How to Make Cool Whip Frosting

Looking for an alternative to boring buttercream? Whipped topping, is well-known as a topping or dip for desserts, but it also works as an excellent base for fluffy frosting. Because whipped topping is such a versatile base, you can substitute in a number of ingredient variations to get everything from cream cheese to peanut butter cool whip frosting.

Total time (Classic): 5-10 minutes

Ingredients

Classic Cool Whip Frosting

1 3.5-oz package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 8-oz tub whipped topping (thawed, if frozen)
Few drops food coloring (optional)

Powdered Sugar Cool Whip Frosting

1 cup milk
1 3.5-oz package instant vanilla pudding mix
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 8-oz tub whipped topping (thawed, if frozen)
Few drops food coloring (optional)

Cream Cheese Cool Whip Frosting

1 8-oz package cream cheese at room temperature
1 16-oz container whipped topping (thawed, if frozen)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Extra-Rich Cream Cheese Cool Whip Frosting

1 8-oz package cream cheese at room temperature
1 stick butter at room temperature
3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 8-oz tub whipped topping (thawed, if frozen)

Pineapple Cool Whip Frosting

1 8-oz tub whipped topping (thawed, if frozen)
1 3.5-oz package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 15-oz can crushed pineapple, drained

Strawberry Cool Whip Frosting

2 strawberries with stems removed
1/2 cup instant strawberry pudding mix
2 cups whipped topping (thawed, if frozen)

Peanut Butter Cool Whip Frosting

1 3.5-oz vanilla instant pudding mix
1 cup milk
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 cup whipped topping (thawed, if frozen)

Method 1

Method 1 of 7:

Classic Cool Whip Frosting

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1
Combine the pudding mix, milk, and vanilla. Using a medium-sized bowl, pour out pudding mix, then add the milk and vanilla. Whisk the ingredients together until they’re well blended and it mixture begins to thicken.^{[1]XResearch source}
- You can substitute in almond extract in place of the vanilla extract for a sophisticated flavor variation.^{[2]XResearch source}
- You can substitute other flavored pudding mixes in place of the vanilla for variety, like chocolate, butterscotch, cheesecake, etc.
2
Fold in the whipped topping. Add the whipped topping to the ingredients in the bowl. Using a spatula, fold the ingredients together gently to combine.
- When adding the whipped topping, it’s important to fold it in gently rather than stir it in to maintain the consistency.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Be sure the ingredients are thoroughly mixed so that the frosting is a uniform color and not streaked.
- At this point you can add several drops of food coloring if you’d like a colored frosting.
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3
Spread the frosting. Using a spatula, begin spreading the frosting over your desired dessert, several tablespoons at a time. Once the entire surface is covered, use the spatula to smooth out the frosting and ensure that it’s evenly distributed across the surface.
- You can spread this frosting on a variety of cakes and desserts, from angel food cake to cupcakes to sheet cakes.
- If you like, you can use a butter knife or the spatula to create a wave-like design in the frosting.
- As an alternative, you can spoon the frosting into a pastry bag (or a plastic storage bag with a small hole cut from one of the corners), and, using a frosting tip, squeeze frosting onto your dessert.

Method 2

Method 2 of 7:

Powdered Sugar Cool Whip Frosting

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1
Combine milk, pudding mix, and sugar. Using a medium-sized bowl, add the milk, pudding mix, and sugar. Whisk until the ingredients are combined and the mixture begins to thicken (approximately 2 minutes).^{[4]XResearch source}
- You can substitute in any flavor of pudding mix you like in place of the vanilla, like lemon, cheesecake, or banana.
2
Fold in whipped topping. Using a spatula, fold the whipped topping into the mixture.
- Gently combine until the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- You can also stir in several drops of food coloring if you choose.
3
Spread the frosting. Begin spreading the frosting over your desired dessert, several tablespoons at a time, using a spatula. After you’ve covered the surface of the dessert, use the spatula to smooth out the frosting and ensure that it’s evenly distributed.
- You can use this frosting for a range of cakes and desserts, from angel food cake to cupcakes to sheet cakes.
- You can also optionally run a butter knife or spatula over the frosting to create a wave-like design.
- Alternatively, you can spoon the frosting into a pastry bag (or a plastic storage bag with a small hole cut in one of the corners) equipped with a frosting tip, then squeeze frosting onto the dessert.

Method 3

Method 3 of 7:

Cream Cheese Cool Whip Frosting

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1
Combine the cream cheese, cool whip, sugar, and vanilla. Stir the softened cream cheese together with the cool whip, then add the sugar and vanilla and stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.^{[5]XResearch source}
- At this point you can add several drops of food coloring if you’d like a colored frosting.
2
Spread the frosting. With a spatula, spread the frosting over your desired dessert, several tablespoons at a time. Once the entire surface is covered, use the spatula to smooth out the frosting and make sure it’s evenly distributed over the surface.
- You can use this frosting to top a variety of cakes and desserts, from angel food cake to cupcakes to sheet cakes.
- If you like, you can use a butter knife or the spatula to create a wave-like design in the frosting.
- As an alternative to using a spatula, you can spoon the frosting into a pastry bag (or a plastic storage bag with a small hole cut from one of the corners), and, with a frosting tip, squeeze frosting onto your dessert.

