Cottage Cake with Whipped Frosting

5 from 1 vote

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

a plate of cottage cake with whipped frosting

The weekend started out innocently enough.  We, including 5 of our boys and a rather lazy English bulldog named Ellie, headed up to our little cottage on a little lake in the middle of Nowhere, Wisconsin to enjoy a little family time.  As the drive progressed, I knew that I didn’t feel just right.  What I would find out, very soon, was that I had a kidney stone and it wanted out.  Luckily, this “passed” very quickly.  Unfortunately, it left me feeling a little down and in discomfort.  As I lay on the sofa, I realized that I wanted to do something to turn my mood around.  I started thinking about my family and how lucky I really am.  So, I thought that I would make a special meal for them.  Getting in the kitchen always puts me in good spirits.  

A close up of a chocolate cake sitting on top of a table
 
I quickly decided that a roasted chicken with fresh herbs would be my main course (we will be posting that recipe very soon).  But, what I was more excited to make was a cake to celebrate my family.  I thought that for this blog post, we could start the meal off with a little dessert.
YouTube video
 
As I mentioned, we were at the cottage last weekend.  I was in the middle of making a full meal, but, still wanted to prepare a great dessert and not spend the entire afternoon on it.  So, I did what I do on occasion and took a few shortcuts.  First thing I did was made a good old fashioned yellow cake using a popular brand of cake mix.  It is always good and very simple.  The big question in my mind was how was I going to top the cake.  Some of the kids are not big frosting fans.  Either it is too sweet, too thick, or too sugary.  Thus, my challenge was to make something everyone would like.  I remember hearing from someone who mentioned to me that they had a frosting made from instant pudding and cool whip.  With that in mind I was intrigued and inspired.
a person putting frosting on a cake

 

Frosting with only 4 ingredients and you can whip it up in minutes.  Sound too good to be true?  Well my friends, that is what I discovered when putting this chocolate frosting together.  When complete, it reminds me of creamy bakery frosting.  Not sweet at all and very light.  It would be great for everyday cakes and cupcakes, but special enough for that important event cake.
a person cutting a slice of cottage cake
 

I used chocolate instant pudding for my base, but the sky is the limit.  Just think of all the different pudding flavors that are out there.  You can really create some great and unique frostings.  Your friends will think that you are a master baker and that you spent all day preparing such a great dessert.  But we will know differently.  

a slice of cottage cake with whipped frosting

 

This cake was exactly what I needed to help me feel better.  It was a family favorite that night and will definitely be making this again.  I hope that you make it for your family.  They will thank you for it.  -Scott

A piece of chocolate cake on a plate

Cottage Cake with Whipped Frosting

5 from 1 vote
A Platter Talk Exclusive
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients 

  • 1 cake mix, prepared as specified on box
  • 1 3.9 oz instant pudding of choice, I used chocolate
  • 1 cup cold milk
  • 1/4 cup powder sugar
  • 1 8 oz container of Cool Whip or Whipped topping

Instructions 

  • Prepare the cake mix as directed on box and allow to cool completely.
  • Whisk together instant pudding, milk and powder sugar in a large mixing bowl for approximately 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the Cool Whip to the pudding mixture.
  • If the mixture seems to be a little runny, place in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up.
  • Spread on cake or cupcakes.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

If you have any remaining frosting (which you wont because the kids will quickly lick the bowl clean), it can be stored in the refrigerator of a day or so.

Nutrition

Calories: 256kcal, Carbohydrates: 44g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 44mg, Sodium: 399mg, Potassium: 174mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 24g, Vitamin A: 230IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 176mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @plattertalk or tag #plattertalk!

Meet the Platter Talk Guys

Dan & Scott split their time between Wisconsin and Southwest Florida and are dads to six boys. Good food runs through their veins, and they love showing others how to cook easy recipes.

Get new recipes sent to your inbox!
Don't miss out! Subscribe and get all the new recipes first.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

40 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I am so excited about this recipe and feel foolish I never thought of doing this myself. I am not an icing person so, like your oldest son, I scrape most of the icings off the cake. Because I am like that, this recipe of yours will save the day, as who doesn’t like pudding and Cool Whip? My husband and I were sitting here thinking of all the possibilities of flavors. Thank you for the recipe, and also very glad to hear you are feeling better.

  2. AACCCKKKK kidney stone! I have had several. Ended in the ED every time. Intravenous morphine makes it worth it. But ICCKKK they are not nice!!

    1. Ugh Brenda. I agree with you….they are not nice at all. However, this frosting on the cake is. I hope that you give it a try.

  3. This is one delicious cake, I have never tried using pudding and cool whip but I will now. I think it’s a good combination for frosting.

  4. Yumm that cake looks amazing and soooo delicious! I wish I enjoyed baking but in ways it does look like it COULD be fun 🙂

    1. It’s easy, light tasting and truly easy. I’m sure you could do this one!