If you’re looking for a quick and delicious way to frost your cakes without the hassle of buttercream or cream cheese, this Easy Cool Whip Frosting Recipe is a game changer. It’s light, fluffy, and comes together in minutes, making it perfect for last-minute dessert emergencies or when you want something sweet but not too heavy.

I’ve made this frosting more times than I can count, especially for summer gatherings when you want that cool, refreshing topping that doesn’t melt in the heat. The best part? It’s super versatile—you can swap out pudding flavors for endless options, giving your sweets a unique twist every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Easy Cool Whip Frosting Recipe plays a key role in building that fluffy, creamy texture you’ll love. Plus, none of them are complicated or hard to find—perfect for a quick stop at your local store.

Cold whole milk: Using cold milk helps the pudding set properly, giving the frosting a nice firm but airy structure.
Powdered sugar: This sweetens and thickens your frosting without any graininess, unlike regular sugar.
Instant pudding mix: This is where the flavor magic happens! Choose whatever flavor matches your dessert—chocolate, vanilla, or even butterscotch.
Whipped topping (thawed): Cool Whip or any whipped topping adds creaminess and lightness; make sure it’s fully thawed for smooth mixing.

Variations

I love changing up this Easy Cool Whip Frosting Recipe depending on the occasion or what I have in my pantry—feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Chocolate twist: Adding a spoonful of cocoa powder with the pudding mix gives a richer, deeper chocolate flavor I’m obsessed with for birthdays.
Fruit flavor: Using strawberry or lemon pudding instantly brightens the frosting, perfect for spring parties or light fruit cakes.
Dairy-free option: Swap the whole milk for almond or oat milk and use dairy-free whipped topping for a vegan-friendly twist.
Extra sweet: If you like your frosting sweeter, a bit more powdered sugar does the trick easily.

How to Make Easy Cool Whip Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Milk, Pudding, and Sugar

Start by pouring ¾ cup of very cold whole milk into a mixing bowl, then sprinkle in the 4 tablespoons of powdered sugar and your chosen 3.4 ounces of instant pudding mix. Whisk them together until the mixture thickens slightly—this usually takes about 2 minutes. The key here is using cold milk and fresh pudding mix to get that perfect smooth base without lumps.

Step 2: Fold in the Thawed Whipped Topping

Next, gently fold in 8 ounces of thawed whipped topping with a spatula. You want to combine it smoothly but keep all the fluffiness intact—so no overmixing! This step is where your frosting transforms from just pudding to that dreamy, airy consistency we love.

Step 3: Chill and Use

Once mixed, pop your frosting in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let it firm up a bit. Chilling helps the flavors meld and the frosting set perfectly. After that, you’re ready to spread it on your cake, cupcakes, or even use it as a layer in parfaits—trust me, it holds up wonderfully without being too stiff.

How to Serve Easy Cool Whip Frosting Recipe

The image shows four chocolate cupcakes with dark brown bases wrapped in white paper liners. Each cupcake is topped with a thick swirl of pale yellow creamy frosting, which has a smooth and slightly fluffy texture, applied in multiple layers by a piping bag with a metal tip. The background is a white marbled surface, and a white plate with a blue rim is partially visible behind the cupcakes. The focus is on the closest cupcake, where a woman's hand is squeezing the piping bag to add more frosting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I often top this frosting with fresh berries or chocolate shavings—both add a little contrast in texture and flavor. Toasted coconut flakes or a sprinkle of crushed nuts work wonderfully too if you want an added crunch. These simple toppings make your dessert look extra special without much effort.

Side Dishes

Pair your frosted dessert with light sides like fresh fruit salad or a scoop of sorbet. I’ve found that a cup of mint tea or coffee balances the sweetness perfectly when serving, especially during afternoon gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love piping this Easy Cool Whip Frosting Recipe onto cupcakes using a star tip to create pretty swirls. I’ve even layered it between cake layers along with fresh fruit for an impressive no-bake trifle. Presentation can be as simple or fancy as you want, making this frosting a crowd-pleaser every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover frosting sealed in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Giving it a gentle stir before using helps bring back that fluffy texture since it can settle a bit when stored.

