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!
🙂
A icing or frosting recipe that is Light and Not Too Sweet, Dream Whip Icing! It's a mixture of vanilla pudding and whipped cream - perfection!
- 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
- 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.
olga says
09/23/2013 at 6:58 amYum
Holly says
09/23/2013 at 7:18 amMmm, sounds delicious! Those cupcakes are adorable!
Tammi says
09/23/2013 at 6:35 pmThanks Holly!
Teresa Claire says
09/23/2013 at 7:57 amThe picture of the Minnie Mouse Cupcakes look so sweet…pun intended 🙂 Well done Tammi!
Tammi says
09/23/2013 at 6:36 pmHa! 🙂
Erika B says
09/23/2013 at 8:43 amoh my goodness those cupcakes are so cute!!!! I will have to save his recipe for icing because I also have a hard time finding icing that is not too sweet!
Tammi says
09/23/2013 at 6:36 pmThat was exactly my problem. Now I can have my icing and eat it too!
🙂
Victoria Ess says
09/23/2013 at 8:47 amOh that cupcake icing looks fantastic! I still get blown away when I see how talented you are at baking!
Tammi says
09/23/2013 at 6:36 pmAwe, thank you Victoria!
🙂
Catherine Robichaud says
09/23/2013 at 10:48 amSounds great, I must try this next time.
Julie G. says
09/23/2013 at 10:56 amI’ve been using this recipe for years. I like that it’s not too sweet.
Tammi says
09/24/2013 at 10:13 amAwesome, another fan!
caryn s says
09/23/2013 at 12:38 pmWill have to try this recipe on the next cake it looks fabulous!
Stephanie LaPlante says
09/23/2013 at 1:18 pmSounds delicious. Added to my to try list.
Anne Taylor says
09/23/2013 at 2:03 pmThis sounds amazing! We’ll be trying this out next time we need to frost something!
thanks for the recipe
Tammi says
09/24/2013 at 10:14 amYou’re welcome!!
🙂
Paramedic92 says
12/17/2017 at 7:11 pmWhen you speak of a package do you mean the “two packets” that come in the box…… Or a TOTAL of 4 “packets”….!!!!
Also what size box of pudding mix?
Can you use the flavor of your choosing on the pudding?
Tammi says
12/19/2017 at 10:23 amyes the packets. I think they are the 153g size box of pudding, and whatever flavour you like! 🙂
Judy C (Cowan) says
09/23/2013 at 2:11 pmThis sounds amazing!!! I am not a fan of the icing sugar icing so I will definitely be trying this out!
Tammi says
09/23/2013 at 6:37 pmMe neither, way too sweet for me!
Soozle says
09/23/2013 at 3:37 pmWhoa! It almost seems too easy to be so perfect! Thank you for sharing – I will be tucking this one away for future use!
Tammi says
09/24/2013 at 10:11 amYou are very welcome Soozle, it’s a keeper for sure!!
🙂
jessica s says
09/23/2013 at 7:50 pmlove how easy this sounds to make! definitely going to try!
Tammi says
09/24/2013 at 10:12 amLet me know when you do.
I mean, tell me how much you love it!!
😉
Chandra Christine O'Connor says
09/23/2013 at 8:24 pmthats my kind of icing. Im not a fan of too sweet either I usually scrape it off but I love dream whip so yum def going to try this one.
Tammi says
09/24/2013 at 10:12 amYES! And I’m sick of scraping off the sweet icing, I want icing!! lol
So, I took matters into my own hands. I have my icing now. YAY!!
🙂
Erika B says
09/24/2013 at 5:04 pmDefinitely going to save this recipe!!!
Judy C (Cowan) says
09/27/2013 at 8:14 amI made this yesterday and it is amazing! Thank you for this great recipe!
nicole says
09/27/2013 at 8:28 amAlways looking for a good frosting, can’t wait to try this!!
Heidi C. says
09/29/2013 at 8:09 pmYum! What a great and simple idea! Will have to try this!
Aliya D says
10/27/2013 at 10:22 amThank you for the recipe! I’m always looking for healthier and easier alternatives for treats (without seeming like the kiddos are being deprived).
Vi says
09/28/2014 at 8:42 pmCan a cake frosted with Dream Whip be frozen?
Tammi says
09/29/2014 at 7:38 pmYes, I have frozen leftover cake made with this icing before! 🙂
Laurie B says
02/06/2015 at 9:12 amI 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
Elaine says
05/08/2016 at 7:18 amDid you use both packets of dream whip? The box calls for 1 pack with 1 box of pudding and 1.5 cups of milk.
Tammi says
05/08/2016 at 10:13 amI 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}
Jane says
10/25/2016 at 7:12 amWhat size box of pudding?
Tammi says
10/26/2016 at 8:08 amI’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. 🙂
Norma says
11/08/2016 at 2:12 pmWhat size package of instant pudding?
Kim says
05/08/2018 at 10:49 amIs this easy to use decorating tips and piping bag with? Thanks!
Tammi says
05/09/2018 at 12:38 pmI’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’.