Some recipes come from cookbooks, and some just sort of happen when you’re craving something sweet and colorful, and your pantry surprises you. This M&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting? It was one of those “happy kitchen accidents” that turned into a full-blown family tradition.
What I love most about this frosting is how incredibly easy it is but it still feels special. No butter, no powdered sugar, no electric mixer in sight. Just instant pudding mix, milk, a generous scoop of Cool Whip, and a handful of M&Ms. You whip it up in minutes, and suddenly you’ve got a light, fluffy, colorful frosting that tastes like childhood birthdays and Saturday mornings all rolled into one.
Whether you’re layering it onto cupcakes, slathering it over brownies, or sneaking spoonfuls straight from the bowl (guilty), this pudding frosting is about to become your go-to sweet fix.
Why This Pudding Frosting Is So Much More Than Just Easy
There are lots of frosting recipes out there, but most involve softening butter, sifting sugar, or dealing with a stand mixer. I don’t always have time for all that. Sometimes I just want something quick, creamy, and guaranteed to make my kids (and husband) ask for seconds.
This one hits all the right notes. The vanilla pudding gives the frosting a rich, nostalgic flavor, while the Cool Whip makes it so airy and smooth, like something you’d get from a bakery but made in your own kitchen.
And then there’s the M&Ms. Crunchy, colorful, just the right amount of chocolatey. They take this pudding frosting from “tasty” to “irresistible.”
It’s also super versatile you can switch up the pudding flavors, use different toppings, or even serve it in dessert cups with crushed cookies. But no matter how you make it, the base is always the same: simple, satisfying, and so, so good.
Note: The full list with exact measurements will be found in the recipe card at the end of the article.
Just 5 Simple Ingredients (No Fancy Stuff!)
Here’s everything you need to make this creamy pudding frosting. I always say if a recipe takes less than 10 minutes and makes people smile, you know it’s a keeper.
- 1 package of instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz)
Important: It has to be the instant kind! The cook-and-serve version won’t thicken properly in this no-bake recipe. - 2 cups cold milk
I like using whole milk for the richest texture, but you can use 2% if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure it’s cold! - 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed
Thaw it in the fridge for a few hours don’t try to mix it in frozen. The texture will be off and it won’t fold in nicely. - 1 cup M&Ms (plus more for topping)
I love using mini M&Ms because they spread more evenly and don’t weigh the frosting down, but regular ones work too! - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional, but I almost always add it. It gives the frosting a soft, homemade flavor that pairs perfectly with the pudding.
That’s it! Five ingredients, one bowl, and a whole lot of flavor.
Step-by-Step: How to Make the Creamiest Pudding Frosting
This is one of those recipes that’s as easy as it gets. No electric mixer, no stovetop, just a whisk and some good old-fashioned stirring.
Step 1: Mix the pudding and milk
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and the cold milk. Keep whisking for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and starting to thicken. Let it sit for another 3–5 minutes. You’ll notice it thickens more as it rests.
Step 2: Fold in the Cool Whip
Once your pudding has set a bit, gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip. Don’t stir too hard you want to keep it light and fluffy. A rubber spatula works great here.
Step 3: Add vanilla extract
Stir in that splash of vanilla extract for an extra boost of flavor. It really makes it taste homemade.
Step 4: Stir in the M&Ms
Gently fold in 1 cup of M&Ms. Be gentle if you mix too aggressively, the candy shells might start to bleed color into the frosting. Leave a few aside to sprinkle on top for decoration!
Step 5: Frost your dessert
Use the frosting immediately on cake, cupcakes, cookies whatever you like. It spreads best when freshly made.
Optional: Chill it
If you want a firmer frosting, pop your frosted dessert into the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up nicely.
Look this delicious recipe: Berry Swirl Cheesecake Bites: The Mini Treat That Wins Every Heart
My Favorite Ways to Use This Frosting
Sure, you can frost a basic sheet cake and call it a day but here are a few of the ways I love using this pudding frosting to make everyday desserts feel extra special:
- Cupcake Topping: Pipe it on top of cupcakes and finish with mini M&Ms or colorful sprinkles. Kids love this.
- Layer Cake Filling: It’s light enough to use between cake layers without weighing them down.
- Dessert Cups: Spoon it into little jars with crushed graham crackers or Oreos for a no-bake treat.
- Dip for Cookies: Serve chilled with vanilla wafers or animal crackers for a super fun dessert platter.
- Brownie Frosting: A thick layer on top of brownies? Yes, please.
You can even color it with a few drops of food dye for themed parties think pink for baby showers, pastels for Easter, or red and green M&Ms for the holidays.
Anna’s Tips for Pudding Frosting Success
- Thaw Cool Whip properly: Always thaw it in the fridge overnight, not on the counter.
- Use cold milk: Warm or room temp milk won’t help the pudding set up correctly.
- Go easy with the M&Ms: If you add too many, the frosting can get chunky and hard to spread. One cup is the sweet spot.
- Don’t overmix: Once you add the Cool Whip, fold gently to keep it airy.
- Refrigerate before serving: Especially if you’re frosting something ahead of time, it’ll hold its shape better once chilled.
FAQ
Q1: Can I substitute Cool Whip with whipped cream?
Yes! You can use homemade whipped cream or a different store-bought topping. Just be aware that real whipped cream can be a little softer, so your frosting might not hold up quite as well if you’re piping it or using it on a warm day.
Q2: Can I use a different type of pudding mix?
Absolutely! Chocolate, butterscotch, cheesecake go wild. Chocolate pudding with peanut butter M&Ms is one of our current faves.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you’ve already frosted a cake or cupcakes, store those in the fridge too.
Q4: Can I freeze this frosting?
I wouldn’t recommend it. The texture tends to separate once thawed, and it loses that creamy, fluffy magic. Best to enjoy it fresh!
Q5: How can I make this frosting a bit less sweet?
Try using a sugar-free pudding mix or reduce the amount of M&Ms. You could also mix in a little cream cheese for a tangy twist that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Q6: Can I make this frosting ahead of time?
Definitely. I often make it the night before a party and store it in the fridge. Just give it a gentle stir before using, especially if it’s been sitting for more than a few hours.
In the End, It’s All About Sharing Something Sweet
At the heart of every recipe I share is one simple belief: food is love. It doesn’t need to be fancy, complicated, or Instagram-perfect. It just needs to make people smile. And that’s exactly what this M&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting does every single time.
This recipe has become one of those sweet little rituals in our house. When someone’s had a tough week, when there’s something to celebrate, or when we just need a moment of happy in the middle of the everyday, I pull out the pudding mix and the Cool Whip. My kids know what’s coming the moment they hear the whisk hit the bowl. They always ask to help sprinkle the M&Ms on top half end up on the frosting, the other half mysteriously disappear into their mouths!
And that’s the beauty of it. It’s more than just frosting. It’s a memory in the making. It’s the laughter in the kitchen, the sneaky spoonfuls, the colorful mess on the counter. It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t just taste good it feels good.
So whether you’re frosting cupcakes for a party, layering it between chocolate cake for a birthday, or spooning it into little cups with your kids on a quiet Saturday afternoon, I hope this pudding frosting brings joy into your kitchen too.
If you try it, tag me in your photos I seriously light up when I see your creations. And if you put yo
M&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber Spatula
- Measuring Cups
Ingredients
Frosting Base
- 1 package Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix 3.4 oz, instant only (not cook-and-serve)
- 2 cups Cold Milk preferably whole or 2%
- 8 oz Cool Whip thawed, not frozen
- 1 cup M&Ms plus extra for topping
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract optional, for enhanced flavor
