Description: This frosting recipe combines the creamy smoothness of Cool Whip and vanilla pudding with the delightful crunch and chocolatey goodness of M&Ms. It’s incredibly easy to make and adds a fun, colorful touch to any cake or cupcake. This recipe is perfect for parties, birthdays, or any occasion where you want a quick, delicious, and visually appealing frosting. Get ready to impress with this simple yet sensational frosting!
Ingredients:
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk (whole or 2% work best)
- 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed completely
- 1 cup M&Ms (regular or mini), plus extra for topping – use your favorite colors!
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Preparation:
This frosting is incredibly simple to prepare, requiring just a few steps and minimal effort. It’s a perfect choice for those who are short on time or new to baking but still want to create something impressive.
Step 1: Combine Pudding Mix and Milk: In a medium to large mixing bowl, pour in the instant vanilla pudding mix. Add the cold milk to the bowl. It’s important that the milk is cold to help the pudding set up properly and quickly.
Step 2: Whisk the Mixture: Using a whisk, vigorously whisk the pudding mix and milk together until the mixture is smooth and free of any lumps. Continue whisking for about 1-2 minutes to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
Step 3: Let the Pudding Thicken: Once whisked, let the pudding mixture sit for approximately 5 minutes. This allows the pudding mix to fully absorb the milk and thicken to a soft-set consistency. You’ll notice the mixture becomes noticeably thicker during this time.
Step 4: Fold in the Cool Whip: After the pudding has thickened, gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip. It’s crucial that the Cool Whip is completely thawed to ensure a smooth and even consistency in the frosting. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the Cool Whip into the pudding mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the Cool Whip and result in a less fluffy frosting.
Step 5: Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract. Adding vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the frosting and gives it a richer, more complex taste. Stir gently until the vanilla extract is evenly distributed throughout the frosting.
Step 6: Fold in the M&Ms: Finally, fold in the 1 cup of M&Ms. Again, use a gentle hand to avoid crushing the M&Ms or deflating the Cool Whip. Distribute the M&Ms evenly throughout the frosting.
Step 7: Frost and Decorate: The frosting is now ready to use! Spread it immediately over your favorite cake or cupcakes. For an extra touch, sprinkle extra M&Ms on top of the frosting for a colorful and festive finish.
Step 8: Chill (Optional): While the frosting can be used immediately, refrigerating the frosted cake or cupcakes for about 30 minutes to an hour can help the frosting set up a bit more and become firmer. This is especially helpful if you’re transporting the cake or cupcakes or if you prefer a more structured frosting.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This M&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting is a winner for so many reasons:
- Simplicity: It requires just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, making it perfect for beginner bakers or anyone short on time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy vanilla pudding, light and airy Cool Whip, and the chocolatey crunch of M&Ms is simply irresistible.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids absolutely love this frosting! The colorful M&Ms and sweet flavor make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at parties.
- Versatile: It works beautifully on cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or even as a dip for fruit.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. Use different flavors of pudding, different types of M&Ms, or add other mix-ins like sprinkles or chopped nuts.
- Texture: The combination of smooth and crunchy is wonderful.
- Visually Appealing: The M&Ms add a fun and vibrant touch, making your desserts look extra special.
- No Baking Required: No oven, no heat, all mixing and folding!
Serving Suggestions:
- Cakes: Perfect for frosting layer cakes, sheet cakes, or bundt cakes.
- Cupcakes: Ideal for cupcakes, both regular-sized and mini.
- Cookies: Use it as a filling for sandwich cookies or as a topping for sugar cookies.
- Dips: Serve it with graham crackers, fruit slices, or pretzels for a fun and easy dessert dip.
- Brownies: A fantastic topping for brownies, adding a touch of sweetness and color.
- Ice Cream Topping: Add a dollop on top of your favorite ice cream for an extra special treat.
- S’mores: Spread it on graham crackers and add marshmallows for a twist on the classic s’more.
Tips:
- Use Cold Milk: Cold milk helps the pudding set up quickly and properly.
- Thaw Cool Whip Completely: Make sure the Cool Whip is fully thawed for a smooth and even consistency.
- Don’t Overmix: Avoid overmixing the frosting, as this can deflate the Cool Whip and result in a less fluffy texture.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the amount of M&Ms or use sugar-free pudding mix.
- Store Properly: Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Different M&Ms: Feel free to experiment with different M&M varieties, such as peanut, peanut butter, or pretzel M&Ms.
- Extract Options: Experiment with different extracts for added flavour: almond, lemon, or even peppermint!
- Cake Ideas: Pair with yellow cake, white cake, chocolate cake, or even a funfetti cake for extra sprinkles.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required!)
Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time, if desired)
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary depending on specific ingredients and serving size.)
- Calories: Approximately 180-220 calories per serving (depending on serving size and ingredients)
- Protein: Approximately 1-2 grams per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 100-150 mg per serving
Conclusion
This M&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting is a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious way to elevate any dessert. Its simple preparation, vibrant color, and delightful flavor make it a perfect choice for parties, birthdays, or any occasion where you want to add a touch of fun and sweetness. Give it a try and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create a frosting that everyone will love!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe
Q1: Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?
A: Absolutely! While vanilla pudding mix is the classic choice, you can definitely experiment with other flavors. Chocolate pudding mix would create a richer, chocolatey frosting, while lemon or cheesecake pudding mix could add a tangy twist. Just be mindful of how the flavor pairs with the type of cake or cupcakes you’re frosting.
Q2: Can I make this frosting ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! The frosting can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, keep in mind that the M&Ms might soften slightly over time, so it’s best to add them right before frosting if you want them to retain their full crunch.
Q3: What if I don’t have Cool Whip? Can I substitute it with something else?
A: While Cool Whip is the key ingredient for that light and airy texture, you can try substituting it with stabilized whipped cream. To make stabilized whipped cream, whip heavy cream with a little bit of powdered sugar and a stabilizer like gelatin or cream of tartar. Just be aware that the frosting might be slightly denser than when made with Cool Whip.
Q4: Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding mix?
A: You can, but it requires a bit more effort and timing. Make sure the homemade pudding is completely cooled before folding in the Cool Whip, otherwise, the Cool Whip will melt. Also, homemade pudding tends to be less sweet than instant pudding mix, so you might need to adjust the sweetness of the frosting accordingly.
Q5: Can I add other mix-ins besides M&Ms?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins. Sprinkles, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or even fruit pieces would all be delicious additions to this frosting. Just be sure to fold them in gently to avoid deflating the Cool Whip.
