Introduction
Pudding Cool Whip Frosting is a light, fluffy, and creamy frosting that’s incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients. It combines the silky texture of instant pudding with the airy smoothness of whipped topping, creating a deliciously stable frosting that holds up well on cakes, cupcakes, or layered desserts. No butter, no cooking—just whip, mix, and frost!
Ingredients
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant pudding mix (any flavor: vanilla, chocolate, cheesecake, etc.)
- 1 cup cold milk
- 1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed
- Optional: 1–2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for extra sweetness or thickness)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for enhanced flavor)
Instructions
- Mix pudding: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the instant pudding mix with cold milk for 1–2 minutes until it thickens.
- Let it set: Allow the pudding to sit for about 5 minutes to finish setting.
- Fold in Cool Whip: Gently fold the Cool Whip into the pudding until fully combined. Avoid over-mixing to maintain a light texture.
- Adjust sweetness (optional): If desired, add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and mix gently.
- Chill if needed: Refrigerate the frosting for 15–20 minutes before using for best consistency.
- Frost your dessert: Use immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or desserts. Store any extra in the fridge.
Description
This frosting is a game-changer for anyone who prefers light, mousse-like toppings over heavy buttercream. With endless flavor combinations depending on the pudding mix used, Pudding Cool Whip Frosting can be customized for chocolate lovers, fruit fans, or vanilla purists. It’s smooth, fluffy, and just sweet enough—not too rich, but totally satisfying.
Tips
- Use cold milk to ensure the pudding sets correctly.
- Avoid over-mixing the Cool Whip to keep the frosting light and airy.
- Chill before piping if you want firmer consistency for decorative swirls or rosettes.
- Double the recipe for layer cakes or big batches of cupcakes.
Variations
- Chocolate Lovers’ Frosting: Use chocolate pudding mix and top with chocolate shavings.
- Strawberry Dream: Use strawberry pudding and mix in a little strawberry puree.
- Cheesecake Frosting: Combine cheesecake pudding mix and add a bit of softened cream cheese before folding in Cool Whip.
- Lemon Light: Use lemon pudding and top with lemon zest for a citrusy kick.
- Cookies & Cream: Use vanilla pudding and fold in crushed Oreos before frosting.
Correction
If your frosting is too runny:
- Make sure you used instant pudding, not cook-and-serve.
- Chill the pudding long enough before adding Cool Whip.
- Add a bit of powdered sugar or more instant pudding mix to thicken it up if needed.
Enjoy!
Whether you’re frosting a birthday cake or just sneaking a spoonful from the bowl, this Pudding Cool Whip Frosting is creamy, dreamy, and ridiculously easy. It’s a no-fail favorite for beginners and bakers alike!