Dream Whip Icing: Frosting that is Light and Not Too Sweet
Looking for a frosting that is light and not too sweet? Hey, I got this!
I’m not a fan of icings in general, they are always way too sweet for my liking. So, years ago I went on the hunt for an icing that was light and A LOT less sweet than say, a buttercream icing.
I mentioned this icing in a blog post a while back and the amount of people asking for my recipe was astounding. So, as promised, I’m sharing what I call Dream Whip Icing.
Dream Whip Icing: Frosting that is Light and Not Too Sweet
This icing is my go-to when it comes to a fabulous frosting. It’s TO.DIE.FOR!
… also, it is so super easy to make. Bonus!
Make sure you use Instant Pudding {not cooked} and if you can, use clear vanilla as well. Regular brown vanilla extract will turn the icing a brownish tinge.
This icing does ‘melt’ faster than a traditional buttercream. So, if you need it to sit out for a while, I suggest adding another package of pudding, since this helps to stiffen the icing a lot.
For instance, I made a castle cake for my oldest {circa 2007} and used this Dream Whip icing, with the extra packet of pudding. It was a very hot day and the house was incredibly warm. I kept the cake in the fridge for the most part {even cooling it down now and then when decorating}, until it was ‘cake time’.
Yet, as you can see with these Minnie Mouse Cupcakes from my twins birthday this past July, you can shape the icing somewhat as well.
And yes, it’s this Dream Whip icing that was in between the ombre rainbow layers of the Hello Kitty cake I made.
So, if you need an icing that isn’t as sweet, this one HAS to be tried. You’ll see why it’s my favourite icing of all time!
Ways to Use this Icing
- You can add crushed Oreos to dream whip icing to use on our Oreo Cookies and Cream Cupcakes.
🙂
Dream Whip Icing
Ingredients
- 2 pkg Dream Whip {along with ingredients to make the Dream Whip (as per instructions on packet, which is usually Milk and Vanilla Extract})
- 1 pkg Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
Instructions
- Make the Dream Whip as per the instructions on the package, usually milk and Vanilla Extract {clear, if possible}.
- Add in the Instant pudding.
- Beat until blended.
- Colour the icing if needed.
I made root beer flavored cupcakes and used this recipe for the frosting.I substituted root beer flavoring for the vanilla and ginger ale as the liquid. The result tasted JUST LIKE the foam on a root beer float.
Do you mix up the pudding with milk first or just dump powder in the dream whip mixture
Just the powder! 🙂
If I want to make a thicker icing to keep it from melting, I should use 1 package of dream whip, 2 packages of pudding, and 0.5 cups of milk? Will it be too sweet with the second box of pudding?
Nope, I’ve done that before, but with 1.5 packages of pudding. Really, this recipe is so versatile, you can even have the same amount of milk and up the other two – then add a bit of milk if you want. The 3 ingredients are more key than the amounts you use. 🙂
How long will this hold up on a 2 tier wedding cake sitting out at the venue from approximately 2pm until after dinner?
Or should I just go with buttercream to avoid disappointment?
This icing does tend to melt faster than others, so I personally wouldn’t chance it for outside icing. BUT, use it in the layers and it would be amazing!!
I’m making my cake up a few days early. Will the icing hold up in the freezer?
hmmm, I always make it fresh each time. Freezing might change the consistency and make it grainy when re-whipped.
That being said, when I ice cakes and cupcakes with this icing, I freeze them and it unthaws so well. So it might just work!
Is this easy to use decorating tips and piping bag with? Thanks!
I’ve done it many times! Just know that it loses form easier than traditional icing, so make sure utensils are cool and don’t put too much in the bag or it gets too warm with the heat of your hands. Also, i make sure to keep the finished product in a cool place so it doesn’t ‘fall’.
What size package of instant pudding?
What size box of pudding?
I’ll have to check the next time I go, I usually only see one size. It really doesn’t matter though, it adds to the flavour and mainly makes it thick. So, if you have two choices, go with the larger. Only because then it holds better and for longer unrefrigerated. 🙂
Did you use both packets of dream whip? The box calls for 1 pack with 1 box of pudding and 1.5 cups of milk.
I use 1 packet with 1 box instant pudding + 1/2 cup milk. Of course I make more than one at a time, because it doesn’t make much. {e.g.: 3 packets, 3 pudding, 1.5 cups milk}
I love this recipe. I’ve used it before with different flavours of pudding and it’s still delicious! (especially the banana) You can add food colouring too 🙂 thanks for sharing
Can a cake frosted with Dream Whip be frozen?
Yes, I have frozen leftover cake made with this icing before! 🙂
Thank you for the recipe! I’m always looking for healthier and easier alternatives for treats (without seeming like the kiddos are being deprived).
Yum! What a great and simple idea! Will have to try this!
Always looking for a good frosting, can’t wait to try this!!
I made this yesterday and it is amazing! Thank you for this great recipe!