Freezing

Freezing this frosting isn’t ideal because the texture changes once thawed—it might become watery or lose its fluffiness. I’ve tried freezing it before, but for best results, I recommend making it fresh when possible.

Reheating

This frosting is best served cold or room temperature and doesn’t require reheating. If it’s a little stiff from the fridge, just let it sit out for 10-15 minutes and gently fluff it before spreading.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk for this Easy Cool Whip Frosting Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat milk, but keep in mind that whole milk adds to the richness and creaminess of the frosting. Using low-fat milk might result in a slightly lighter texture, but it will still work well enough.
How long will this frosting hold up on a cake at room temperature?

This frosting is best kept refrigerated if you’re not serving immediately. At room temperature, it can start to lose its structure after about 2 hours, especially in warm climates. For longer events, keep the frosted cake chilled until serving.
Can I double the recipe easily?

Absolutely! Doubling the ingredients works great, just be sure to mix in a larger bowl and take care not to overmix when folding in the whipped topping to keep the texture light and airy.
What if I want a thicker frosting?

If you prefer a thicker frosting, chill it longer before spreading or increase the amount of powdered sugar slightly. Another trick is to reduce the milk to ½ cup instead of ¾ cup, which lets the pudding set firmer.
Is this frosting suitable for piping?

Yes! After chilling, this Easy Cool Whip Frosting Recipe holds up well for piping. Use a sturdy piping bag and tip, and pipe with gentle pressure to maintain those pretty swirls.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cool Whip Frosting Recipe has become my go-to for so many reasons—it’s quick, tasty, and offers a lighter alternative to traditional frostings. I love how easy it is to tweak with different pudding flavors or add-ins, making it perfect for anything from casual family desserts to party showstoppers. If you haven’t tried it yet, I’m telling you, your cakes and cupcakes are missing out—give it a go and watch it become one of your favorite frosting hacks!

Easy Cool Whip Frosting Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 73 reviews

This Easy Cool Whip Frosting is a light, fluffy, and quick-to-make frosting perfect for cakes and cupcakes. Combining cold milk, powdered sugar, instant pudding mix, and whipped topping, it creates a creamy and flavorful topping that requires no baking or icing skills, ideal for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a simple dessert enhancement.

Author: Emma
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: Enough to frost one 9-inch cake or approximately 12 cupcakes
Category: Dessert Frosting
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Frosting Ingredients

¾ cup cold whole milk
4 tablespoons powdered sugar
3.4 ounces instant pudding mix (choose your desired flavor)
8 ounces whipped topping, thawed

Instructions

Prepare Pudding Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the cold whole milk with the instant pudding mix and powdered sugar. Whisk together until the pudding thickens and the mixture is smooth, usually about 2 minutes.
Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the pudding mixture using a spatula. Mix carefully to retain the fluffiness of the whipped topping while creating a uniform frosting consistency.
Chill the Frosting: Place the frosting in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to help it set slightly, making it easier to spread or pipe onto your baked goods.
Frost Your Dessert: Use the prepared Cool Whip frosting to generously frost cakes, cupcakes, or other desserts. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for best taste and texture.

Notes

You can customize the flavor of this frosting by using different flavors of instant pudding mix.
Ensure the milk is cold to help the pudding set properly and maintain fluffy texture.
Thaw the whipped topping completely before folding it into the mixture to avoid lumps.
This frosting is best used immediately or within a few days, stored refrigerated.
For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and whipped topping with non-dairy alternatives, keeping in mind texture differences.

Keywords: Cool Whip frosting, easy frosting recipe, instant pudding frosting, no-cook dessert topping, quick cake frosting, whipped topping frosting