I discovered this amazing Cool Whip candy recipe during a summer playdate and it's become our favorite treat to make together! These sweet little bites are so simple my kids can help create them. The best part? No hot stove or complicated steps just mix shape and freeze. We love getting creative with colors and toppings for different occasions.
Why These Sweet Treats Are So Special
There's something magical about how these candies come together. The creamy center gets this wonderful frozen texture that melts in your mouth. I love that I can whip up a batch for last minute gatherings or when the kids want to make something special. They're perfect for everything from birthday parties to holiday celebrations.
Your Shopping List
- Cool Whip: This gives us that perfect creamy base make sure it's fully thawed.
- Instant Pudding Mix: Pick your favorite flavor I love using vanilla or chocolate.
- Powdered Sugar: Makes everything smooth and sweet.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash makes all the flavors pop.
- Food Coloring: Optional but so fun for making themed treats.
- Sprinkles or Sugar: Because everything's better with sprinkles!
Let's Make Some Magic
- Get Everything Ready
- Make sure your Cool Whip is nice and soft. Gather all your ingredients this goes quick!
- Mix It Up
- In a big bowl blend your Cool Whip pudding mix powdered sugar and vanilla until it's smooth like frosting.
- Add Some Color
- If you want colorful treats now's the time to add a few drops of food coloring.
- Shape Your Candies
- Line a tray with parchment then scoop little dollops of your mixture onto it.
- Make Them Pretty
- Sprinkle on any decorations you like while they're still soft.
- Time to Chill
- Pop them in the freezer for a few hours until they're nice and firm.
My Best Tips
- Use a Cookie Scoop: This is my secret for getting perfect little portions every time.
- Keep Them Cold: Store these in a sealed container in your freezer they'll stay fresh and delicious.
Fun Ways to Mix It Up
- Try New Flavors: Sometimes we use pistachio pudding mix it's surprisingly delicious!
- Make Them Festive: Red and green for Christmas pink for Valentine's Day the possibilities are endless.
- Add Extra Crunch: Crushed cookies or tiny chocolate chips make them even more special.
Perfect Ways to Share
We love serving these straight from the freezer at parties. They're wonderful alongside other no bake treats for summer gatherings. I've even wrapped them up in pretty boxes as holiday gifts everyone always asks for the recipe!
Keeping Them Fresh
These little treats stay perfect in the freezer for about two weeks in a sealed container. Always serve them frozen they're best when they're nice and firm. Don't try keeping them in the fridge they need that freezer chill to stay perfect.
Quick Answers to Common Questions
- Regular Whipped Cream OK? Stick with Cool Whip it holds up so much better.
- Freeze Time? Give them at least 2 to 3 hours to get nice and firm.
- Making Them Vegan? Look for dairy free whipped topping and pudding they work great!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Cool Whip works best as it's more stable when frozen. Regular whipped cream may become too icy and lose its creamy texture.
- How long do these candies last in the freezer?
When stored in an airtight container, these candies will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Let them sit for a minute before eating for best texture.
- What pudding flavors work best?
Any instant pudding flavor works great! Popular choices include vanilla, chocolate, butterscotch, and strawberry. You can even mix flavors for unique combinations.
- Why did my candies become too soft?
The candies need to stay frozen to maintain their shape. Make sure to keep them in the freezer until right before serving and return leftovers promptly.
- Can I make these sugar-free?
Yes, use sugar-free pudding mix and substitute the powdered sugar with a powdered sweetener alternative for a lower-sugar version.