Stabilize Your Whipped Cream Frosting With One Simple Ingredient

Whipped cream frosting is a dreamy topping that's perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and desserts in general. Until it starts to collapse, that is. How can you frost a cake like a pro if the whipped cream isn't firm enough? Now you have to suffer the indignity of serving your guests soupy whipped cream — a disgrace I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Maybe you're dealing with a warm kitchen or simply the natural breakdown of whipped cream over time; keeping this light and fluffy frosting intact can be more than a challenge. 

Whipped cream is basically a fluffy foam made up of air bubbles held together by the cream's fat molecules. The problem? That airy structure doesn't last forever. Eventually, it starts to deflate, and the cream loses its volume.

That's where one simple, pantry-stable ingredient comes to the rescue: instant pudding mix. Surprisingly, this unsuspecting ingredient stabilizes cream frosting and adds a little something to the flavor and texture as well, making it a must-try hack for bakers of all levels. With instant pudding mix, you can say goodbye to runny whipped cream and hello to a frosting that holds up beautifully for hours, or even days. It's truly a spectacle to behold when you get it just right.

How does pudding mix make whipped cream frosting stable when pudding itself is kind of dense? It almost seems counterintuitive but pudding mix contains modified cornstarch, which helps stabilize the whipped cream by absorbing excess liquid and binding the water molecules in the cream. As the cornstarch is modified, it does not need to be cooked to be activated, meaning it dissolves seamlessly in the whipped cream without affecting its light, airy texture. In fact, it adds a slight creaminess and a subtle boost of flavor, depending on the pudding variety you choose. 

Start by whipping your cream as usual, adding sugar and vanilla extract if desired. Then, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of instant pudding mix per cup of cream. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form, although don't overmix since the pudding will stiffen in the cream. The result? A perfectly stabilized whipped cream frosting that won't wilt, even on warm days. Whether you're frosting a birthday cake or piping swirls onto cupcakes, this simple ingredient ensures your whipped cream stays picture-perfect every time. Try it as a topping on dessert nachos, use it to layer trifles, top pies, or even plop some onto fluffy pancakes for a fancy breakfast treat.