Pudding Cool Whip Frosting is a light, creamy, and super-easy frosting made with just a few ingredients. It’s perfect for cakes, cupcakes, sheet cakes, and even layered desserts. This frosting is not overly sweet, holds its shape well, and takes only minutes to prepare — making it a favorite for quick desserts and potluck recipes.
⏱️ Prep Time
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Prep: 5 minutes
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Chill (optional): 15–30 minutes
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Total: 5–30 minutes
🧰 Equipment Needed
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Medium mixing bowl
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Whisk or electric mixer
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Spatula
🥄 Ingredients (Basic Version)
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1 (3.4 oz / 96g) box instant pudding mix (any flavor)
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1 cup cold milk
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1 (8 oz / 226g) container Cool Whip, thawed
📝 Ingredient Notes
✅ Use instant pudding, not cook-and-serve
✅ Make sure Cool Whip is fully thawed
✅ Use whole milk for thicker frosting
✅ Chill briefly if frosting seems soft
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1 — Mix Pudding
In a bowl, whisk together pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until thick.
Let it sit 3–5 minutes to firm up.
Step 2 — Fold in Cool Whip
Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip until smooth and fluffy.
Do not overmix.
Step 3 — Chill (Optional)
Refrigerate 15–30 minutes for a firmer texture before frosting cakes.
🍫 Flavor Variations
🍫 Chocolate Frosting
Use chocolate pudding mix.
🍓 Strawberry Frosting
Use strawberry pudding for fruity cupcakes.
🍋 Lemon Frosting
Perfect for summer cakes.
🍰 Cheesecake Style
Add 4 oz softened cream cheese for richer texture.
🧁 Best Uses
✔ Sheet cakes
✔ Cupcakes
✔ Poke cakes
✔ Layered desserts
✔ Fruit desserts
🥗 Nutrition (Approx per serving)
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Calories: 120
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Fat: 6g
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Carbs: 15g
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Sugar: 10g
⭐ Pro Tips
✔ Spread on completely cooled cake
✔ Store refrigerated
✔ Best used within 24–48 hours
✔ Not ideal for very hot weather (soft texture)