Cool Whip Frosting
Cool Whip Frosting is a quick, light and fluffy topping made with whipped topping and instant pudding mix. It’s perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and easy desserts!
A 5-Ingredient Frosting Recipe
This Cool Whip Frosting is a quick and easy option when you want a soft, spreadable topping that comes together in just minutes. I mean, a 5 minute frosting recipe?! Yes please! It works well for cakes, cupcakes, and layered desserts and is a great alternative when a recipe calls for Cool Whip as a topping. I also use something similar for my Graham Cracker Goodies. This will definitely become one of your go-to recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions:
This is not a super thick frosting. It is meant to be a lighter, softer frosting for cakes, etc. If you have a recipe that calls for a cool whip topping, this can be made and used instead because it is still light but has that added flair from the pudding mix.
Definitely! It is great with chocolate, strawberry, lemon or banana instant pudding. Such a versatile recipe.
Yes. It is recommended to keep this frosting refrigerated.
No, I don’t think it’s too sweet. But if you’re sensitive to sweetness or want to dial it down some, you can add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness if desired.
If the frosting is too thick, add a Tablespoon of cold milk at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
This frosting works best as a soft topping or filling rather than a firm layer cake frosting. It spreads easily but is not meant for heavy stacking or piping detailed decorations.
Yes. You can prepare it up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to use. Stir gently before spreading.
Store leftover Cool Whip Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before using again if it has thickened slightly during storage. Use on completely cooled cakes or cupcakes for best results.
Ingredients Needed: (See Recipe Card Below For The Full Recipe)
- instant vanilla pudding mix– I can’t stress enough how important it is to grab a box of instant pudding mix. If you accidentally grab a box of Cook and Serve Pudding Mix, this WILL NOT WORK! I don’t know why they have to look so similar or be right next to each other on the shelf, but, they are. So, double check your boxes before making this simple frosting.
- cold whole milk– cold milk makes all the difference. I do recommend sticking to whole milk if you have it. I have not tested this recipe with a dairy free milk alternative.
- vanilla extract– If you want it to look a little whiter, I would suggest a clear vanilla extract.
- powdered sugar
- whipped topping– you don’t have to use the Cool Whip name brand whipped topping. The off brand or store brand all work just fine with this recipe.
How To Make Cool Whip Frosting
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, cold whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
Sift in the powdered sugar and whisk until fully combined.
Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping using a spatula. Mix until the frosting is smooth and fluffy, being careful not to overmix.
Use immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or other desserts, or refrigerate until ready to use. Enjoy!
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Cool Whip Frosting
Ingredients
- 3.4 ounce instant vanilla pudding mix (don't grab cook and serve pudding)
- 1 cup cold whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (can use clear for a lighter appearance)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 8 ounce tub whipped topping, thawed
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 3.4 ounce instant vanilla pudding mix, 1 cup cold whole milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
- Sift in the ¾ cup powdered sugar and whisk until fully combined.
- Gently fold in the thawed 8 ounce tub whipped topping, thawed using a spatula. Mix until the frosting is smooth and fluffy, being careful not to overmix.
- Use immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or other desserts, or refrigerate until ready to use. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
- There are two types of boxed puddings you can buy: instant and cook and serve. They can look very similar in the boxes. If you accidentally buy cook and serve, this will not work. That one requires heat and cooking on the stove. You must buy the INSTANT pudding for this to set up and work.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
This is an excellent option to traditional frosting/love the lightness of this frosting/ I just fill a piping bag and set in fridge til ready to serve
My wife and I loved it. It had the perfect texture and the right amount of sweetness. I used it with your strawberry cake recipe
Thanks so much for giving it a try Bob! So happy you and your wife enjoyed this one! I am not sure which strawberry cake of mine you made since I have a couple but I think this works great with any of them. Thank you for coming back to comment!
Can you leave the powdered sugar out?
Same question I have because it seems like it would make it too sweet.
I’m sure you could but it does act as a thickener. Powdered sugar has cornstarch in it. We do not find it overly sweet at all but sweetness (like spiciness) is subjective 🙂
Looks delicious, Brandie! Do you think this recipe could be made with the sugar free version of Cool Whip, sugar free pudding mix, and maybe a powdered sweetener (think: Splenda packets, for instance)? I’m always on the lookout for sweet alternatives so my diabetic husband can enjoy dessert, too. :>)
I don’t see why not but I haven’t personally tested it. If you give it a try, I’d love to know how it turns out for you!