M&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting
Okay, dessert lovers, buckle up—because this recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine the fluffiest, creamiest frosting you’ve ever had, now swirl in the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of pudding and finish it off with colorful, crunchy M&Ms. M&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting is like a party in a bowl—sweet, light, and playful with just the right touch of crunch. It’s perfect for topping cupcakes, cookies, brownies… or honestly, eating by the spoonful when no one’s watching (no judgment here). This is the kind of recipe that turns a plain dessert into a showstopper, and the best part? It’s ridiculously easy. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to whip up something fun—you’re going to love this.
Why You’ll Love M&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile
Whether you’re topping cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or using it as a fun dip for fruit or graham crackers, this frosting brings a playful twist to just about anything.
Budget-Friendly
Everything you need is probably already in your pantry or fridge. No specialty store runs, no pricey ingredients—just simple stuff that delivers big flavor.
Quick and Easy
This is what I call a “mix-and-wow” recipe. No baking, no fuss, no fancy tools. Just whip, fold, and boom—you’re done.
Customizable
Swap out pudding flavors, use different M&Ms (hello, peanut or pretzel!), or mix in other toppings like mini marshmallows or crushed Oreos.
Crowd-Pleasing
Sweet, colorful, and creamy? This frosting is a total hit with kids and adults. Perfect for parties, bake sales, or any moment that calls for a little edible joy.

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Ingredients
Here’s the beauty of this frosting—it takes just a few familiar ingredients, but when they come together, magic happens. Let’s break it down:
Instant Pudding Mix
The flavor base of your frosting. Choose your favorite—vanilla, chocolate, or even cheesecake. It gives the frosting body and richness.
Cold Milk
Used to dissolve the pudding and help it whip up light and smooth. It’s key for that creamy texture.
Cool Whip
This is what brings the fluff! Cool Whip keeps the frosting light, airy, and oh-so-dreamy.
M&Ms
The colorful crunch that takes this from “yum” to heck yes. They add texture, color, and that signature chocolatey bite.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment
No need to preheat anything here—just make sure your mixing bowl is nice and cold if you want an extra fluffy finish.
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk until it begins to thicken—this usually takes a minute or two. You’re looking for a smooth, creamy base.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel
In this case, it’s more like your frosting vessel—a bowl for chilling or a piping bag if you’re feeling fancy. No greasing required!
Assemble the Dish
Once the pudding is thick, gently fold in the Cool Whip until fully combined. Then stir in the M&Ms. Be gentle—no need to crush the candies unless you want little chocolate bursts in every bite.
Cook to Perfection
No cooking needed—just chill the frosting in the fridge for 15–30 minutes to firm it up a bit and let those flavors meld.
Finishing Touches
If you’re spreading this on cake or cupcakes, smooth it with a spatula or pipe it with a star tip for bakery-style flair. Top with a few extra M&Ms for an eye-catching finish.
Serve and Enjoy
Spread it, dip it, scoop it—however you enjoy it, this frosting brings instant joy.
How to Serve M&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting
This sweet, fluffy frosting is as flexible as it is fun. Here are a few creative ways to enjoy it:
Cupcake Topping
Pipe or spread onto your favorite cupcakes—vanilla, chocolate, or funfetti all work beautifully.
Cake Frosting
Frost an entire layer cake or sheet cake with this fluffy goodness. It’s easy to spread and doesn’t weigh the cake down.
Dip for Fruit or Cookies
Serve it in a bowl with strawberries, banana slices, graham crackers, or vanilla wafers for dipping.
Frozen Treat
Spoon it into cups and freeze for an icy dessert—kind of like a semi-frozen mousse.
Party Platter Star
Serve in a dish with mini spoons or dessert shooters for a make-ahead party dessert.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead
You can make this frosting a day in advance—just store it in the fridge in an airtight container.
Customize the Candy
Use holiday M&Ms for seasonal themes, or swap them for Reese’s Pieces, chopped candy bars, or mini chocolate chips.
Add Texture
Want more crunch? Stir in chopped pretzels, crushed cookies, or even cereal for a playful twist.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving if it’s been sitting for a while.
Double the Fun
Making a cake for a crowd? Double the recipe—it spreads generously and tastes even better the next day.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use sugar-free pudding mix?
A1: Absolutely! It works just as well and is a great way to lighten things up a bit.
Q2: Can I make this frosting ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Prepare it the day before and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep any extra frosting in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze this frosting?
A4: Yes, though the texture may change slightly. It becomes more like a frozen mousse—still delicious!
Q5: What pudding flavors work best?
A5: Vanilla, chocolate, cheesecake, and butterscotch are all amazing. Go with your mood!
Q6: Can I pipe this frosting?
A6: Totally! It holds its shape well and looks beautiful swirled on top of cupcakes.
Q7: Is this frosting sturdy enough for layered cakes?
A7: It’s best for one or two layers. For tall or heavy cakes, chill it well first for extra stability.
Q8: Can I use real whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
A8: You can, but be sure it’s whipped to stiff peaks and serve right away, as it won’t hold as long.
Q9: Are there nut-free versions of M&Ms I can use?
A9: Yes, plain M&Ms are nut-free, but always double-check the packaging if allergies are a concern.
Q10: What’s the best pudding-to-Cool Whip ratio?
A10: Stick to the recipe card ratios for the best texture—too much pudding and it gets dense, too much Cool Whip and it won’t hold.
Conclusion
M&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting is the kind of playful, colorful recipe that brings out everyone’s inner kid. It’s light, creamy, and packed with flavor and texture in every bite. Perfect for topping cakes, dunking cookies, or just sneaking by the spoonful from the fridge. Whether you’re making it for a party or a late-night treat, this recipe is pure fun in dessert form. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll never look at frosting the same way again.
Print
M&Ms Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Enough to frost 12 cupcakes or a 9-inch cake
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fun, fluffy, and colorful frosting made with instant pudding, Cool Whip, and M&Ms—perfect for topping cakes and cupcakes with a sweet crunch.
Ingredients
- 1 package of instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 cup M&Ms (plus extra for topping)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken.
- Gently fold the thawed Cool Whip into the pudding mixture until well combined and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Fold in 1 cup of M&Ms, reserving some for topping.
- Spread the frosting over your favorite cake or cupcakes.
- Sprinkle extra M&Ms on top for a colorful finish.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving if a firmer texture is desired.
Notes
- Best used on chilled or cooled cakes to prevent melting.
- Use different M&M varieties for seasonal themes or added crunch.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg