Cool Whip Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is so light and fluffy. It has the perfect amount of sweetness without being too heavy.

Cool whip cream cheese frosting on a cupcake.
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We love to make this cool whip frosting for something a little lighter than buttercream. With just 4 ingredients, this homemade frosting recipe is super easy and so tasty. It is a must try and pairs perfectly with numerous desserts.

Also try Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting, Red Velvet Cupcakes, Carrot Cake Cupcakes and Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting.

If you have leftover cool whip, make Cool Whip Candy and Cool Whip Cake Mix Cookies.

Why This Recipe Works

This is such an easy recipe. If you are looking for an easy recipe without pudding mix, this is so delicious. It is effortless to make with minimum ingredients.

The cream cheese mixture blended with the whipped topping is so delicious. It isn’t too heavy but still gives the dessert the perfect amount of sweetness.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Cool whip cream cheese frosting - whipped topping, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract
  • Whipped Topping. I used Cool Whip, but you can use store brand.
  • Cream Cheese. Soften this at room temperature so it’s easier to combine. Learn How to Soften Cream Cheese.
  • Powdered Sugar. Sift to remove any lumps before using.
  • Vanilla Extract. Make sure to use pure vanilla extract.

Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Step by Step Instructions

Cream cheese beat until soft and fluffy.

Step 1. Beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy. I used the bowl of a stand mixer and the paddle attachment on medium speed for best results. You can also just use a large mixing bowl.

Powdered sugar and vanilla mixed into the bowl.

Step 2. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed for 1-2 minutes until well combined. 

Whipped topping mixed into the frosting ingredients until well blended.

Step 3. Increase the mixture speed to medium and then mix in the whipped topping until the desired texture. Makes sure to scrape the sides of the bowl.

Cool Whip Cream cheese frosting piped on cupcake.

Step 4. Top your favorite dessert with frosting.

Recipe Tips

  • Cream Cheese. Make sure to use full fat cream cheese in this recipe. 
  • Piping Bag. Place the frosting in a piping bag to easily decorate layer cakes and cupcakes.
  • Room temperature. The cream cheese should be room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
  • Homemade whipped cream. Instead of cool whip, you can make homemade whipped cream. Use 1 ½ cups heavy whipped cream. Form the whipped cream by beating the cream with 1 cup of the powdered sugar and vanilla.
  • Frosting Cakes. If you are frosting a layer cake, refrigerate after frosting the first layer for 15 minutes. Then top with the next layer and continue. This will help the frosting to hold up and make it more stable.
Cool whip cream cheese frosting in a bowl.

How to Thicken Frosting

If the frosting is too thin, add in more powdered sugar until it’s the consistency that you prefer. 

How to Thin Frosting

If your frosting is too thick, gradually add milk until it’s the consistency that you prefer.  Combine with a rubber spatula.

Serving Suggestions

This cream cheese frosting cool whip recipe is great topped on your favorite baked goods. The flavor is amazing and even better topped on these delicious recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this frosting need to be refrigerated?

Yes, this cool whip frosting needs to be stored in the fridge.

How to store

Place the frosting in the fridge inside an airtight container.

How long will this frosting last

This frosting is best used immediately but you can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

More Easy Frosting Recipes

We love to hear from you. If you make this cream cheese cool whip frosting Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.

Cool Whip Cream Cheese Frosting

4.52 from 41 votes
Cool Whip Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is so light and fluffy. It has the perfect amount of sweetness without being too heavy.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 8
Cuisine American
Course Dessert
Calories 281

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Beat the softened cream cheese with a hand held mixer or stand up mixer until smooth and creamy.
  • Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat on low speed for 1-2 minutes until the ingredients are well combined.
  • Increase the mixture speed to medium and then mix in the whipped topping. Mix for 2-3 minutes until the whipped topping is combined and your frosting has reached your desired texture.
  • Use the frosting immediately and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Make sure to use full fat cream cheese in this recipe. 
If your frosting is too thick, gradually add milk until it’s the consistency that you prefer.  If your frosting is too thin, add in more powdered sugar until it’s the consistency that you prefer. 
This frosting is best used immediately but you can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 281kcal, Carbohydrates 38g, Protein 3g, Fat 13g, Saturated Fat 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g, Monounsaturated Fat 3g, Cholesterol 29mg, Sodium 110mg, Potassium 67mg, Sugar 37g, Vitamin A 402IU, Calcium 48mg, Iron 0.1mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Desserts on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you create delicious desserts on a budget and do not require a ton of time. Together, we are going to make something sweet that the entire family will love!

4.52 from 41 votes (41 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Christine Thomas says:

    Can I add a cup of hersheys cocoa to this frosting?

    1. Carrie Barnard says:

      Christine – I haven’t tested that yet so I’m not sure if that would work well or not. Based on my quick research, I think that mixing in a instant chocolate pudding mix would work great to make a chocolate variety for this icing recipe. If you try it out, please let us know how it turned out! Thank you!