What's the secret ingredient in these cakes? Pudding mix. It not only adds flavor but it gives the cake a richer, creamier texture. No one will know your secret ingredient!
Cool Whip Frosting
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- #33281
Cool Whip isn't the only secret ingredient in this frosting recipe. It also calls for vanilla pudding mix. Doesn't get easier than this, folks!
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
37 reviews
10 comments
ingredients
1 package (4-serving size) instant vanilla pudding mix
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 cup cold milk
1 package (8 ounce size) Cool Whip frozen whipped topping, thawed
directions
Combine the dry pudding mix, powdered sugar, and milk in a mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer for 1 minute or until well blended.
Fold in the Cool Whip. Spread immediately on cooled cake.
Refrigerate any leftover Cool Whip frosting and any cake frosted with the frosting or the frosting may weep.
cook's notes
You can use other flavors of pudding mix or tint the frosting with a few drops of food coloring.
recipe tips
For a lighter frosting, use skim milk and a light or fat-free Cool Whip (the texture may be thinner, however).
Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a stronger vanilla flavor.
For a chocolate version, use chocolate pudding mix.
To make the frosting more stable, mix in a tablespoon of clear gelatin powder dissolved in water.
Try adding citrus zest, almond extract, or liqueurs for different flavors.
If coloring the frosting, use gel food coloring for more vibrant colors without thinning the frosting.
For a richer taste, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.
Chill the bowl and beaters before mixing for a fluffier texture.
Gently fold in the Cool Whip to keep the frosting light and airy.
If using for cupcakes, a pastry bag with a star tip can create a simple yet elegant design.
common recipe questions
Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?
Yes, feel free to use any flavor of instant pudding mix to change the frosting flavor.
What can I do if the frosting is too thick?
You can add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Can this frosting be used for piping decorations?
It's a bit soft for piping but works well for basic spreading.
How long will this frosting last in the refrigerator?
It can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
Can I freeze the Cool Whip frosting?
Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture and consistency upon thawing.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to Cool Whip?
Yes, there are dairy-free whipped toppings available that can be used as a substitute.
Can I make this frosting without an electric mixer?
Yes, you can whisk it by hand, but it may take longer to get the right consistency.
How can I make the frosting sweeter?
You can add more powdered sugar, but do so gradually and taste as you go.
Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar?
Powdered sugar is recommended for its fine texture, which blends smoothly without grittiness.
Is it necessary to refrigerate cakes frosted with this frosting?
Yes, to maintain the frosting's texture and prevent it from weeping, refrigeration is necessary.
nutrition data
28 calories, 1 grams fat, 3 grams carbohydrates, 0 grams protein per tablespoon. This recipe is low in sodium.
Keeping a can of frozen orange juice concentrate in the freezer means you can make more than just orange juice. Try it in a variety of orange-flavored recipes.
Ranking #1 in nearly every "favorite cookie" poll, the chocolate chip cookie is pretty much the go-to cookie of choice for both kids and grownups alike.
reviews & comments
January 14, 2023
turned out delicious but to runny to spread onto a cake. More like a pudding consistency. i tried adding some powder sugar but it still didn't thicken.
Are you supposed to cook the pudding, 1 cup milk, and 1/4 cup sugar on medium heat (as on the pudding box) before folding in the Cool Whip? Without thickening the pudding first, when you add the Cool Whip, everything liquefies. Even whipping the mix on high won't bring the mixture back to a light, fluffy texture. It remains liquid!
No, it calls for instant pudding mix, not the cooked kind
I doubled this and the frosting is like water. .what the heck
Not all recipes can simply be doubled. Try making two separate batches if you need a larger quantity.
March 9, 2019
This recipe has been in our family for years,it was always our favorite. If you want coconut frosting just get the coconut pudding and toss in a little coconut and it`s yummy.
August 23, 2017
Love this super easy frosting! I've made it with different flavors of the pudding. Nice, light flavor that everyone loves. Not overly sweet.
September 16, 2016
My family absolutely loved this frosting! It was a big hit! I added a little extra powdered sugar and it turned out great!
July 18, 2016
Super easy recipe! I've made it twice now. Once with vanilla as directed and once with butterscotch. Delish!
April 12, 2014
If you mix it too much it loses consistency what can I do?
January 11, 2014
Try it with banana cream pudding on a strawberry cake!
