So often, for holidays or any get-together really, I always feel like we spend so much energy planning the big meals. So much, that an appetizer becomes an afterthought.
Which is why the fast, easy, and uncomplicated dips made with simple ingredients can be a real lifesaver. And this Cool Whip Fruit Dip definitely fits the bill!
Whenever you can make an easy fruit dip with just two ingredients, you already feel like it’s a win. Mix this up and let the flavors blend in the fridge. Then, arrange a plate of fresh fruit and let your guests dip away.
And save your energy for the rest of the meal!
Why I Love Homemade Fruit Dip
Easy, of course, will always win the day. I love serving fruit with a dip, to give people a choice between plain fresh fruit and fruit with a little “extra”.
With only 2 ingredients you wouldn’t think there’d be much room for variation, but I think there’s a lot. I used French vanilla flavored pudding, but there are so many other flavor possibilities. Lemon pudding would be yummy! Just try to choose the pudding flavor to be complementary to the fruit you are serving.
Ingredients Needed
How to Make Homemade Fruit Dip
Honestly, there are only 2 steps you must plan for. One, give the Cool Whip time to thaw in the fridge. The recommended time is 4 hours, so moving it from the freezer to fridge the night before makes it a no-brainer.
Then, after mixing the ingredients together, you need to cover and refrigerate the dip for an hour or more. This gives the instant pudding time to fully dissolve (the dip will be “gritty” if you don’t wait) and the flavors will infuse into the Cool Whip.
So, in a nutshell: thaw, mix, refrigerate, serve. So easy!
Variations of Homemade Fruit Dip
This fruit dip has only 2 ingredients, so you can really get creative and still have a short ingredient list! Try a few of these ideas:
- Give it a tropical twist with coconut or banana cream pudding, then add in a small can of crushed pineapple (well drained).
- Cheesecake pudding plus diced fresh strawberries will give a strawberry shortcake vibe.
- A lemony dip is great with Nilla wafers or fresh berries – use lemon pudding and some lemon zest for an extra burst of bright, fresh flavor.
- Add in crushed Oreo cookies, because who doesn’t love a good Oreo dip?
- At Christmas time, use chocolate pudding and add in some crushed peppermint candies or peppermint bark for a festive version.
- Make it patriotic with vanilla pudding and a mix of strawberries and blueberries. Star shaped sprinkles on top would be the perfect touch!
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🍓Serving Ideas for Cool Whip Fruit Dip
This dip is certainly not just for holidays. It’s perfect for a baby shower or bridal shower. It would even make a great after-school snack!
And just think of the fruit variety you can use! Apple slices, strawberries, and grapes are great choices. I added mango slices and fresh pineapple for even more variety and color.
But you can also include crackers and cookies on your fruit platters: graham crackers and Nilla wafers always match well with sweet dips and your favorite fruits.
Your fruit tray can include all your favorite things!
How to Store Fruit Dip
Store this dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Give it a quick stir before serving, especially if any liquid has separated. It’s best served chilled, so keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy it. Freezing isn’t recommended, as it can change the texture when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is the perfect dip to mix up ahead of time, as it needs a minimum of an hour to fully dissolve and be ready to serve. But longer works too - mix it up to 24 hours before serving. It's one less last minute thing to do!
This dip pairs so well with so many fruits! Some of my favorites include strawberries, pineapple chunks, grapes, sliced apples, melon, and bananas. You can get creative and mix and match your favorite fruits to create a colorful and interesting fruit platter.
Once prepared, stored the dip in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container to maintain freshness.
💭Check out these other Easy Sweet Dip Recipes
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📖 Recipe
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Cool Whip and Pudding Fruit Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Cool Whip
- 1 box instant pudding mix 3.4 oz
Instructions
- Allow the Cool whip to thaw in the fridge before using.
- In a medium bowl, add the Cool Whip and the instant pudding. Stir well to combine.8 ounces Cool Whip, 1 box instant pudding mix
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the pudding mix to fully dissolve and for the mixture to set.
- Serve with apples, strawberries, grapes, or whatever fruit you prefer!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Amy
Delicious! I make this with a dairy free cool whip (called cocowhip, made by SO Delicious) since I can’t do dairy easily. It’s fabulous. My favorite is to mix it with dark chocolate pudding, sprinkle with mini chocolate chips (can also be dairy free) and dipping with strawberries and grapes. It’s always gone in minutes at my house.
Sula
Fabulous! Kudos for making it with a dairy free version. I've tried sugar free with success but its good to know the dairy free Cool Whip works as well - thanks so much for sharing!
Bkay
How far in advance can you make this and how would you store it?
Sula
It should be okay if made a day in advance, store it covered in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
Melissa
Just the dry part of the instant pudding don’t make as directed correct? Thank you
Sula
Yes, correct. Just add the dry pudding to the Cool Whip. Mix and let it refrigerate for at least an hour to fully dissolve the pudding. Enjoy!
Louise
Could you make this with key lime pudding ?
Sula
That would be a very different flavor profile but it sounds yummy to me!
Carrie
What size is each serving for this?
Sula
It's just an estimate, but if you divide a tub of Cool Whip by 10 you get about 5 tablespoons. I hope this helps!
Judy
Can I freeze this?
Sula
I've never tried this, but since Cool Whip freezes well I would guess this dip would also.
Emily
Loved this so much I had to make it again the next day! This one is a keeper!
Sula
Thank you, it's delish for sure!