In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, and cornstarch over medium heat until the mixture thickens and bubbles gently. This should take about 10 minutes.

Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.

In a large bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.

Gently fold the whipped cream into your cooled pudding mixture until fully combined.

In a trifle dish or individual cups, layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and the creamy pudding mixture. Repeat these layers until you reach the top.

Cover your layered masterpiece with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).