Beat egg yolks in a bowl. Reserve eggs whites.

Heat milk, egg yolks, 1/4 cup sugar, gelatin, instant coffee, and salt over medium heat, stirring constantly, until gelatin dissolves, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Chill until gelatin mixture is thickened to the consistency of unbeaten egg whites, about 1 hour.

Beat egg whites in a glass or metal bowl until foamy. Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar, continuing to beat until soft peaks form. Lift your beater or whisk straight up: the egg whites will form soft mounds. Fold gelatin mixture into egg whites.

Beat heavy cream in another until stiff peaks form. Fold egg white-gelatin mixture into whipped cream until evenly blended.

Line a loaf pan with waxed paper.

Spread about 1/4 the cream mixture into prepared loaf pan. Layer about 7 wafers over cream mixture. Repeat layers, ending with the cream mixture. Cover and refrigerate until set, about 3 hours.