If you’re looking for a fun, sweet treat that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, look no further than Easy Cool Whip Candy! This no-bake, melt-in-your-mouth candy comes together with just a few ingredients and offers endless customization options. Whether you want something bright and colorful for a party, or simply a sweet snack for your family, this recipe will deliver!
Soft, creamy, and perfectly sweet, these bite-sized candies are delightful for kids and adults alike. Let’s whip up some Cool Whip magic!
Why You’ll Love Easy Cool Whip Candy
- No Baking Required: No oven, no stovetop—just mix, chill, and enjoy!
- Quick and Simple: Comes together in minutes with only a handful of ingredients.
- Customizable: Use your favorite pudding flavors, add food coloring, and decorate with sprinkles to make them your own.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will love helping to mix, shape, and decorate these fun little treats.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From birthday parties to holidays, these candies can be adapted for any event.
What Does Cool Whip Candy Taste Like?
Cool Whip Candy is light, fluffy, and creamy, with a subtle sweetness from the powdered sugar and a burst of flavor from the pudding mix. Depending on the pudding flavor you choose, you can make everything from vanilla or chocolate candies to tropical flavors like lemon or coconut. The texture is soft and velvety, almost like a cross between fudge and marshmallow fluff.
Benefits of Making Cool Whip Candy
- No Special Equipment Needed: Just a bowl and spoon are all you need.
- Great for Beginners: Even if you’re new to the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof!
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable, everyday ingredients.
- Perfect for Gifting: Pack these candies in a decorative box or jar for a homemade gift.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 small box (3.4 oz) instant pudding mix (choose your favorite flavor, like vanilla, chocolate, lemon, or pistachio)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional, for a pop of color)
- Sprinkles or colored sugar (optional, for decorating)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or spatula for mixing
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or wax paper
- Small cookie scoop or spoon
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
- Pudding Flavor: Try flavors like butterscotch, banana cream, or cheesecake for fun variations.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free whipped topping and pudding mix to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Add Texture: Mix in crushed cookies, chopped nuts, or mini chocolate chips for an added crunch.
- Festive Touch: Use seasonal sprinkles or edible glitter to match the occasion (red and green for Christmas, pastel for Easter, etc.).
How to Make Easy Cool Whip Candy
Step 1: Mix the Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Cool Whip, pudding mix, and vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined and smooth. The mixture will be thick and creamy.
Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar
- Gradually add the powdered sugar to the pudding mixture, stirring until it’s well incorporated. The mixture will become thicker as you mix.
- If desired, divide the mixture into separate bowls and mix in food coloring to create different colors.
Step 3: Shape the Candies
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper.
- Using a small cookie scoop, spoon, or your hands, portion the mixture into small, bite-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Decorate
- If you’re using sprinkles or colored sugar, roll each candy ball in the decoration until evenly coated.
- For a more polished look, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the candies.
Step 5: Chill
Refrigerate the candies for at least 1 hour, or until they firm up. Once set, they’re ready to serve!
What to Serve with Cool Whip Candy
These candies are delicious on their own, but you can pair them with other treats for a complete dessert spread:
- Cookies: Serve alongside sugar cookies, shortbread, or chocolate chip cookies.
- Fruit Platter: Add fresh fruit like strawberries, bananas, or pineapple to balance the sweetness.
- Hot Drinks: Pair with coffee, hot chocolate, or tea for an indulgent treat.
- Ice Cream: Use these candies as a fun topping for a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
Tips for Perfect Cool Whip Candy
- Keep Cool: Always refrigerate the candies to maintain their shape and creamy texture.
- Use Instant Pudding: Make sure to use instant pudding mix, not cook-and-serve, for the best results.
- Experiment with Shapes: Use small silicone molds to create fun shapes like hearts, stars, or flowers.
- Don’t Overwork: Mix the ingredients gently to maintain the light, fluffy texture of the Cool Whip.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store the candies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep them chilled until ready to serve.
- Freezer: Freeze the candies on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
A: While you can use homemade whipped cream, the texture may be softer and less stable. Cool Whip is specifically formulated to hold its shape, which works better for this recipe.
Q: Can I make these candies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These candies can be made up to 2–3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Q: Can I skip the powdered sugar?
A: The powdered sugar helps firm up the mixture and adds sweetness. If you skip it, the candies may not hold their shape as well.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! Be sure to use a gluten-free pudding mix and check your other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
Conclusion
These Easy Cool Whip Candies are a delightful, no-bake treat that you can whip up in no time! With endless customization options, they’re perfect for holidays, parties, or just a fun afternoon in the kitchen. Sweet, creamy, and colorful, they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my No-Bake Oreo Truffles or Strawberry Cheesecake Bites for more no-bake dessert ideas. Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on Pinterest or Instagram—I’d love to see your candy creations!
Approximate Nutrition (per candy, based on 20 candies):
Calories: 60 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 3g | Carbs: 8g | Sugar: 6g