January 10, 2014
Just used the real cool whip frosting and am anxious to try this but still need to know what size instant pudding to use. Small box or big box. Please
December 17, 2013
I love how easy this was to make. I used vanilla pudding mix but I think it will be fun to experiment with other flavors too. I think this would make a good filling in between cake layers.
October 9, 2013
I always make this with chocolate pudding mix and it is always delicious.
July 5, 2013
Recipe doesn't say this but you need to refrigerate any cake you put this on or it will wilt. Really good flavor and easy to spread. I used chocolate frosting instead of vanilla.
July 3, 2013
This is the easiest frosting recipe! You can't go wrong with it. I've made it with vanilla or chocolate pudding mix. Always good.
Do I prepare the pudding mix or just add the powder?
Add the mix dry (unprepared)
May 21, 2012
I made this frosting for my daughter's 3rd birthday cupcakes. I substituted vanilla pudding mix for Cheesecake pudding mix and it was a HUGE hit! The leftover was used for fruit dip. Many people have asked me for the recipe since the party. I'll definitely be making this again!
March 7, 2012
Love this frosting! How can I make it a thicker consistancy without it getting too sweet?
I used the smaller size box of pudding but when i went to the store I realized it comes in 2 sizes what size box of pudding should be used in this recipe? It was yummy with the 4 serving box but I am wondering if I used the right size thank you
February 14, 2012
Love this frosting I used it on cupcakes I used a apple corer to take out the center of each cupcake filled the cupcake with this frosting then frosted the top of them with it as well then I put sprinkles on .... they looked so fun and everyone at work loved!!!! them I had a coworker ask me if I would make them again for her birthday :) yummy and sooooo easy
February 11, 2012
So I made this for my boyfriends valentine cake, whipped cream frosting is his favorite. It was super easy to make and instead of milk I used the the juice from a 10oz jar of maraschino cherries and it came out amazing! The only thing I would change is maybe put less sugar it was a bit sweet for my taste otherwise a keeper :)
January 27, 2012
I dont know if I did something wrong but I followed the recipe, except used 1/2 cup milk, I thought to make it thicker and my frosting is "soupy" I think if I spread on a cake now, it would run right off, what should I do? PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!
January 23, 2012
I love that this gave me inspiration to make lightweight frosting. However, I learned that the recipe calls for over 3 oz. of instant pudding and it only needs 1small package (1oz) of pudding.
The small box of regular instant pudding *IS* 3.5 ounces. Sugar free instant pudding (the small size) is 1.5 ounces. This recipe does not say to use sugar free, but of course, you can. You just need to make that substitution yourself.
September 16, 2011
Love this recipe. My other half wanted something else than the usual butter cream frosting. I used 1/2 cup milk and 1/3 cup powdered sugar made for a stiffer but super fluffy frosting. Thank you so much!!!! One quick question can I use chocolate cool whip and chocolate pudding or would that be too much chocolate flavor? Thanks again! :) :)
May 26, 2011
This is really lite. I didn't have a problem with this frosting being thick. Maybe because (not sure) I made my own whip cream and I made it very thick. You just need heavy whipping cream (1 cup),powder sugar(4 tbl),and vanilla extract which is optional (1 tsp) and mix with a mixer until it thickens up to your liking. I like making my own whip cream and personally thinks it taste better. Also I double the whip cream so it was 16 oz to the vanilla pudding mix and it tasted just fine. My kids loved it and it was easy to make with the kids.
May 10, 2011
This worked awesome for my sons birthday. I didn't want something as sweet as icing, and this was super yummy. I had to add food coloring to it to make it blue, and yellow. Also I am glad I read the other comments of letting it sit in a fridge over night because I had to swirl it on top of cupcakes
February 23, 2011
I needed a lighter tasting - not so sweet icing for an office birthday party for my boss - found this and tried it. It was great. I'm glad I read the reviews before I made it - I cut the milk in half so that I could use some of the icing to pipe around the edges. Using vanilla pudding makes the icing yellow - which turned out to be OK for my use this time. I made 2 sheet cakes and stacked them on top of each other - so I would suggest using 3 batches of icing the next time - and for anyone else that wants to make this. I'll let you know how everyone liked it later.
I have been baking and decorating cakes for years. My family loves my frosting, but they would like me to learn how to make this frosting. My question is; when you mix this with less milk (1/4, 1/3 cup) does this allow for you to color with food coloring? And then allow you to be able to decorate with tips?
This basically a thickened Cool Whip so it can be piped but not really used a decorator's icing.
