Name: M&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix; 1 cup cold milk; 1 (8-ounce) tub Cool Whip, thawed; 1/2 cup mini M&Ms (plus extra for topping); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

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If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing, ridiculously easy frosting, M&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting is simply irresistible. It’s a blend of soft, cloud-like pudding and Cool Whip, studded with pools of chocolatey, colorful mini M&Ms—perfect for topping cupcakes, cakes, brownies, or even just eating by the spoonful. The result? A bright, festive, and delightfully sweet treat that turns even the simplest dessert into a party centerpiece!

M\&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Frosting:
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- 1 (8-ounce) tub Cool Whip, thawed
- 1/2 cup mini M&Ms (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

How to Make M&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting

Step 1: Whisk the Pudding Base

Grab a medium-sized mixing bowl and whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix with your cold milk. It takes about 2 minutes for the mixture to start thickening up nicely. The key is to whisk until the pudding is just set and free of lumps—it should already feel a bit more substantial but still pourable. This is the creamy heart of your frosting.

Step 2: Fold in Cool Whip (and Vanilla)

Now it’s time to turn up the fluff factor! Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip and, if you’re feeling fancy, a splash of vanilla extract. Take your time folding—the goal is to keep things light and airy, so don’t overmix. You want the pudding and Cool Whip to blend perfectly, creating a smooth, pillowy mixture that’s just begging to be tasted.

Step 3: Add Mini M&Ms

Pour in the mini M&Ms and carefully stir them into the frosting. Fold just enough to distribute the candies evenly, but don’t linger—over-stirring can cause those lovely colors to bleed into the frosting. You’ll see bursts of rainbow throughout the creamy mix, making it look as playful as it tastes!

Step 4: Chill and Set

Pop the bowl in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This short chill lets the frosting set up so it’ll spread nicely and hold its shape. If you can resist sampling it straight away, the reward is a perfectly fluffy texture ready for spreading or piping onto your favorite treats.

Step 5: Frost and Decorate

Generously spread your M&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting on cupcakes, cakes, brownies—or whatever sweet treat you have in mind. Don’t forget to shower a handful of extra mini M&Ms on top for that eye-catching, party-ready finish. Each bite is creamy, joyful, and bursting with candy crunch!

How to Serve M&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting

Garnishes

The classic finishing touch is a sprinkle of extra mini M&Ms for a colorful, festive look. If you’re feeling playful, try adding rainbow sprinkles, shaved chocolate, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce—your creations will look bakery-worthy with minimal effort.

Side Dishes

This frosting is sweet and indulgent, so pair it with something simple and classic, like a fluffy yellow cake, chocolate cupcakes, or brownies. A bowl of fresh strawberries or sliced bananas on the side brings a bright contrast, balancing all the sweet fun.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or potlucks, pipe M&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting onto mini cupcakes or serve as a dip with graham crackers and fruit slices. Swirl it onto sheet cakes, sandwich it between cookies, or offer it as a build-your-own sundae topping—your guests will love every bite and every burst of color!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra M&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting tightly covered in the refrigerator. It stays fluffy and fresh for up to 2 days, making it perfect for prepping ahead or enjoying a second dessert later.

Freezing

While freezing isn’t recommended for this frosting (the texture may change once thawed), you can make it a day ahead and refrigerate. If you must freeze, do so before adding the M&Ms and fold in fresh candies after thawing for the best results.

Reheating

This is a no-cook, cold frosting, so reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. If the frosting firms up a bit too much in the fridge, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes and give it a gentle stir before spreading.

FAQs

Can I make M&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the frosting up to a day in advance. Just keep it covered and chilled in the refrigerator until you’re ready to frost your treats. The colors and texture will be at their best if served within 24–48 hours.

Can I use regular M&Ms instead of mini?

Mini M&Ms work best because they distribute evenly and create bursts of color and chocolate throughout. If you only have regular M&Ms, give them a rough chop first so you don’t end up with big, unwieldy chunks in every bite.

Does this frosting work for piping or just spreading?

M&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting is light and fluffy, making it perfect for spreading or dolloping onto cakes and cupcakes. You can pipe it using a large round or open star tip, but keep in mind that it won’t hold super-sharp decorative edges for long.

Can I use a different pudding flavor?

Definitely! Chocolate, butterscotch, or even banana pudding mixes are fantastic alternatives for totally new flavor twists. Just swap out the vanilla pudding and keep the method the same for a deliciously different take each time.

What’s the best way to keep the M&Ms from bleeding color into the frosting?

The trick is to gently fold the M&Ms in at the very end and avoid overmixing. Mixing them in just before serving, or even sprinkling some on top instead, helps preserve their bright, happy hues within the frosting.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about making and sharing M&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting—it’s fuss-free, incredibly tasty, and guaranteed to bring smiles to anyone lucky enough to get a bite. Give this easy, colorful frosting a try the next time you want to turn a simple cake or cupcake into a celebration. Trust me, it’s always a sweet hit!

M&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: Frosts 12 cupcakes or 1 9×13-inch cake 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy decadence of this M&M’s Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting. A delightful treat for any dessert lover, this easy-to-make frosting adds a burst of color and flavor to your cakes, cupcakes, or brownies.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Frosting:

1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup cold milk
1 (8-ounce) tub Cool Whip, thawed
1/2 cup mini M&Ms (plus extra for topping)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Pudding: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until it begins to thicken.
Combine Ingredients: Gently fold in the Cool Whip and vanilla extract, if using, until smooth and fluffy. Stir in the mini M&Ms until evenly distributed.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before using to allow it to set.
Use: Spread on cakes, cupcakes, or brownies, and top with additional M&Ms for garnish.