Chocolate Pudding with Cool Whip Frosting

Chocolate Pudding with Cool Whip frosting is a simple no-bake frosting that you can make by mixing instant pudding with a whipped topping, creating a smooth, fluffy frosting that works especially well on sheet cakes, poke cakes, and easy dessert when you want something lighter than a buttercream frosting.

We’ve had many readers ask, “Can chocolate pudding be used as frosting?“, the answer is yes! You can make this chocolate pudding frosting in under 10 minutes using just 4 ingredients. It doesn’t get any sweeter than that!

Ingredients for Pudding and Cool Whip Frosting

This chocolate pudding with cool whip frosting is made with just a few ordinary ingredients. They all come together for an easy cake frosting that give you a tasty and smooth topping for an easy dessert.

• Instant Pudding is the background for this easy cool whip frosting. It thickens quickly without having to cook. This makes the frosting hold up and not be runny. It’s also where the flavor comes from.
• Whipped Topping gives this fast frosting recipe its signature lightness and allows you to shape it into to fun and airy peaks. You can use any whipped topping in a tub, you’ll want an 8 oz. container of it for this recipe.
• Milk is the ingredient that activates the instant pudding in this 10-minute frosting recipe. It also helps you control the consistency.
  • Whole milk will give the frosting a creamier finish but it’s fine using reduced fat milk. I don’t recommend skim milk for this dessert frosting.
  • You’ll want to slowly add the milk to the mixture so you get the right thickness. If it gets too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
    • Lactose Intolerant Frosting: You can easily substitute a lactose-free milk, almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk for this recipe for pudding frosting.

Variations and Substitutions

This instant pudding and cool whip frosting is highly customizable, making it a great option for you to make it your own. Here are some ideas how you can elevate the flavor to your liking. Will all of these additions, you want to keep in mind that less is more.

• Vanilla Extract will round out the sweetness in this chocolate pudding with frosting that uses instant pudding and enhance the chocolate flavor. A little will go a long ways! My mom would often put a capful or two of vanilla into whatever homemade dessert she was making. I still do that to this day!

• Expresso Powder will intensify the chocolate flavor of this instant pudding and cool whip frosting, without making it taste like coffee. Once again, it doesn’t take much, just a teaspoon will do the trick.

• A Pinch of Salt will help balance the sweetness of this whipped cream and pudding frosting and sharpen the chocolate flavor nicely. I like to use kosher salt and again, just a pinch will do!

How to Make Chocolate Pudding with Cool Whip Frosting

1. Use a large mixing bowl, combine instant pudding mix with powdered sugar.
2. Add the milk and whisk together until thickened and well combined.

3. Fold in the whipped topping.
4. Mix together until thoroughly blended and ready to spread.

Common Questions