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 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers