Heat 4 cups of the milk in a large saucepan over medium heat until steaming.
Whisk the sugar, cornstarch and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl.
Whisk in the egg yolks and the remaining 1/2 cup milk.
Whisk half of the hot milk into the egg mixture until smooth, then gradually whisk the egg-milk mixture into the pan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture boils. Continue to whisk until it has thickened to a puddinglike consistency, 3 to 4 minutes.
Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Cool slightly, stirring a few times to prevent a skin from forming.
Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of the pudding and refrigerate until completely cooled and thickened, about 4 hours.
One hour before serving, whisk the pudding vigorously until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 3/4 of the sliced bananas. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. Fold in the vanilla wafers, spoon the pudding into six to eight individual cups and top with the remaining banana slices.