August 30, 2010
The mixture was both sweet but not too sweet and fluffy! I like the light and fluffiness. And for those who love the taste of cool whip-This is the recipe for you :) Thanks for posting!
August 15, 2010
This is by far the best ever frosting. Since I made it I can no longer go back to traditional frosting's. I usually make the chocolate cake on the back of the Hersey coco box and then top it with this. You will love it! Very light and creamy without that heavy sugary flavor. A must try.
July 20, 2010
This frosting is amazing. Sweet but light, easy but versatile-- very tasty! I tried it using the juice from a can of maraschino cherries in place of milk and it turned out great. Then I tried it adding chopped up maraschino cherries (I made two cakes) and it was amazing, too. I'll be keeping this recipe.
April 3, 2010
Very easy and it tastes great! Definitely cut the milk to no more than 3/4 cup (I only used 1\2 actually) and keep adding powdered sugar bit by bit if you want to decorate. Thanks for sharing!
I've decorated cakes for years and thought I would try something lighter, easier and delicious. This frosting fit however it was not appropiate for decorating. It is not for using your bag and tips and I had a hard time trying to get it to stay on the sides. Maybe I'll try adding more powder sugar the next time or find a way to incorporate a stiffer frosting with it.
January 2, 2010
everyone loved it. So easy and very light!
November 14, 2009
I'm making a cake for my sisters baby shower (and what the pregnant girl wants, the pregnant girl gets!) And she wanted the cool whip type frosting. Well, I have a tendency to not totally read directions (and I'm making a double batch) and I accidently used regular sugar instead of powdered sugar!! It wasn't stiff enough for me, so I kept adding powdered sugar until I was happy, and set it in the fridge until the cake was cooled and ready to go. Everything turned out GREAT!! And I made a pregnant lady very happy (even with my oopsie!) It's a great frosting!! I'll be using it much more often!!
July 17, 2009
I found that if you make it the night before and stick it in the fridge over night it's thicker. Also I used 1/3 cup of powdered sugar instead of 1/4 and it was really tasty. A huge hit!
I used cheesecake pudding on a white cake with strawberry jello and it was a HUGE hit with kids as well as adults. After cake is done, follow directions on jello, take a fork and poke holes in cake and pour jello juice onto cake and refrigerate cake for two hours then frost. I promise it will be the best cake your guests have ever eaten!!!
does the cake have to be refrigerated? can I use an edible cake transfer on it for my kids' birthday cake?
Recipe ID 33281, Cool Whip Frosting. Does a cake with this frosting have to be refrigerated? Also on 2008-11-20 By: Guest mimicookie: question how much milk did she use, she said she cut the 1 cup of mild down.
December 22, 2008
Very easy to make and great for people that don't like the traditional very sugary frostings. I think it could maybe use a little tweaking, but a great start.
November 20, 2008
I have been decorating for 22 years so my family is tired of the traditional buttercream icing. I used this recipe on my grandson's cake. Everyone was very impressed with this frosting. It tasted great, was not heavy and rich like buttercream. I cut down on the milk to give the frosting more body for decorating. It worked great! I would highly recommend this recipe.
August 25, 2008
I used this to make a doll cake for my grandaughter, first one. This frosting made a BIG hit. I even put food coloring in to make it green as grandaughter wanted. And I don't cook!!
The recipe does not say what size of packaged pudding to use: small or regular.
Actually, the size choices would be regular or large. If a recipe doesn't specify the exact size of a product, think about what the most common size is and that is usually your best guess. What is the most common size? Just look at the grocery store and see what there is the most of on the shelf. For this recipe, it'd be the smaller of the two sizes available. This trick isn't always 100% foolproof of course.
June 8, 2008
easy and quick to make but a lil more stiffness in the recipe would help to make detailed patterns on the cake !
April 13, 2008
The recipe worked out wonderfully! My family aren't "frosting" fans and this was light, sweet and just perfect. I didn't add the vanilla though and thought that it was just fine without it. Maybe next time I will try whipping my own cream and adding a little powdered sugar because "Cool Whip" does have a distinct taste that one of my kids was not too fond of. However, I just love this recipe and can't wait to experiment with other flavors especially chocolate or cheesecake. Thank you!
March 3, 2008
I used this frosting to decorate my son's birthday cake. It is very tasty, and easy to spread. It's a keeper! Thank you!
August 8, 2007
Great frosting. I used White Chocolate pudding in the mix for a layered chocolate/peanut butter filled cake. Perfect with chunks of peanut butter cups.
April 3, 2006
Very easy and very yummy.