Cool Whip Cream Cheese Frosting combines the tangy richness of cream cheese with the airy texture of Cool Whip. This combination creates the most delectable topping that makes everything taste better, from cakes to cookies.
Traditional cream cheese frosting is known for its thick, rich decadence. By adding Whipped Topping, you get a lighter consistency that has a less intense sweetness, offering a refreshing twist.
Additionally, the addition of Cool Whip helps extend the volume of your frosting, making it go further while keeping that delicious flavor. Use this light, fluffy, and creamy frosting on a variety of desserts.
This frosting will generously frost 2 dozen cupcakes or enough for a frosted cake with a little leftover for snacking. You could frost 3 dozen cupcakes if spreading on the frosting lightly.
This recipe is a great option for our Red Velvet Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting or a carrot cake.
Just 4 Ingredients to this recipe.
This is one of those recipes that is easy to remember. That’s a good thing, since you’ll be making it on repeat once you taste this and see how easy it is to make this frosting. Cool Whip cream cheese frosting is a delightful blend of creamy yet fluffy textures, crafted from cream cheese, salted butter, powdered sugar, and whipped topping.
Tips for Success
- Softening Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is properly softened before starting. This makes it easier to blend smoothly with the sugar and Cool Whip.
- Avoid Overmixing: When incorporating the Cool Whip, fold gently to keep the frosting light and airy.
- Sweetness Level: If you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the amount of sugar to 1/4 cup or use a sugar substitute.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts like almond, lemon, or coconut to customize the flavor of your frosting.
Cool Whip Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 8 Ounces Cream Cheese 1 package, softened to room temperature
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 8 Ounces Cool Whip 1 tub, thawed, or use the stabilized whipping cream recipe below
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment until smooth and creamy.8 Ounces Cream Cheese
- Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract and continue to beat until well combined.1 Cup Granulated Sugar, 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip until the mixture is fully blended and smooth. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the fluffy texture.8 Ounces Cool Whip
- Use immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or any dessert of your choice, or refrigerate until ready to use.
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Stabilized Homemade Whipped Cream
Ingredients:• 1 tsp unflavored gelatin (such as Knox)
• 4 tsp cold water
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract Instructions:
1. Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the cold water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom.
2. Dissolve the Gelatin: Once the gelatin has bloomed, heat it in the microwave for about 10 seconds until it turns into a clear liquid. Allow it to cool slightly but not set.
3. Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, start whipping the cold heavy cream with an electric mixer with a whisk attachment on medium speed.
4. Add Sugar and Vanilla: As the cream begins to thicken, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue whipping until you see soft peaks form.
5. Incorporate the Gelatin: Gradually pour the cooled gelatin into the cream while continuing to whip. Whip until stiff peaks form, ensuring the gelatin is fully incorporated.
Use this to make the whipped cream frosting above.
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Cakes: This frosting pairs beautifully with classic cakes like vanilla, chocolate, and red velvet.
- Cupcakes: Frost your favorite cupcakes for a light and creamy topping.
- Fruit Dips: Use as a dip for fresh fruits like strawberries, apple slices, or pineapple.
- Cookies and Bars: Spread over sugar cookies, brownies, or lemon bars for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any unused frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Freezing: You can also freeze this frosting. Place it in an airtight container and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before using. For best results, give it a gentle stir to bring it back to the right consistency.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, you can substitute homemade whipped cream, but be aware that the texture might be slightly different. Ensure your whipped cream is very stable to maintain the frosting’s structure.
The best way to use homemade whipped cream is to make stabilized whipped cream. Easy Homemade Whipped Cream That Holds its Shape.
You could substitute this whipping cream recipe below for the whipped topping in the frosting recipe card. Here is a bit more information on that to help you.
Stabilized Homemade Whipped Cream
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp unflavored gelatin (such as Knox)
- 4 tsp cold water
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the cold water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom.
- Dissolve the Gelatin: Once the gelatin has bloomed, heat it in the microwave for about 10 seconds until it turns into a clear liquid. Allow it to cool slightly but not set.
- Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, start whipping the cold heavy cream with an electric mixer with a whisk attachment on medium speed.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: As the cream begins to thicken, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue whipping until you see soft peaks form.
- Incorporate the Gelatin: Gradually pour the cooled gelatin into the cream while continuing to whip. Whip until stiff peaks form, ensuring the gelatin is fully incorporated.
Use this to make the whipped cream frosting above.
Can I add food coloring?
Absolutely! Add a few drops of your desired food coloring to the cream cheese mixture before folding in the Cool Whip for a colored frosting.
What’s the best way to apply this frosting?
For a smooth finish, use an offset spatula or a piping bag with your favorite tip. If you prefer a more rustic look, simply use a butter knife to spread it over your dessert.
Piping Tips for Cupcakes
This is a soft and fluffy frosting. Here are our tips for piping on frosting on cupcakes.
Pastry Bag and Tip: Use a sturdy pastry bag fitted with your favorite piping tip. A large star tip or round tip work well for achieving beautiful swirls.
Fill the Bag: Carefully spoon the frosting into the pastry bag, filling it about two-thirds full. Twist the top of the bag to close it and push the frosting down towards the tip. Pro Tip. I like to put the pastry bag in a glass and fold the edges of the bag over the glass. This helps keep it open while you are filling it.
Practice: If you’re new to piping, practice on a plate or piece of parchment paper before piping onto your cupcakes. This will help you get a feel for the pressure needed to create consistent swirls.
Pipe the Frosting: Starting at the outer edge of the cupcake, pipe a swirl of frosting in a circular motion, working your way towards the center. Apply even pressure to the bag for smooth, consistent results.
Keep the frosting cool to maintain its shape. If it starts to soften too much while piping, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes.
Cool the cupcakes before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Once frosted, store the cupcakes in the refrigerator until ready to serve to keep the frosting firm and fresh.
Can Cool Whip Be Used as Frosting?
Cool Whip on its own is too soft to serve as an effective frosting. However, adding a stabilizing agent it is a great option. The best way is to add instant pudding mix and powdered sugar. It will firm up the whipped topping.
It’s also a great way to add flavor. You could have lemon frosting, chocolate frosting, strawberry, cherry, or even pistachio flavors.
We hope you enjoyed this cool whip frosting recipe. It is one of our favorite frosting recipes. We have a few other icing recipes for you to try out too.
Thank you for sharing this recipe