My grandmother’s birthday cake last April nearly flopped when I realized I’d forgotten to buy frosting at the grocery store. Panic set in until I remembered her old trick—pudding frosting! This silky, cloud-like creation saved the day and had everyone asking for seconds. The gentle whir of my mixer blending cool pudding with butter still makes me smile, knowing I’ve got the perfect frosting recipe that never fails.

 

Ingredients for Perfect Pudding Frosting

• 1 box (3.4 oz) instant pudding mix, any flavor (96g)
• 1 cup cold milk (240ml)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)
• 2 cups powdered sugar (240g)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (5ml)
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pudding Frosting

1. Beat softened butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
2. Mix pudding powder with cold milk in separate bowl, whisking until smooth.
3. Let pudding mixture sit for 2 minutes to thicken properly—timing matters here!
4. Add pudding mixture to beaten butter gradually while mixing on medium speed.
5. Sift powdered sugar to remove any lumps that might make your frosting gritty.
6. Beat in powdered sugar one cup at a time until smooth and spreadable.
7. Mix in vanilla extract and salt, tasting as you go for perfect balance.
8. Beat final mixture for 2 additional minutes until frosting holds peaks beautifully.

Gorgeous!

Pro Tips & Variations for Your Pudding Frosting

During last year’s Stanley Cup playoffs, I made chocolate pudding frosting for my nephew’s hockey-themed birthday cake. The rich cocoa flavor paired perfectly with vanilla cake layers, and y’all’re going to love how chocolatey it tastes without being overwhelming.

For strawberry lovers, try using strawberry pudding mix and adding a few drops of pink food coloring. The sweet berry scent fills your kitchen while you’re mixing, creating an almost bakery-like atmosphere that neighbors will smell from down the hall.

Lemon pudding frosting works beautifully on pound cakes or cupcakes—just add a tablespoon of fresh lemon zest for extra zing. The citrus brightens the entire dessert and cuts through heavy cake layers with perfect balance.

Storage & Food Safety for Pudding Frosting

Store your finished pudding frosting in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Before using refrigerated frosting, let it come to room temperature and give it a quick beat to restore that smooth, spreadable texture you’re looking for.

This frosting contains dairy, so follow FDA guidelines and keep it properly chilled. If your frosted cake sits out during a party, don’t leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours to maintain food safety standards.

When reheating leftover cake with pudding frosting, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds max. The frosting will soften beautifully without melting completely off your cake.

Nutrition & Serving Ideas

Per Serving (makes 8 servings):

• Calories: 185
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 95mg

This pudding frosting pairs wonderfully with yellow cake, chocolate cupcakes, or even simple sugar cookies. My Tim Hortons-loving sister spreads it on graham crackers for a quick afternoon treat that reminds her of childhood birthday parties.

Try it on angel food cake with fresh berries, or use it as a dip for apple slices during fall gatherings. The versatility amazes me every time I discover a new way to enjoy this creamy, dreamy creation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pudding Frosting

Can I use sugar-free pudding mix for this frosting?

Absolutely! Sugar-free pudding works perfectly in this recipe and creates the same silky texture you’re after. Just remember that the sweetness level will be different, so you might want to add an extra tablespoon of powdered sugar to balance the flavors. I’ve made this substitution countless times for diabetic family members with fantastic results.

How far ahead can I make pudding frosting before using it?

You can prepare this frosting up to 3 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Before using, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then give it a quick whip with your mixer to restore that perfect spreading consistency. The flavors actually improve slightly after sitting overnight!

What’s the best way to get my pudding frosting extra fluffy?

The secret is in the beating time and temperature control. Make sure your butter is properly softened (not melted!) and beat the final mixture for a full 3-4 minutes after adding all ingredients. The extended mixing incorporates air, creating that cloud-like texture that makes this frosting so special and different from regular buttercream.

Author Note

Home baker creating memorable desserts in Halifax kitchens since 2008, with a special love for frostings that bring families together.