Easy Vanilla Pudding Frosting (5-Minute Recipe!)
Prep Time: 5 mins
Chill Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Servings: 8 (Makes ~1.5 cups)
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
This 3-ingredient Vanilla Pudding Frosting is light, creamy, and perfectly sweet—ideal for cakes, cupcakes, or cookies! Ready in minutes with no butter needed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Only 3 main ingredients (plus vanilla!)
✔️ No butter or heavy cream—lighter than traditional frosting
✔️ Silky-smooth texture that pipes beautifully
✔️ Customizable—add cocoa powder, citrus zest, or sprinkles!
Ingredients
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (or more to taste)
- ½ cup milk (whole milk for richness, or any variety)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
(Optional add-ins: whipped topping, lemon zest, cocoa powder)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together pudding mix and powdered sugar.
2️⃣ Add Wet Ingredients
- Gradually pour in milk, whisking until smooth (no lumps!).
- Stir in vanilla extract.
3️⃣ Chill & Thicken
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 mins (frosting will firm up).
- Stir before using to fluff up.
4️⃣ Frost & Enjoy!
Spread or pipe onto cakes, cupcakes, or cookies.
Pro Tips
🔸 Too thick? Add 1 tsp milk at a time.
🔸 Too thin? Chill longer or add a bit more pudding mix.
🔸 Flavor twists:
- Chocolate: Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder.
- Lemon: Swap vanilla for lemon extract + zest.
- Coconut: Use coconut milk + ¼ tsp coconut extract.
Nutrition (Per 2-Tbsp Serving)
Calories: 120 | Carbs: 25g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g
Serving Suggestions
✨ Perfect for vanilla cake, angel food cake, or cinnamon rolls.
✨ Pipe onto strawberries or graham crackers for a quick treat.
✨ Layer with fresh fruit for a parfait!
Storage
- Fridge: Keep covered for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended (texture changes).
Final Thoughts
This Vanilla Pudding Frosting is a game-changer—faster than buttercream and just as delicious!
Tried it? ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
