If you are looking for a frosting that is as fun to make as it is to eat, the M&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful frosting combines the creamy sweetness of instant vanilla pudding and fluffy Cool Whip with bursts of colorful, crunchy M&Ms, creating a vibrant and irresistible topping for cakes and cupcakes. It’s light, simple to prepare, and adds a playful twist to any dessert, making it perfect for celebrations or an everyday treat that will instantly brighten up your baked goods.
M&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of this ingredient list fool you – each component plays an essential role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in this luscious frosting. These ingredients come together effortlessly to create a frosting that is silky smooth, sweet, and has that fun, colorful crunch.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: This is the base that gives the frosting its creamy and rich vanilla flavor with minimal fuss.
- Cold milk: Cold milk activates the pudding mix and ensures a smooth, thick consistency.
- Cool Whip (thawed): Adds fluffy lightness and creaminess, making the frosting irresistible to spread.
- Mini M&Ms or regular M&Ms, chopped: These add delightful pops of color and a sweet, chocolatey crunch that takes the frosting to the next level.
- Vanilla extract (optional): A splash of this elevates the vanilla notes and rounds out the flavor beautifully.
How to Make M&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Make the Pudding Base
Begin by whisking the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk in a medium-sized bowl. Continue whisking until the mixture starts to thicken, which should take about 2 minutes. This step is crucial because it forms the creamy foundation for your frosting, setting the stage for everything else to shine.
Step 2: Fold in the Cool Whip
Once your pudding is thickened, gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip. Folding instead of stirring helps maintain the fluffiness that Cool Whip provides. If you’d like to boost the vanilla flavor, this is the perfect moment to mix in the optional teaspoon of vanilla extract for an extra smooth and aromatic touch.
Step 3: Add the M&Ms
Next, stir in your choice of mini M&Ms or chopped regular M&Ms. These vibrant little candies bring not just color but an exciting texture contrast to the smooth frosting. Consider reserving a handful so you can sprinkle them on top as a garnish once the frosting is applied.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Pop the frosting into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps it firm up just enough for easy spreading without losing that wonderful creamy softness. After chilling, you’re ready to frost cakes, cupcakes, or even cookies – the possibilities are endless with this playful and tasty frosting.
How to Serve M&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra mini M&Ms on top instantly amps up the visual appeal and crunch factor. You can also sprinkle some colorful sugar crystals or edible glitter to make your frosting sparkle at parties. Fresh berries or mint leaves can provide a nice contrast if you want a pop of freshness alongside the sweet and creamy flavor.
Side Dishes
This frosting shines best atop simple vanilla or chocolate cakes, cupcakes, or sugar cookies. Pairing it with light, fluffy desserts allows the frosting’s creamy texture and candy crunch to stand out without competing with overly rich or dense flavors. A side of fresh fruit or a light milkshake can also complement the sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, pipe the M&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting Recipe onto cupcakes and sprinkle the reserved M&Ms on top for instant rainbow magic. You can also layer it between cake layers with some crushed cookies for added fun texture. Or try it as a dip for graham crackers and fruit for a playful dessert platter everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover frosting, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to give it a gentle stir before using again to bring back its smooth and fluffy texture. It’s perfect for a quick frosting fix the next day!
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this frosting because the Cool Whip component can lose its airy texture after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated, where it keeps its creamy consistency and vibrant look.
Reheating
Since this frosting is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, reheating is unnecessary and will likely alter the texture negatively. Instead, let refrigerated frosting come to room temperature slightly if it feels too firm before spreading or piping.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular whipped cream for Cool Whip in this recipe?
You could use whipped cream, but Cool Whip holds up better in this recipe because it maintains its light, fluffy texture longer without becoming watery. If you use whipped cream, make sure it’s very stiff, and consider stabilizing it for best results.
Can I use different flavors of pudding mix?
Absolutely! While vanilla is classic and complements the M&Ms perfectly, chocolate or even banana pudding mix can add a delicious twist. Just keep in mind the flavors of your cake or dessert to ensure they pair well together.
Is it possible to make this frosting dairy-free?
To go dairy-free, look for a non-dairy Cool Whip alternative and a pudding mix that doesn’t contain milk derivatives. The key is to find substitutes that still provide that creamy and thick texture for the frosting.
How many cupcakes does this frosting cover?
This recipe yields about 2 cups of frosting, which is generally enough to generously frost around 12 standard-sized cupcakes. If you need more, simply double the ingredients.
Can this frosting be piped or used for intricate designs?
Since it’s softer than buttercream, this frosting is best for simple spreading or piping larger, loose shapes. For more detailed piping work, it may not hold firm edges very well but looks charming in swirls and dollops.
Final Thoughts
There is something utterly joyful about the M&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting Recipe—it’s not just a frosting, it’s a celebration in a bowl. Whether you’re making cupcakes for a birthday, adding a fun twist to a dessert, or just craving something sweet and colorful, this recipe is easy, quick, and guarantees smiles with every bite. So go ahead, whip this up, and let your desserts steal the show with a frosting that brings so much happiness and flavor together.
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M&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups frosting, serves approximately 8-10 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This M&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting is a creamy, colorful, and fun dessert topping that’s easy to make and perfect for adding a delightful twist to cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. Combining instant vanilla pudding, Cool Whip, and crunchy M&Ms, it offers a smooth texture with playful bursts of chocolate candy.
Ingredients
Frosting Base
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Add-in
- 1 cup mini M&Ms (or regular M&Ms, chopped)
Instructions
- Make the Pudding Base: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until the pudding starts to thicken, about 2 minutes. This forms the creamy base for your frosting.
- Fold in the Cool Whip: Gently fold the thawed Cool Whip into the pudding mixture until fully combined and smooth. Add vanilla extract here if you’d like to enhance the flavor.
- Add the M&Ms: Stir in the mini M&Ms or chopped regular M&Ms to the pudding and Cool Whip mixture. Reserve some candies if you want to use them as a garnish later.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the frosting for at least 30 minutes to let it firm up slightly, making it easier to spread. Use this frosting to decorate cakes, cupcakes, or cookies for a colorful, tasty finish.
Notes
- Thaw Cool Whip completely before folding it into the pudding to ensure smooth consistency.
- Mini M&Ms work best for even distribution; if using regular M&Ms, chop them finely to avoid large chunks.
- This frosting is best used within 2 days for freshness and optimal texture.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container.
- If you prefer a thicker frosting, reduce the milk slightly when making the pudding base.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Frosting
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
