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.

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.

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

📖 Recipe

Cottage Cake with Whipped Frosting

A Platter Talk Exclusive

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 30

Servings: servings

Calories: 256kcal

Author: Scott from Platter Talk

Ingredients

▢ 1 cake mix prepared as specified on box
▢ 1 3.9 oz instant pudding of choice I used chocolate
▢ 1 cup cold milk
▢ ¼ 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

Comments

Sara

December 06, 2018 at 10:29 pm

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.

- Dan from Platter Talk
  
  December 08, 2018 at 7:20 am
  
  Sara, we love your comments! Please share those possibilities of other flavors with us!
  
Brenda Bolliver

May 05, 2014 at 6:10 pm

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!!

- Scott from Platter Talk
  
  May 07, 2014 at 1:17 am
  
  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.
  
Jhady

May 01, 2014 at 5:44 pm

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.

- Dan from Platter Talk
  
  May 02, 2014 at 3:55 pm
  
  Thanks for stopping by, we appreciate hearing from you!
  
Danielle @ We Have It All

May 01, 2014 at 3:33 pm

I'm so curious how this tastes, it looks good!

- Dan from Platter Talk
  
  May 01, 2014 at 3:39 pm
  
  Danielle, I ruin the surprise for you: It tastes great!!
  
Felicia Franceschelli

May 01, 2014 at 12:22 pm

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

- Dan from Platter Talk
  
  May 01, 2014 at 3:09 pm
  
  Thanks for the comments!
  
Payal Bansal

May 01, 2014 at 11:46 am

such a creamy cake.. cant wait to have a bite

- Dan from Platter Talk
  
  May 01, 2014 at 3:10 pm
  
  Light, creamy, and really tasty! Thanks for the comments!
  
Liz Mays

May 01, 2014 at 3:19 am

Oh my goodness, does that ever look good. The frosting looks ultra creamy too.

- Dan from Platter Talk
  
  May 01, 2014 at 3:10 pm
  
  Thank you Liz!
  
JT and Amanda

May 01, 2014 at 3:05 am

AS always this looks delicious! I wish you could come cook for me!

- Dan from Platter Talk
  
  May 01, 2014 at 3:10 pm
  
  Thanks so much, and that would be fun!
  
Colette S

May 01, 2014 at 2:41 am

P.s I love the name of your blog!

- Dan from Platter Talk
  
  May 01, 2014 at 3:11 pm
  
  Thanks Colette! We try our best!
  
Colette S

May 01, 2014 at 2:41 am

i could try my hand at making this. It looks very tasty!

- Dan from Platter Talk
  
  May 01, 2014 at 3:11 pm
  
  It's easy, light tasting and truly easy. I'm sure you could do this one!

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