The Easiest Cool Whip Fruit Dip
Cool Whip Fruit Dip Recipe with Pudding Mix
Fluffy 2-Ingredient Fruit Dip for Parties, Holidays, and Easy Snacking
If you need a cool whip fruit dip recipe that is fast, fluffy, and always a hit, this is the one to make. It uses just 2 ingredients—whipped topping and instant pudding mix—and turns into a sweet, creamy dip after a little chill time in the fridge. It is perfect for fruit platters, holiday gatherings, baby showers, BBQs, potlucks, and easy after-school snacks.
This easy fruit dip with Cool Whip and pudding mix is one of those recipes people ask for after the first bite. It tastes a little like cheesecake fluff depending on the pudding flavor you use, and it pairs beautifully with strawberries, apples, grapes, bananas, pineapple, and more. If you are searching for a simple make-ahead fruit dip that looks pretty on a tray and takes almost no effort, this one checks every box.
Good to know: This Cool Whip fruit dip is best when made a little ahead so the pudding mix has time to dissolve and the dip gets extra fluffy.
Why You’ll Love This Cool Whip Fruit Dip Recipe
- Only 2 ingredients and just a few minutes of hands-on time
- Perfect for spring brunches, Easter, showers, parties, and summer fruit trays
- Easy to customize with cheesecake, vanilla, lemon, or chocolate pudding mix
- Make-ahead friendly for stress-free entertaining
- Sweet, fluffy, and kid-friendly without being complicated
Ingredients for Fruit Dip with Cool Whip and Pudding Mix
You only need two simple ingredients for this 2 ingredient Cool Whip fruit dip:
- 8-ounce container whipped topping – thawed so it mixes easily
- 3.4-ounce box instant pudding mix – use cheesecake, vanilla, lemon, white chocolate, or another favorite flavor
Cheesecake pudding gives this dip that classic sweet-tangy flavor people love, but vanilla is another easy option if you want something versatile for almost any fruit platter. Lemon pudding is bright and springy, while white chocolate can make it feel a little more dessert-like.
Why this recipe works
The dry instant pudding mix flavors and thickens the whipped topping as it chills. That means you get a fluffier, more scoopable dip without needing cream cheese, marshmallow fluff, or extra sugar. It is one of the easiest ways to make a sweet fruit dip for a party without dragging out the mixer.
How to Make Cool Whip Fruit Dip
- Thaw the whipped topping. Let the Cool Whip thaw in the refrigerator until soft enough to stir.
- Mix the ingredients. Add the whipped topping and the dry instant pudding mix to a bowl and stir until completely combined.
- Chill. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or a few hours for the best fluffy texture.
- Serve. Spoon into a serving bowl and serve with your favorite fruit.
That is it. This is one of those back-pocket recipes that works when you need something easy but still want it to feel a little special on the table.
Best Fruit for Dipping
This dip is delicious with almost any fruit, but these are some of the easiest and prettiest options for a tray:
- Strawberries
- Green or red grapes
- Apple slices
- Banana slices
- Pineapple chunks
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Pear slices
For parties, I like using a mix of colors and textures so the tray feels more fun and visually appealing. Apples and strawberries are especially good with cheesecake or vanilla pudding flavors.
Flavor Variations to Try
One of the best things about this cool whip dip recipe is how easy it is to change up:
- Cheesecake pudding: rich, creamy, and probably the most crowd-pleasing option
- Vanilla pudding: classic and mild, great for any fruit tray
- Lemon pudding: bright and fresh for spring and summer
- White chocolate pudding: sweeter and dessert-like
- Chocolate pudding: extra fun with strawberries, bananas, and pretzels
You can also make a holiday version by matching the pudding flavor to the season. Lemon is lovely for Easter and spring brunches, while cheesecake and vanilla work year-round. A touch of food coloring can also make this festive or color specific like pink for a baby girl shower!
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This recipe is ideal for making ahead because it actually gets better after some chill time. Once mixed, cover the bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Make ahead: up to 1 day in advance for best texture
- Refrigerator: usually best within 3 to 4 days
- Do not freeze: the texture can get watery after thawing
If the dip sits out for a while during a party, just return it to the fridge when you can so it stays cold and fluffy.