Method 4

Method 4 of 7:

Extra-Rich Cream Cheese Cool Whip Frosting

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1
Whip the cream cheese and butter together. The addition of butter to the cream cheese is a key part of what makes this frosting so rich.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Using a hand mixer and a large bowl or a standing mixer, whip the softened cream cheese and butter at medium speed until well combined.
2
Add the vanilla and sugar. The additional powdered sugar in this recipe is the other key component to its richness.
- Add the vanilla and then the powdered sugar--one cup at a time--and mix at medium speed until well combined.
3
Add the whipped topping. Gently combine the whipped topping with the existing mixture to round out the frosting.
- Using a low-medium speed, add the whipped topping.
- Mix until light and fluffy.
4
Frost the dessert. You can use this frosting to top a range of cakes and desserts, from angel food cake to cupcakes to sheet cakes.
- With a spatula, begin spreading the frosting over your desired dessert, several tablespoons at a time.
- After you’ve covered the surface of the dessert, use the spatula to smooth out the frosting and ensure that it’s evenly distributed.
- You can run a butter knife or spatula over the spread frosting to create a wave-like design if you like.
- Alternatively, you can spoon the frosting into a pastry bag (or a plastic storage bag with a small hole cut in one of the corners) equipped with a frosting tip, then squeeze frosting onto the dessert.

Method 5

Method 5 of 7:

Pineapple Cool Whip Frosting

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1
Combine the whipped topping, pudding mix, and canned pineapple. The canned pineapple supplies the moisture and sweetness provided by the milk and sugar in classic cool whip frosting recipes.^{[7]XResearch source}
- In a medium bowl, add the whipped topping, the package of pudding mix, and the drained pineapple.
- Stir thoroughly to combine.
2
Spread the frosting. Spread the frosting over your desired dessert with a spatula, several tablespoons at a time. Once you’ve covered the entire surface, use the spatula to smooth out the frosting and ensure that it’s evenly distributed across the surface.
- You can spread this frosting on your dessert of choice, like, for example, angel food cake or pineapple cupcakes.
- If you choose, you can use a butter knife or the spatula to create a wave-like design in the frosting.
- Or, as an alternative, you can spoon the frosting into a pastry bag (or a plastic storage bag with a small hole cut from one of the corners), and, with a frosting tip, squeeze the frosting onto your dessert.

Method 6

Method 6 of 7:

Strawberry Cool Whip Frosting

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1
Liquify the strawberries. This step is key to producing a well-integrated strawberry flavor.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Place the stemmed strawberries into a food processor and pulse until the strawberries are liquified.
2
Combine strawberry liquid and pudding mix. In a medium bowl, combine the strawberry liquid and strawberry pudding mix.
- Mix the two until they’re thoroughly combined.
3
Fold in the whipped topping. Once the strawberry liquid and pudding mix have been combined, gently fold in the whipped topping.
- Continue combining until all of the ingredients are well-combined and a uniform color.
4
Spread over your dessert. Use a butter knife or spatula to spread the frosting, several tablespoons at a time, over the surface of the dessert.
- Or, if you prefer, use a pastry bag (or plastic storage bag with a small hole in one corner) equipped with a frosting tip to frost your dessert.
- You can use this frosting for cupcakes, shortcake, angel food cake, sheet cake, brownies, or refrigerator pies.

Method 7

Method 7 of 7:

Peanut Butter Cool Whip Frosting

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1
Combine the pudding mix and milk. Mix these two ingredients together first to establish a base for the frosting.
- In a medium bowl, add the pudding mix and milk.
- Whisk until the ingredients are combined and the mixture begins to thicken (about 2 minutes).
2
Add the peanut butter, sugar, and whipped topping. Combine the remaining ingredients to complete the frosting.
- Stir in the peanut butter and sugar until well-combined.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping to combine.
3
Spread the frosting. Add the frosting to the top of the dessert, several tablespoons at a time. Once you’ve covered the entire surface, use the spatula to smooth out the frosting and ensure that it’s evenly distributed across the surface.
- If you choose, you can use a butter knife or the spatula to create a wave-like design in the frosting.
- Or, as an alternative, you can spoon the frosting into a pastry bag (or a plastic storage bag with a small hole cut from one of the corners), and, with a frosting tip, squeeze the frosting onto your dessert.
- You can spread this frosting on your dessert of choice, including, for example, cupcakes or refrigerator pies.

Community Q&A

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Question
Can you use peaches instead of pineapple or strawberry?
Community Answer
Yes, you can use any fruit you want.
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Question
Should I put the cake in the fridge after icing it?
Community Answer
You should always put the cake in the fridge after icing it. That way, the frosting will firm up and keep the cake standing up straight.
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Question
Do I need to refrigerate left over frosted cake with Cool Whip frosting?
Community Answer
Yes. It will help the cake last longer. The Cool Whip frosting may also melt if you do not store it in a cool, dry place.
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