Reese’s Swirl Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting

Some days call for a frosting that feels more like dessert than a topping—and this Reese’s Swirl Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting delivers. Right from the first spoonful, it’s a creamy, dreamy combo of chocolate pudding, peanut butter, and fluffy Cool Whip that makes your cakes, cupcakes, or even strawberries taste like they hit the jackpot. This frosting recipe comes together faster than you can say “save me a corner piece,” and yes—it includes real crushed Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups on top for that extra wow.

Back in my early baking days (we’re talking pre-kids, pre-Keurig), I once tried to make a Swiss meringue buttercream that tasted like sweet drywall. These days, I’m all about recipes that are high on flavor and low on effort. This frosting is a win with every age group, especially if you have little hands eager to “help” (a.k.a. lick the beaters clean). Ready to swirl some joy?

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

• Super simple – Just five minutes of prep and one bowl of happy.
• No baking required – Just mix, chill, and swoon.
• Kid-approved – Because anything with Cool Whip and Reese’s is a family favorite.
• Versatile – Frost cupcakes, dip fruit, or eat it with a spoon (no judgment).
• Perfect for parties – Fancy enough for a potluck, easy enough for a Tuesday.

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Ingredients

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

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Instructions

1. Mix the pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk until smooth. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
2. Make the peanut butter base: In another bowl, mix the peanut butter and powdered sugar until it’s nice and creamy.
3. Fold in Cool Whip: Gently fold the Cool Whip into the peanut butter mixture. Think clouds hugging peanut butter.
4. Combine it all: Add the thickened pudding to your peanut butter-Cool Whip mix and stir gently. You want swirls, not soup.
5. Chill: Pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to set.
6. Top and serve: Sprinkle with crushed Reese’s before serving. Spread on cake, cupcakes—or serve in a bowl with fruit or cookies for dipping.

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Melania’s Tips for Perfect Banana Bread

Oops, frosting brain! Let’s redirect that to:

Melania’s Tips for Perfect Reese’s Swirl Frosting

• Use whole milk if you can—it gives a creamier pudding texture.
• Don’t overmix once the pudding goes in; you want that layered swirl look.
• Want it extra peanut buttery? Add a few drops of vanilla to the PB-sugar mix for depth.
• No Cool Whip? You can use stabilized whipped cream (but Cool Whip gives that nostalgic fluff).

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Bake It With the Littles

This is a spoon-licker’s paradise. Let kids:

• Pour the pudding mix into the bowl (no measuring stress).
• Stir the peanut butter and sugar (with supervision).
• Crumble Reese’s with clean hands (a favorite task).
• Spread the frosting on cooled cupcakes or cookies—sprinkle away!

No baking? No problem. Kids love dipping apple slices or graham crackers in this frosting like it’s chocolate fondue.

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Meal-Prep Magic

• Make ahead: Prepare the frosting up to 3 days ahead and store it in the fridge in an airtight container.
• Freeze it: Yes, you can freeze this frosting! It holds up surprisingly well. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and give it a quick stir before using.
• Transport tips: For potlucks, pack it in a mason jar and bring a spoon—seriously, it’ll disappear faster than the cake.

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Healthier Swaps Without Losing the Magic

You can lighten this up while keeping it dreamy:

• Swap Cool Whip for light Cool Whip or coconut whipped topping.
• Use natural peanut butter (just stir it well first).
• Choose a sugar-free pudding mix and skip the powdered sugar (taste-test for sweetness).
• Use almond milk instead of regular milk—but cut it down to 1 ½ cups, since it sets softer.

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Leftover Remix

If you somehow have leftovers (rare, but hey):

• Dip it: Serve as a dip with pretzels, apple slices, or graham crackers.
• Stuff it: Spoon into mini tart shells for instant no-bake desserts.
• Layer it: Add to a trifle with brownie chunks and whipped cream.
• Freeze it: Dollop into silicone molds and freeze for Reese’s-flavored frosty bites.

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Gift It Like a Pro

Want to win over your PTA squad or thank your neighbor who fed your cat?

• Spoon the frosting into small mason jars, top with extra Reese’s, and tie a ribbon around the lid.
• Add a handwritten tag: “Warning: May cause spontaneous smiling. Eat with cake or a spoon.”
• Wrap it with a mini cupcake or a bag of strawberries for dipping—it’s charming, thoughtful, and no one has to know it took ten minutes.

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FAQs

Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant?
Yes, but make sure it’s completely cooled and thickened or it’ll thin the frosting too much.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Sure! Use almond milk, dairy-free whipped topping, and check the pudding mix for milk ingredients.

Is this stable enough to pipe?
It’s a softer frosting, so it’s better for spreading. You can pipe it, but use a wide tip and keep it chilled.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. It scales beautifully. Just make sure you’ve got a big enough bowl (and a little self-control).

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Final Thought

This Reese’s Swirl Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting is what happens when easy meets irresistible. It’s the kind of no-fuss treat that feels like a hug in dessert form—rich, fluffy, and unapologetically chocolatey-peanut-buttery. Whether you’re frosting a birthday cake, hosting a potluck, or just spooning it straight from the bowl after bedtime (we’ve all been there), this recipe is here for it. Save it, share it, and don’t forget the extra Reese’s on top. You deserve it.

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