How This Recipe Came to Be
My Aunt Cammie brings this to holiday gatherings, and it has quickly become one of those simple family recipes that people remember. My family loves dip recipes, so this one was an easy favorite in our house.
I still love it because it feels nostalgic, but it also works for real life. You can make it fast, customize the flavor, and put together a fruit platter that looks party-ready without a lot of effort.
FAQ About Cool Whip Fruit Dip
Can I make Cool Whip fruit dip ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, it is even better after chilling for at least an hour because the pudding mix fully blends in and the texture gets fluffier.
Do I use dry pudding mix or prepared pudding?
Use the dry instant pudding mix only. Do not prepare the pudding first.
What is the best pudding flavor for Cool Whip fruit dip?
Cheesecake and vanilla are the safest crowd-pleasing options, but lemon is great for spring and chocolate is fun for a dessert tray.
How long does Cool Whip fruit dip last in the fridge?
Make-ahead friendly! Use within 3 to 4 days when stored covered in the refrigerator.
Can I serve this at Easter, Mother’s Day, or a baby or bridal shower shower?
Absolutely. This fluffy fruit dip is perfect for spring holidays, brunches, showers, potlucks, and summer entertaining.
More Easy Recipes to Try
- Honey Lime Fruit Salad
- Raspberry Yogurt Pudding Salad
- Marshmallow Fruit Salad
- Cream Cheese Fruit Dip
- Picnic Recipes
See more of our favorite finger foods and dip recipes and more appetizer recipes.
Can I make this fruit dip the night before?
Yes. This is a great make-ahead recipe and tastes even better after it has chilled.
Can I use vanilla pudding instead of cheesecake pudding?
Yes. Vanilla pudding works very well and gives the dip a classic flavor that pairs nicely with almost any fruit.
What fruit goes best with Cool Whip fruit dip?
Strawberries, grapes, apples, bananas, pineapple, pears, and blueberries are all great choices.
Is this really just 2 ingredients?
Yes. All you need is a container of whipped topping and a box of instant pudding mix.
Easy Fruit Dip Recipe
Equipment
- Bowl
Ingredients
- 8 ounce container of whipped topping
- 3.4 ounce box of instant pudding mix any flavor
Instructions
- Let the whipped topping thaw in the fridge until you can easily combine it with the dry instant pudding mix. Stir the 2 ingredients together in a bowl. Then put the bowl in the fridge and let it set for a few hours or overnight.
- After setting, the texture becomes nice and fluffy. Serve with apples, bananas, strawberries, grapes, or whatever else you desire!





This is also good with canned pumpkin!
Christine, it sounds delicious….what are the proportions?
Can you use sugar free pudding for this?
I haven’t tried it, so I’m not sure. But I don’t see a reason why not! Let us know how it goes. Thanks!
Yes
We’ve done it with sugar free fat free pudding and fat free cool whip since we are all on weight watchers and it’s…. zero to so very little points you don’t count them. Oh, and it’s still delicious!
Thank you, Niki!
Hi! This is so easy and most everyone loves it! My husband doesn’t care too much for the instant pudding so, I use some confectionery sugar and I add a couple drops of Almond Extract. He loves it! Thanks!
Nice! Thank you for sharing your easy fruit dip adaptations, April! And thank you for taking the time to comment and review. 🙂
There was no way a 3.4 oz box of pudding mixed with cool whip works. It was thick and lumpy. I found another recipe and it called for milk (as in making pudding). I had already mixed the cool whip and the pudding, but thought I would add the milk after the fact. Didn’t work!!! I had a chocolate mess! And now I don’t have any pudding or any pudding! I am not a happy camper! I don’t even feel like eating any fruit! TY very much!
Hi, I am sorry that it did not work out for you. I have great success with this exact recipe. Did you let it sit in the fridge at least a few hours after mixing? I usually let mine refrigerate overnight, then remix a bit and it is perfect. This resting time is when it changes its texture and loses those lumps.
I also add 1 small container of vanilla yogurt. Can you use non instant pudding?
Hi Donna, great question! I haven’t tried it with non instant pudding- I imagine it would work, but would take longer to set?
This is also a cake frosting that was popular in the late 70’s. I’ve been icing cakes with the same recipe for years!
Oh what a great idea! Thanks for sharing, Bridget!