Description
Warning: This stuff is dangerously good! Light, creamy, and just sweet enough—this frosting is your new dessert bestie. Great on cakes, cupcakes, cookies… or straight from the bowl. No shame here.
Ingredients:
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cold milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed
Preparation:
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix, powdered sugar, cold milk, and vanilla extract.
- Step 2: Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken. This should only take a minute or two.
- Step 3: Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep it light and fluffy. Continue folding until everything is just combined.
- Step 4: Use immediately to frost your favorite treats, or chill for later.
- Step 5: Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This frosting is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. It’s lighter than traditional buttercream, making it a perfect complement to richer desserts. The vanilla flavor is classic and pairs well with almost anything, but the pudding mix base also allows for endless flavor variations. Plus, the no-cook aspect is a huge win, especially when you need a quick frosting solution.
Serving Suggestions:
- Use to frost cupcakes, cakes, or cookies.
- Serve as a dip for fruit or graham crackers.
- Swirl into parfaits or trifles.
- Enjoy straight from the bowl (we won’t judge!).
Tips:
- For best results, make sure your Cool Whip is fully thawed.
- Don’t overmix after adding the Cool Whip, or the frosting may deflate.
- Experiment with different flavors of instant pudding mix to create unique frosting variations (chocolate, cheesecake, banana cream, etc.).
- If the frosting is too thin, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
- If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it thins out.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition Information: (Estimates will vary based on specific ingredients used)
- Calories: Approximately 150 per serving (serving size depends on application)
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: Varies depending on the pudding mix
Conclusion
Whipped Pudding Frosting is a game-changer for any baker. Its simplicity, versatility, and delightful taste make it a go-to recipe for all your frosting needs. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice in the kitchen, this frosting is guaranteed to impress.
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use regular whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
A: While you can try, Cool Whip holds its shape much better than regular whipped cream due to the stabilizers it contains. Regular whipped cream may result in a less stable and potentially runny frosting.
Q2: How long will this frosting last in the refrigerator?
A: The frosting should last for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, its texture may change slightly over time.
Q3: Can I freeze this frosting?
A: Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture and consistency of the Cool Whip, resulting in a less desirable frosting upon thawing.
Q4: I don’t have instant vanilla pudding mix. Can I use cook-and-serve pudding mix?
A: No, cook-and-serve pudding mix will not work in this recipe as it requires cooking and will not provide the same texture and consistency.
Q5: Can I add food coloring to this frosting?
A: Yes, you can add a few drops of gel food coloring to achieve your desired shade. Be sure to mix it in gently to avoid overmixing.
