Pudding Frosting

I'm not sure where I originally found this recipe, but there's a version of it on Allrecipes now. I first used it for my son's 2nd birthday, when I wanted a frosting that didn't taste like frosting. I'm sure my 2 year old would have been fine with regular frosting, but who says his birthday cake was just for him?

I love this stuff. It's light and fluffy, not overly sweet, and tastes divine. When on cupcakes, it tastes like pudding topped cupcakes. What's not to love? It's easy, simple, sturdy enough for piping (although not perfectly smooth... you'll get some bubbles, as evidenced by the pictures), and you can pick your flavor. Any pudding flavor will work, although I always use chocolate. It's my favorite on yellow cake mixes.

1 cup cold milk

1 pkg. (4 serving size) Instant pudding and pie filling

1/4 powdered sugar (optional... I only use this about half the time... haven't been able to tell the difference yet)

1 (8 oz.) tub cool whip, thawed

1. Pour milk into medium bowl. Add pudding mix and sugar, if using. Beat with a wire whisk 2 minutes. Gently stir in whipped topping.

2. Spread onto cake immediately. (This is important... you can't make this frosting ahead of time... once you've mixed it up, you need to pipe or spread it immediately and then refrigerate your cake or dessert. It will not spread well, if at all, if you wait.)