Mix Cool Whip And Cream Cheese For An Easy, Decadent Frosting

Whether you prefer delicate cake layers or can't resist the sweet and creamy frosting, we have an easy recipe that will satisfy your cravings. Made with just two ingredients, Cool Whip and cream cheese, this decadent frosting is a combination of light and fluffy textures balanced with a cream cheese tang that will leave you wanting more.

To make this frosting, you'll need bricks of cream cheese and a thawed container of Cool Whip or a similar brand of non-dairy whipped topping. Using a hand mixer or whisk attachment for a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add dollops of Cool Whip until combined. Since Cool Whip is sweetened, the frosting doesn't need additional sugar. However, if you like your frosting to be extra sweet, you can sweeten the cream cheese with powdered sugar (or a powdered sugar substitute) before mixing it in Cool Whip.

The frosting has a cloud-like mouthfeel similar to homemade whipped cream but with a subtle sour tanginess akin to the cream cheese icing used to top your favorite carrot cake recipe. You can apply a generous amount of frosting between cake layers or plop it on cupcakes for a heavenly blend of flavor and texture. If you'd like to customize the color, use a gel-based food coloring that won't affect the frosting's texture. Cool Whip frosting can be stored in an airtight container for up to seven days in the refrigerator. 

When making Cool Whip frosting, you need to keep everything cold to maintain its structure. Start by placing your utensils in the freezer for at least 15 minutes. Full-fat or "original" Cool Whip and full-fat cream cheese are necessary, as fat helps to stabilize and firm up the topping. Whipped topping is sturdier than homemade whipped cream, but this frosting should be kept cold to prevent it from weeping. Avoid leaving the frosted cake out for more than 30 minutes, or add a stabilizing ingredient like cream of tartar.

If you don't mind it sweeter, sugar will help stiffen the frosting. Slowly add a tablespoon of confectioners' sugar until it reaches the desired consistency. You can also whip a package of instant pudding with the cream cheese before combining it with the Cool Whip. Vanilla pudding is a natural choice, but chocolate flavored is also a delicious addition to the recipe.  

To firm the Cool Whip frosting without changing its flavor or sweetness, you can add up to two teaspoons of meringue powder or arrowroot. Bakers commonly use these as a substitute for egg whites to prevent icings from deflating. If you don't have either on hand, you can use cornstarch to give the frosting body, but limit it to two tablespoons, or it will impact the flavor.

Not a fan of how things turned out? You can hide messy frosting mistakes with strategic ingredients, like fruit or sprinkles.