When you think of homemade candy, you might picture candy thermometers, boiling sugar, and complicated steps. But this fun recipe proves that candy doesn’t have to be hard. With just a few pantry staples and a tub of Cool Whip, you can whip up frozen, melt-in-your-mouth treats that look festive and taste like a mix of candy and ice cream.
It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for kids to help with, for holiday trays, or just for those moments when you want a sweet bite without turning on the oven. Each candy is light, fluffy, and creamy on the inside, with a hint of crunch if you add sprinkles.
This is also one of those recipes that’s endlessly customizable. You can change the pudding flavor, play with colors, or top them with crushed cookies or nuts. They’re freezer-friendly, quick to make, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
What You’ll Need
• 1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed
• 1 small box (3.4 oz) instant pudding mix (vanilla, chocolate, or your favorite flavor)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional, for fun colors)
• Sprinkles or colored sugar (optional, for decoration and crunch)
How to Make Them
Step 1: Get Ready
Make sure your Cool Whip is thawed and soft. If it’s too frozen, it won’t mix smoothly. Grab a large mixing bowl and a spoon or hand mixer.
Step 2: Mix It Up
Add the Cool Whip, pudding mix, powdered sugar, and vanilla to the bowl. Stir gently until the mixture is thick and smooth. The consistency should remind you of frosting.
Step 3: Add Color
If you want bright, playful candies, stir in a few drops of food coloring. Pastel shades work great for spring, while bold red or green makes them festive for the holidays.
Step 4: Line Your Tray
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures the candies won’t stick once frozen.
Step 5: Scoop & Shape
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the tray. You can make them small like bite-sized candies or larger like truffles. A small cookie scoop makes them neat and uniform.
Step 6: Sprinkle On Top
While the candies are still soft, add sprinkles, colored sugar, or even crushed cookies for extra texture and decoration.
Step 7: Freeze Until Solid
Place the tray in the freezer for 2 to 3 hours, or until the candies are firm.
Step 8: Serve & Smile
Pop them out of the freezer and enjoy immediately. They taste best cold and will melt if left out too long.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• No cooking required — just mix, scoop, and freeze.
• Perfect for kids to help with.
• Freezer-friendly for up to 1 month.
• Easy to customize with flavors, colors, and toppings.
Flavor Variations
• Chocolate Delight: Use chocolate pudding mix and add a drizzle of melted chocolate before freezing.
• Birthday Party: Use vanilla pudding, rainbow food coloring swirls, and lots of sprinkles.
• Lemon Burst: Use lemon pudding mix with a little zest for a fresh, citrusy bite.
• Peppermint Holiday: Use vanilla pudding with crushed peppermint candies on top.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Add a spoonful of peanut butter to the mixture before scooping.
Storage Tips
Keep the candies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to one month. Layer them with parchment paper if stacking. They will soften quickly at room temperature, so take out only what you plan to eat right away.
Serving Ideas
These little treats are perfect as:
• A quick after-school snack for kids
• A colorful addition to dessert platters or holiday cookie trays
• Bite-sized party desserts
• A cold sweet treat on hot summer days
Troubleshooting
• Too soft after freezing? Try leaving them in the freezer for another hour.
• Mixture won’t thicken? Double-check that you’re using instant pudding mix (not the cook-and-serve kind).
• Sticking to the tray? Make sure you’ve lined it with parchment paper, not wax paper.
Final Thoughts
Cool Whip Candy is the kind of recipe that brings out your playful side in the kitchen. It’s easy, colorful, and fun to share. Whether you keep the flavors simple or experiment with wild variations, these frozen candies are guaranteed to brighten up any day.
Serve them at a party, bring them to a holiday gathering, or just keep a stash in the freezer for when a sweet craving strikes. No matter how you enjoy them, they’re a sweet little reminder that homemade candy doesn’t need to be complicated.