 minutes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 5 minutes to set.
  2. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla paste until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the set pudding mixture into the whipped cream using a silicone spatula until no yellow streaks remain, maintaining the airy volume.
  3. Toss the sliced strawberries with 1 tablespoon of sugar to draw out juices. In a large trifle bowl or 9x13 dish, begin layering by placing a single layer of butter cookies at the bottom, followed by a layer of banana slices and strawberry slices.
  4. Spread 1/2 of the pudding mixture over the fruit. Repeat the process with another layer of cookies, the remaining bananas, and the rest of the strawberries. Top with the remaining pudding. Save a few cookies to crush over the top right before serving for a bit of extra texture. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the cookies to soften into a cake-like texture.