Reese’s Swirl Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting is the kind of treat that tastes like dessert but acts like a frosting—and honestly, it might steal the spotlight from the cake itself. Imagine a luscious swirl of chocolate pudding, creamy peanut butter, and fluffy Cool Whip, topped with crushed Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Whether you’re frosting cupcakes or just need a dip for strawberries (or a spoon), this five-minute recipe hits that sweet, nostalgic spot every time.

I came up with this frosting after a failed Swiss meringue buttercream attempt that reminded me of sweet drywall. These days, I’m all about big flavor and zero stress—especially with little ones eager to “help” (read: lick the beaters). So if your day needs a little joy in dessert form, this Reese’s Swirl Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting is here to hug your cake and your soul.

Why You’ll Love This Reese’s Swirl Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting

Only 5 minutes – Fast enough for last-minute cravings.
No baking required – Just mix, chill, and swoon.
Kid magnet – Cool Whip and Reese’s? Say less.
Party-perfect – Easy for potlucks, but pretty enough for gifting.
Totally versatile – Spread it, dip it, or eat it with a spoon (we won’t tell).

Ingredients

1 box of instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
1 cup Cool Whip (thawed)
½ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup powdered sugar
¼ cup crushed Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (for topping)

Instructions

1. Mix the Pudding

In a medium bowl, whisk together pudding mix and milk until smooth. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.

2. Make the Peanut Butter Base

In another bowl, mix peanut butter and powdered sugar until creamy and smooth.

3. Fold in Cool Whip

Gently fold the Cool Whip into the peanut butter mix—like clouds hugging peanut butter.

4. Combine

Add the thickened pudding to the peanut butter-Cool Whip mixture and stir gently. You want visible swirls, not soup.

5. Chill

Refrigerate for 30 minutes to let it set up.

6. Top and Serve

Sprinkle with crushed Reese’s. Spread on cupcakes or cake—or serve in a bowl with fruit or graham crackers.

Melania’s Tips for Perfect Reese’s Swirl Frosting

Use whole milk for creamier pudding texture.
Don’t overmix—you want pretty swirls, not mud.
A drop of vanilla extract deepens the peanut butter flavor.
No Cool Whip? Try stabilized whipped cream—but Cool Whip adds nostalgic fluff.

Bake It With the Littles

This recipe is a dream for mini chefs:

Let them pour in pudding mix (no measuring mess!)
Supervise as they mix peanut butter and sugar.
Let them crumble Reese’s—they love this part.
Spread frosting and add toppings like edible glitter or sprinkles.

For no-bake fun, serve it as a dip for apple slices or homemade graham crackers.

Meal-Prep Magic

Make Ahead: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze It: Freeze in scoops or a sealed tub—thaw overnight in fridge, stir, and it’s ready!
Transport Tip: Spoon into mason jars for potlucks—bonus points if you pack some strawberries or cookies on the side.

Healthier Swaps Without Losing the Magic

Use light Cool Whip or coconut whipped topping.
Swap in natural peanut butter—just stir it well.
Go with sugar-free pudding mix and skip the powdered sugar.
Use unsweetened almond milk, but reduce to 1½ cups to avoid a runny texture.

Leftover Remix

Yes, you might actually have leftovers (rare but magical):

Dip it: Pair with pretzels, banana slices, or cookies.
Stuff it: Fill mini tart shells or sandwich between graham crackers.
Layer it: Add to trifles with brownie chunks and whipped cream.
Freeze bites: Spoon into silicone molds for frozen treats.

Gift It Like a Pro

Want to say “thanks” without baking a cake?

Spoon frosting into small mason jars
Top with crushed Reese’s
Add a tag: “Spread joy. Or just eat it with a spoon.”
Pair it with a cupcake, a bag of strawberries, or a movie night invite.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant?
Yes, just make sure it’s fully cooled and thick enough or it’ll thin out the frosting.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Totally. Use almond milk, dairy-free Cool Whip, and check your pudding label for hidden dairy.

Is this frosting pipeable?
It’s soft but can be piped with a large open star tip if chilled well.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just use a big bowl and a little self-control.

Final Thought

This Reese’s Swirl Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting is your dessert BFF—easy, indulgent, and begging for a spoon. Whether you’re dressing up a sheet cake, dipping strawberries, or sneaking bites straight from the bowl after bedtime (no shame here), it brings pure joy in under five minutes. Want more easy magic? Check out our no-bake peanut butter bars or chocolate sour cream frosting next.

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