Mix vanilla pudding and cold milk in a bowl until smooth.

Gently fold in half of the Cool Whip into the pudding mixture.

Place a single layer of unsalted soda crackers on the bottom of an 8x8 inch pan.

Spread half of the pudding/Cool Whip mixture evenly over the crackers.

Place another single layer of soda crackers on top of the pudding mixture.

Spread the remaining pudding/Cool Whip mixture over the crackers.

Stir jam or jelly until smooth (microwave for 10 seconds if using jarred jam).

Spread the smoothed jam or jelly evenly over the pudding layer.

Spread the remaining Cool Whip evenly over the jam layer.

Cover the pan tightly and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the crackers to soften.