3-Ingredient Whipped Pudding Frosting

Introduction

Looking for a creamy, light, and effortless way to elevate your desserts? This whipped pudding frosting will absolutely win you over. It’s made with just three ingredients, comes together in minutes, and tastes like something from a bakery. Whether you’re frosting cupcakes, layering cakes, or dipping strawberries, this is the secret weapon you didn’t know your kitchen needed.

If you enjoy versatile toppings that can go from sweet breakfast treats to elegant party cakes, you’ll appreciate how easy this vanilla frosting is to make. For other creamy dessert ideas, don’t miss this Lemon Cream Cake Recipe — it pairs beautifully with light frostings like this one.

What really sets this frosting apart is its texture: smooth, whipped, and just sweet enough without being overpowering. Let’s dive into why this is the best Cool Whip dessert hack you’ll ever use.

Ingredients

• 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix

• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

• ½ cup cold milk

• 1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed

Make sure your Cool Whip is fully thawed to achieve the fluffiest texture possible.

How to Make the Perfect Whipped Pudding Frosting

Making whipped pudding frosting couldn’t be simpler, but the result feels like a professional bakery creation.

1. Whisk together the instant pudding mix, powdered sugar, and cold milk in a medium bowl.

2. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes smooth (1–2 minutes).

3. Fold in the Cool Whip using a rubber spatula. Mix gently until fully incorporated and fluffy.

4. Chill in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes before spreading or piping.

That’s it—no cooking, no butter, no stress.

Why This Whipped Pudding Frosting Works

This frosting is a staple in many American kitchens for a reason. Here’s why it should be in yours:

• Only 3 ingredients

• Light, fluffy texture

• Not overly sweet

• Stays stable for days

• Perfect for piping or spreading

It’s especially useful for hot weather events where traditional buttercream might melt. And if you’re looking for more creamy, no-fail inspiration, try this Strawberry Oreo Cheesecake Frappuccino — it uses similar textures and layering for a dreamy effect.

Tips & Variations

• Flavor twist: Swap vanilla pudding for chocolate, banana, or cheesecake pudding for variety.

• Color it: Add a few drops of food coloring to match themes (great for birthdays or holidays).

• Stabilize: For extra stability, especially for piping, mix in 1 tbsp of dry milk powder.

• Make it richer: Fold in cream cheese for a tangy, thicker frosting.

• Texture boost: Add mini chocolate chips or crushed Oreos for crunchy bites.

For something equally creamy and comforting, don’t miss our Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe — it’s a savory take on cozy, smooth textures.

Ways to Use Whipped Pudding Frosting

You’ll love how adaptable this frosting is:

• Cupcakes: Piped high with a star tip for bakery-style swirls.

• Sheet cakes: Spread evenly with an offset spatula.

• Layer cakes: Holds beautifully between layers without sliding.

• Fruit dip: Serve in a bowl with fresh fruit skewers.

• Mini desserts: Spoon into jars with cake crumbs for parfaits.

Want a fruity dessert base for this frosting? The Pineapple Layer Cake with Glaze is perfect to pair with this topping—it enhances both flavor and texture.

Storage

• Fridge: Store covered for up to 4 days. It will stay fluffy and smooth.

• Freezer: Not ideal — the Cool Whip may separate upon thawing.

• Make ahead: You can prepare this frosting up to 24 hours in advance and chill until use.

For best results, always re-whip lightly before using again after refrigeration.

Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 0 minutes

• Total Time: 5 minutes

• Yield: About 2½ cups — enough for 12 cupcakes or 1 layer cake

Tools Used

• Mixing bowl

• Whisk or electric mixer

• Rubber spatula

• Measuring cups & spoons

• Piping bag (optional)

Final Thoughts

Whipped pudding frosting is one of those “how did I live without this?” kinds of recipes. It’s cheap, quick, beginner-friendly, and the result is always a crowd-pleaser. With a texture so light and a flavor so smooth, it complements almost every dessert you can think of.

Whether you’re frosting a birthday cake, whipping up a fruit dip, or just want to enjoy it by the spoonful (we won’t judge), this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to dessert staples.

And if you’re curious about other variations of this genius method, don’t miss this Cool Whip Frosting recipe from Delish — it includes fun serving suggestions and flavor upgrades for frosting lovers.

Whipped Pudding Frosting

A light, fluffy, and irresistibly creamy vanilla frosting made with just 3 ingredients. Perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or using as a fruit dip.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 110

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• - 1 box 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix
• - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• - ½ cup cold milk
• - 1 tub 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed

Equipment

• - Mixing bowl
• - Whisk or electric mixer
• - Rubber spatula
• - Measuring cups & spoons
• - Piping bag (optional)

Method

 

1. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes smooth (1–2 minutes).
2. Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip using a rubber spatula.
3. Stir until fully combined and the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Chill the frosting in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes before using.
5. Use to frost cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or as a dip.

Notes

- Use flavored pudding mixes (like chocolate or banana) for variations.
- Add food coloring to match holidays or party themes.
- For extra stability (especially for piping), mix in 1 tbsp of dry milk powder.
- Not suitable for freezing — best when used fresh or within 4 days.