Easy Cool Whip Candy

Introduction

If you’re looking for a quick, fun, and delicious treat that doesn’t require any baking, Easy Cool Whip Candy is the perfect solution! I was introduced to this candy by a friend who swore by it for holidays and casual get-togethers, and I quickly became hooked. The texture of the candy is out of this world — soft and creamy on the inside with a frozen exterior. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and light, making it an ideal treat for summer days or even as a whimsical holiday snack. You can customize it by changing the flavor of the instant pudding and adding food coloring or sprinkles for a festive touch. This treat is so easy to make, my family has started requesting it for every occasion. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s simple, sweet, and sure to impress, these Easy Cool Whip Candies will become your new go-to!

Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) container of Cool Whip (thawed)
• 1 package (3.4 ounces) of instant pudding mix (any flavor you prefer)
• 1 cup of powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles or colored sugar (optional, for decoration)

Instructions

Prepare the Candy Mixture:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the thawed Cool Whip, instant pudding mix, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. You can use a hand mixer or mix by hand until all ingredients are well combined. The mixture should become thick and creamy after a few minutes of mixing.
2. Add Food Coloring (Optional): If you’d like to add some color to your candy, drop in a few drops of food coloring. You can mix in multiple colors or just one, depending on the look you’re going for. Stir well until the color is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
3. Prepare the Tray: Line a baking sheet or a large tray with parchment paper or wax paper. This step is essential to prevent the candy from sticking and ensures easy removal once frozen.

Shape the Candy:

1. Scoop the Mixture: Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop small portions of the Cool Whip mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. You can make these portions as big or small as you prefer. If you want to make bite-sized pieces, smaller scoops will work best.
2. Decorate (Optional): If desired, add sprinkles or colored sugar on top of each portion to give your candy a festive touch. You can match the color of the sprinkles to the food coloring, or you can mix and match for a more colorful look.

Freeze the Candy:

1. Set in the Freezer: Place the tray in the freezer and let the candy set for about 2-3 hours, or until it becomes firm. This is the most important step, as the candy needs time to freeze and harden, creating that perfect texture.

Serve and Enjoy:

1. Enjoy the Treat: Once the candy is completely frozen, remove it from the freezer. The candy should have a soft, creamy center with a frozen exterior, which gives it an irresistible texture. Serve immediately, or store it for later!
2. Storage: Store any leftover candy in an airtight container in the freezer to maintain its soft center and firm exterior. They will stay fresh for up to a week.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Servings: 16 (based on 1 tablespoon per serving)
• Calories per serving: 50 kcal
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 15mg
• Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 5mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Freeze Time: 2-3 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

How to Serve

• For a party treat: These Cool Whip candies are perfect for parties! Set them out on a platter for guests to enjoy as a refreshing, creamy snack.
• Giftable treat: Pack them into cute jars or boxes for a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift for friends and family during the holiday season.
• On a dessert table: Add them to a dessert table or holiday spread for a fun and colorful touch.
• With coffee or tea: These candies pair well with your favorite hot beverages. Serve them as an after-dinner treat or a mid-afternoon snack.

Additional Tips

1. Use sugar-free pudding mix: For a lighter version of this treat, use sugar-free pudding mix to reduce the sugar content.
2. Add more flavors: While vanilla is a classic, you can experiment with different instant pudding flavors like chocolate, strawberry, or butterscotch to make the candies even more exciting!
3. Chill the Cool Whip first: For an even firmer texture, you can chill the Cool Whip for about 30 minutes before mixing. This helps it set faster in the freezer.
4. Customize with toppings: You can get creative by adding toppings like mini chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or even shredded coconut for a twist.
5. Make mini versions: If you want bite-sized treats, use a teaspoon to scoop smaller portions, which are great for parties and sharing.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Cool Whip Candy: Use chocolate or any other flavored instant pudding mix to create chocolate-flavored Cool Whip candy. Add chocolate chips for extra texture!
• Festive Red and Green Candies: Make these candies festive by using red and green food coloring. They make a great addition to any holiday party.
• Mint Chocolate Chip: Use mint-flavored pudding mix and add a few chocolate chips into the mixture for a mint chocolate chip flavor.
• Peanut Butter Pudding Candy: Try using peanut butter instant pudding mix for a rich and creamy twist on this classic recipe.

Serving Suggestions

• With whipped cream and berries: Serve these candies with whipped cream and fresh berries for a fun, colorful dessert.
• Alongside other holiday treats: These candies pair perfectly with other holiday desserts like sugar cookies, gingerbread men, or pumpkin pie.
• In a gift basket: Add them to a holiday-themed gift basket, along with other homemade sweets, for a special gift idea.
• For a birthday party: Customize the food coloring and sprinkles for any occasion, making these candies a hit at birthday parties or other celebrations.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These candies are freezer-friendly! Once they are set, store them in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the freezer for up to a week. They’ll retain their creamy texture and firm exterior as long as they’re kept frozen.
• Storage: If you have leftovers after serving, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to keep them in the freezer.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use regular whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, you can substitute regular whipped cream, but Cool Whip helps give the candy a firmer texture, making it easier to handle and set in the freezer.

2. Can I use a different pudding flavor?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different pudding flavors such as chocolate, strawberry, or butterscotch to create a unique flavor for your candies.

3. How can I make these candies firmer?
If you want firmer candies, you can freeze them for a little longer or use less Cool Whip and more powdered sugar to create a thicker consistency.

4. How long can I store these candies?
These candies can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week.

5. Can I add nuts to the candy?
Yes! You can add chopped nuts, such as crushed almonds or walnuts, into the candy mixture for added crunch and flavor.

6. Can I make these candies with sugar-free ingredients?
Yes, you can substitute the powdered sugar with a sugar substitute like Stevia or use sugar-free pudding to reduce the sugar content.

7. Can I use any type of food coloring?
Yes, you can use any food coloring to color the candies, depending on the occasion. Red and green work perfectly for the holidays, but you can experiment with pastel or neon colors for other celebrations.

8. How do I prevent the candy from sticking to the tray?
Line the tray with parchment or wax paper to prevent the candies from sticking. This also makes it easier to remove them once they’ve set.

9. Can I make a smaller batch?
Yes, you can easily halve the recipe if you want to make a smaller batch of these candies.

10. Can I use a hand mixer instead of mixing by hand?
Yes, a hand mixer is great for incorporating the ingredients quickly and ensuring a smooth, creamy texture.

Conclusion

Easy Cool Whip Candy is a simple, fun, and customizable treat that’s perfect for any occasion, but especially for the holidays. With minimal ingredients and preparation time, you can make a batch of these deliciously creamy, minty candies that everyone will love. The ability to adjust flavors, colors, and decorations makes this treat a perfect fit for any celebration. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just as a sweet snack, these Cool Whip candies will surely be a hit. Enjoy the process, get creative, and most importantly, enjoy the delightful results!

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