How to Make Cool Whip Frosting Thicker (In 5 Easy Methods)

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Imagine this: a dollop of Cool Whip, cloud-like topping, melting on top of your favorite slice of pie or dessert. Sounds like heaven, right?

Here comes the problem that I, too, experienced a lot in the past.

Cool Whip can be a delicate frosting and won’t be able to hold its shape for too long. So, how can you ensure it doesn’t wither and melt before you can eat your cake?

It’s simple. You make it thicker.

Today, I’m sharing the five best methods to make your Cool Whip thicker and creamier. I’ll also share some storing tips to make this delightful topping last longer, so take out your baking notes!

Why Is it Important to Make Cool Whip Thicker?

Part of presenting a delicious cake is having it look the part, and the consistency of the frosting goes a long way toward making the cake look good.

Cool Whip’s light and airy texture makes it an excellent frosting pair for everyday cakes. But it doesn’t hold its shape well at room temperature and only lasts one to two hours.

So, if you can’t eat your dessert fast enough, you end up with melted frosting that makes the cake look droopy. And no one wants to eat a gooey mess!

Thankfully, there are tricks you can do to stabilize and perfect its consistency. You can also alter the flavor to get exactly the taste you need with your cake.

How to Make Cool Whip Frosting Thicker

Whether you want it to be extra sweet or tangy, any of the following choices will work to thicken your Cool Whip.

1 – Add Cream Cheese to Cool Whip

The first trick I use to thicken and stabilize my Cool Whip topping is adding cream cheese. 

It’ll change the taste of your frosting by adding a creamy, tangy flavor. So, I typically do this when I’m trying to move away from sugary tastes.

You can stir together the cream cheese and the Cool Whip, and you can add vanilla extract, sugar, and powdered vanilla pudding for a flavorful and thicker frosting. 

I guarantee it’s a delicious combination, and you can use it to frost your cake. It’ll hold up longer and simply tastes better than using Cool Whip frosting alone!

2 – Add Cream of Tartar to Cool Whip

Another great option as a thickener is to add cream of tartar to your Cool Whip. 

It has small grains in it that help to stabilize the frosting. These little grains encourage the forming of large air bubbles that help the frosting become thicker and creamier.

However, you need to watch how much you use because it can make the Cool Whip frosting acidic.

3 – Add Powdered Sugar and Cornstarch to Cool Whip

If you prefer quick and easy, powdered sugar and cornstarch are your best options. Not only will adding powdered sugar and cornstarch to your Cool Whip make your frosting thicker, but it will also make it sweeter.

Powdered sugar has cornstarch in it, which is why it works as a stabilizer. You can use as little as a tablespoon or two of cornstarch to thicken your Cool Whip frosting.

Here’s a tip:

If you don’t want all the sweetness mixed in your already sweet dessert or are simply cutting down your sugar consumption, you can use cornstarch alone.

4 – Add Powdered Pudding to Cool Whip

You can also add instant pudding to your Cool Whip. Powdered pudding will add thickness to the Cool Whip and stabilize it to last at room temperature.

You can choose an unflavored variety, or you can select vanilla or another flavor. I personally use Oreo pudding for a flavorful addition!

5 – Add Yogurt to Cool Whip

If you’re a fan of the creamy and tasty yogurt flavor, you’ll be glad to know you can use it to stabilize your Cool Whip frosting, too.

However, the yogurt’s savory and rich taste can change your Cool Whip’s flavor. So, be careful with the amount you add and use fewer liquids to avoid a runny cake frosting.

Yogurt is an amazing trick if you want to store your cake and don’t want the frosting to lose shape in the fridge!

Storing Cool Whip Frosting

Speaking of storage, keep the tasty Cool Whip frosting in the fridge until you’re ready to frost your desserts. You can store it in the refrigerator for 10 hours before serving.

If you have leftovers, put them in an airtight container before tucking them back in the freezer. Then, before consumption, allow the frosting to thaw for about 20 minutes on your counter.

Final Thoughts

Cool Whip is a favorite for many people, and its sweet lightness is as delicious as frosting on a cake. Once you select a stabilizing agent to mix with it, Cool Whip will have the consistency you need in frosting your cake. Bon appetit!

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