Learn how to make this easy cool whip frosting recipe using my simple step-by-step instructions and pictures. It’s so easy—it takes under 10 minutes to whip this frosting together. It’s perfect for cupcakes, cakes, or layering with puddings and jello.
My Favorite Cool Whip Frosting Recipe
As you know, we have a large family, and it’s not unusual for some family members to drop in for a last-minute get-together. Of course, we always want dessert, so I cheat and make a boxed cake and then whip up this easy frosting in the flavor that will complement our cake.
I love lemon in my desserts and this cool whip frosting made with pudding is perfect on my Lemon Poke Cake. I add a little lemon zest and a few pieces of lemon for decoration. The poke cake is a light, slightly tart dessert that the whole family will love.
This frosting is also great as a sweet dip for fruit such as strawberries, bananas, or apple slices.
Frosting Ingredients You Will Need
Here is my favorite part: You only need 4 simple ingredients, all of which are easy to keep on hand. You can whip this up in no time.
- Whipped Topping: I use a regular tub of Cool Whip or store-brand whipped topping to find you in your grocery freezer section.
- Cream cheese: You will need 8 ounces of very soft cream cheese.
- Milk: You can use your favorite type of milk, but I would suggest not using skim for the basic recipe.
- Pudding: Here is where the magic happens. The flavor comes from the instant pudding.
📝 Note: You can find the full recipe with ingredients and measurements in the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
Tips For Successful Frosting
- When purchasing the pudding mix for the frosting, be sure you buy instant pudding. The cooked kind will not work, and the consistency will be all wrong.
- If you want a basic-tasting frosting, then use instant vanilla pudding mix. It goes with everything!
- After you put the frosting on your cake, be sure to keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve it.
- Always thaw your Cool Whip in the refrigerator overnight. It’s very difficult to soften Cool Whip in the microwave. Believe me, I tried when making this recipe for you. I got liquid and had to throw out the tub and start over.
- Be sure the cream cheese is very soft at room temperature.
- Only frost cakes or cupcakes that are cooled to room temperature or have been in the fridge.
How To Make Cool Whip Frosting
Prepare the Pudding Mixture
- Combine the instant pudding mix in a small mixing bowl with 1 cup of cold milk.
- Whisk the mixture until it thickens, then set it aside.
Prepare the Cream Cheese
- In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese.
- Using a hand mixer (or a stand mixer) on slow speed, whip the cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy.
Combine Pudding and Cream Cheese:
- Gradually add the thickened pudding mixture to the cream cheese, starting with about 2 heaping spoonfuls at a time.
- Mix until smooth before adding more pudding mixture. Continue adding the pudding gradually to avoid clumps, mixing until fully incorporated.
Fold in the Cool Whip
- Gently add half of the Cool Whip into the pudding and cream cheese mixture using a mixer on the lowest setting.
Beat Frosting To Make Fluffy
- Once incorporated, add the remaingn Cool Whip and mix on low until the frosting is light and fluffy. It’s ready to be spread on your cooled sheet cakes or cupcakes.
Recipe Tips Cool Whip Cream Cheese Frosting
Can I make this reduced calories?
If you have someone watching their sugar intake, good news! This frosting can be made lighter. To make a reduced-calorie version of this Cool Whip frosting, make the following substitutions.
- Whipped Topping: Use a light, no-calorie, or fat-free version of Cool Whip or store-brand whipped topping.
- Cream Cheese: Use reduced fat or a light version to reduce calories while maintaining the creamy texture.
- Milk: You can use unsweetened almond milk or any other low-calorie milk alternative.
- Pudding: Choose a sugar-free instant pudding mix, available in various flavors. These options significantly reduce the sugar and overall calorie content of the frosting, which means you can go back for seconds!
How long can the frosting sit out?
This Cool Whip frosting should not be left on a cake for more than 2 hours, as it contains dairy products that can spoil if left at room temperature for an extended period. If not consumed within that time frame, it’s best to refrigerate the cake.
How Long Does This Frosting Last On A Cake or Cupcake?
If stored in the refrigerator, this Cool Whip frosting can last on a cake or cupcake for up to 3-4 days. However, for the best flavor and texture, it is best to consume it within 2-3 days.
Flavor Ideas For Cool Whip Frostings
Here are some yummy ideas for pudding combinations that taste great together and make your cake or cupcakes look pretty.
- Vanilla pudding with a sprinkle of my homemade Vanilla Sugar.
- Chocolate pudding and shaved chocolate or chocolate curls
- Pistachio pudding and chopped pistachios
- Lemon pudding with fresh lemon zest
- Butterscotch pudding and caramel drizzle and a pinch of sea salt
- Banana pudding with sliced bananas and a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers
- Coconut cream pudding and toasted coconut flakes
- Strawberry Pudding and fresh strawberry slices
- Cheesecake pudding with graham cracker crumbs and a few fresh berries
- Oreo pudding with crushed Oreo cookies
- Caramel pudding and crushed toffee bits or caramel drizzle
Leftover Frosting
Refrigerator: If you have leftover frosting, store it in airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within 2-3 days.
Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze Cool Whip frosting as it can alter the texture and consistency. Freezing may cause it to become watery or lose its light, fluffy texture when thawed.
I Want To Answer Your Questions & Hear Your Comments
Do you have a question about this recipe❓ I will answer in the comment form below👇🏼 the recipe card. Did you make this recipe? If so, could you be a gem and leave a comment and rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ below? This helps others find yummy 😋 recipes to make for their family and friends.
Creamy Cool Whip Frosting (Any Flavor You Like)
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cold milk, whole milk or 2% low-fat milk
- 1 3.4 oz box instant pudding mix , flavor of your choice
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed in the refrigerator over night
Instructions
Prepare The Pudding Mixture
- Combine the instant pudding mix in a small mixing bowl with 1 cup of cold milk.1 cup cold milk, 1 3.4 oz box instant pudding mix
- Whisk the mixture until it thickens, then set it aside.
Prepare Cream Cheese
- In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese.8 oz cream cheese
- Using a hand mixer (or a stand mixer) on slow speed, whip the cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy.
Combine Ingredients
- Gradually add the thickened pudding mixture to the cream cheese, starting with about 2 heaping spoonfuls at a time.
- Mix on low until smooth. Then repeat, adding more pudding mixture. Continue adding the pudding gradually to avoid clumps, mixing on low until fully incorporated.
Fold In Cool Whip
- Gently add half of the Cool Whip in to the pudding and cream cheese mixture using a mixer on the lowest setting.
- Once incorporated, add the remaingn Cool Whip and mix on low until the frosting is light and fluffy. It's ready to be spread on your cooled sheet cakes or cupcakes.
Notes
- Vanilla pudding with a sprinkle of my homemade Vanilla Sugar.
- Chocolate pudding and shaved chocolate or chocolate curls
- Pistachio pudding and chopped pistachios
- Lemon pudding with fresh lemon zest
- Butterscotch pudding and caramel drizzle and a pinch of sea salt
- Banana pudding with sliced bananas and a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers
- Coconut cream pudding and toasted coconut flakes
- Strawberry Pudding and fresh strawberry slices
- Cheesecake pudding with graham cracker crumbs and a few fresh berries
- Oreo pudding with crushed Oreo cookies
- Caramel pudding and crushed toffee bits or caramel drizzle