Banana Pudding Layer Cake

recipe Old Fashioned Butter Cake OR

[16.25] oz box yellow or golden butter cake mix, plus ingredients to prepare

For the filling: [If making a 2 layer cake, halve]

[2.6 oz] box dry whipped topping mix [i.e.Dream Whip]

cold half & half, divided

[3.4 oz] box vanilla instant pudding mix

pure vanilla extract

whipped cream cheese

large bananas, diced

Frosting: 1 [16] oz frozen whipped topping, thawed

Garnish: whole Vanilla wafers plus ½ cup crushed vanilla wafers