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Prepare the Wafer Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers and melted butter. Press evenly into the bottom of a 9x9 inch (or similar size) clear square glass dish. Place in the refrigerator to chill while preparing other components.

Make the Strawberry Compote: In a small saucepan, combine sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until strawberries soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the simmering strawberries. Cook, stirring constantly, until the compote thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Prepare the Creamy Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup powdered sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cold milk and instant vanilla pudding mix for 2 minutes until thickened. Gently fold the prepared pudding into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. In another clean bowl, whip 1 cup of cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese-pudding mixture until light and airy.

Slice Bananas: Slice the bananas into 1/4-inch rounds.

Assemble the Dream: Retrieve the chilled wafer crust. Arrange a single layer of sliced bananas over the crust. Spread half of the creamy filling evenly over the bananas. Drizzle half of the cooled strawberry compote over the creamy filling. Repeat the layers: another layer of sliced bananas, the remaining creamy filling, and the remaining strawberry compote.

Chill: Cover the dish loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably 4 hours, to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.

Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, prepare the whipped cream topping. In a cold bowl, whip the remaining 1 cup cold heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Dollop or pipe the whipped cream over the top of the chilled dessert. Arrange whole vanilla wafers, fresh banana slices, and the whole fresh strawberry on top. Sprinkle with white sprinkles. Serve immediately.


Prepare the Wafer Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers and melted butter. Press evenly into the bottom of a 9x9 inch (or similar size) clear square glass dish. Place in the refrigerator to chill while preparing other components.

Make the Strawberry Compote: In a small saucepan, combine sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until strawberries soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the simmering strawberries. Cook, stirring constantly, until the compote thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Prepare the Creamy Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup powdered sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cold milk and instant vanilla pudding mix for 2 minutes until thickened. Gently fold the prepared pudding into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. In another clean bowl, whip 1 cup of cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese-pudding mixture until light and airy.

Slice Bananas: Slice the bananas into 1/4-inch rounds.

Assemble the Dream: Retrieve the chilled wafer crust. Arrange a single layer of sliced bananas over the crust. Spread half of the creamy filling evenly over the bananas. Drizzle half of the cooled strawberry compote over the creamy filling. Repeat the layers: another layer of sliced bananas, the remaining creamy filling, and the remaining strawberry compote.

Chill: Cover the dish loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably 4 hours, to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.

Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, prepare the whipped cream topping. In a cold bowl, whip the remaining 1 cup cold heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Dollop or pipe the whipped cream over the top of the chilled dessert. Arrange whole vanilla wafers, fresh banana slices, and the whole fresh strawberry on top. Sprinkle with white sprinkles. Serve immediately.
