Strawberry Cool Whip Topping

Strawberry Cool Whip delivers a dreamy pink cloud of flavor that transforms any dessert into a showstopper. I reach for this recipe every time birthdays or family barbecues roll around. People go wild for the lush, fruity tang and oh so fluffy finish whether it is piped high on cupcakes, slathered over a sheet cake, or simply spooned on fresh berries.

This was my go to for my niece’s birthday when we needed something fun and pink but easy enough for kids to help make. Everyone ended up licking the beaters

Ingredients

• Strawberry gelatin powder: delivers the signature flavor and color look for a name brand for the best flavor and texture
• Powdered sugar: creates the just right sweetness and blends smoothly try to use a fresh bag with no clumps
• Whole milk: helps dissolve the powders and adds creaminess full fat milk gives the best result
• Vanilla extract: deepens the berry notes pure extract brings the best aroma
• Cool Whip: the key to lift and fluffy texture use the brand name and thaw overnight in the fridge for best results
• Strawberries: choose ripe juicy strawberries to garnish for a fresh finish if desired

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Strawberry Base:

In a large mixing bowl add the strawberry gelatin powder powdered sugar vanilla extract and milk. Use a handheld or standing mixer on medium high speed for about a minute and a half. The mixture will visibly thicken and become glossy. This foundation packs all the berry punch

Chill the Mixture:

Cover the bowl or transfer to a smaller container and place in the fridge for at least one hour. The strawberry mix will set up into a thick glaze rather than firm jello. This step ensures your Cool Whip will hold peaks later

Blend in the First Tub of Cool Whip:

Remove the cooled strawberry mixture from the fridge. Spoon in one tub of fully thawed Cool Whip. Beat with a mixer on medium until mostly smooth and uniform. The mixture should start to look pale pink and fluffy

Incorporate the Second Tub of Cool Whip:

Add the second tub of Cool Whip and continue mixing until completely blended and the color is even. Beat until stiff peaks form on your whisk or beaters meaning the topping stands up by itself. This is key for perfect frosting texture

Chill and Use as Desired:

Use the strawberry cool whip right away if piping or spreading on a cake. If you want maximum hold or plan to pipe tall swirls chill for another hour so the frosting firms up. Store covered in the fridge if making ahead

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Cool Whip has always fascinated me for its cloud like volume. I remember the first time I mixed in the berry gelatin and was instantly hooked by that pastel pink hue. There is something magical about watching it transform into stiff peaks right in your own kitchen

Storage Tips

Keep any desserts topped with strawberry cool whip in the fridge until ready to serve. It will hold shape well for a couple of hours at room temperature especially on cupcakes or cakes. Any leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to five days. For longer storage freeze portions in airtight containers and thaw gently in the refrigerator before use

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to switch up the flavor go for different gelatin types. Raspberry or peach are particularly popular in my house when strawberries are out of season. For a tangy twist mix in a bit of lemon zest with the vanilla. If you have a milk allergy try unsweetened coconut milk instead of dairy milk but be aware the texture might not be quite as rich

Serving Suggestions

Pipe high swirls on cupcakes for birthdays
Spread thickly over classic sheet cake or pound cake
Use as a festive dip for fresh fruit on dessert platters
Try a generous dollop in strawberry milkshakes or as a topping for trifles and sundaes. My personal favorite serving is heaped on angel food cake with extra berries scattered on top

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Getting the Most Out of Strawberry Cool Whip

Strawberry Cool Whip is a staple at summer potlucks and winter celebrations alike. Its pink color catches everyone’s eye and it never gets overly sweet. Kids love getting involved piping or swirling the frosting and sneaking bites of mix straight from the bowl

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this topping ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the topping in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to use. It keeps its texture well for up to five days.

→ Does it work with other gelatin flavors?

Absolutely! Try peach, raspberry, or lime gelatin for different flavor variations that complement a variety of desserts.

→ Why is fully thawed Cool Whip important?

Using fully thawed topping ensures the mixture whips up light and fluffy, with a stable structure ideal for piping or spreading.

→ Can I use generic whipped topping?

For best consistency and taste, stick with brand-name Cool Whip, as generic varieties can affect texture and won't hold peaks as well.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store any leftover topping in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and maintain its structure for up to five days.

→ What desserts pair well with this topping?

It's excellent piped onto cupcakes, spread over cakes, or as a dip for strawberries and other fresh fruits. Also great on frozen drinks!