Easy Strawberry Cool Whip Candy: A Delightful Recipe

Oh, hi there! Come on in, grab a seat. The kitchen’s a bit of a mess, I was just whipping up a batch of something truly special: Strawberry Cool Whip Candy. It’s one of those recipes that’s pure comfort food, takes almost no time to make, and always disappears faster than I can say “seconds?”

I remember the first time I made this Strawberry Cool Whip Candy. It was back when my oldest, Sofia, was a toddler. We were snowed in, I had a serious craving for something sweet, but the pantry was looking pretty bare. I spied a tub of Cool Whip and a half-eaten jar of strawberry preserves, and a lightbulb went off. I tinkered around, added a few other simple ingredients, and voila!— a surprisingly delicious frozen treat was born. It wasn’t exactly pretty at first (let’s just say my initial attempt looked more like a pink blob than candy), but the taste was undeniable. The kids went wild for it. I’ve been tweaking and perfecting the recipe ever since, and now, I can confidently say this Strawberry Cool Whip Candy is a family favorite, a crowd-pleaser, and a total sanity-saver when I need a quick and easy dessert.

The best part is that this Strawberry Cool Whip Candy recipe is so forgiving. You don’t have to be a pastry chef to nail it. There have been times when I’ve accidentally added too much of one ingredient or not enough of another, and it still turns out delicious. That’s the beauty of simple recipes, right?

This recipe fits perfectly into my busy family life. I’m all about making good food that doesn’t take hours in the kitchen. Honestly, most nights, I’m juggling homework help, after-school activities, and trying to get dinner on the table before everyone melts down. So, any recipe that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction is a winner in my book. I often find myself making a batch of this easy Strawberry Cool Whip Candy on Sunday afternoons so we have a little sweet treat ready to go for the week. And believe me, when those afternoon cravings hit, everyone is so grateful! It is a wonderful alternative to No Bake Cool Whip Candy, which has always been a favorite of mine.

I hope you give this recipe a try. It’s perfect for those days when you need a little bit of sweetness and a whole lot of ease. Come on, let’s get started!

Okay, let’s talk ingredients! This recipe is so simple, you probably already have most of this stuff in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to make my version of Strawberry Cool Whip Candy:

• 1 (8 ounce) container of Cool Whip, thawed: I always use the original for my Strawberry Cool Whip Candy, but the sugar-free version works great too if you’re watching your sugar intake. Make sure it’s fully thawed so it blends smoothly.
• 1 (3 ounce) package of strawberry flavored gelatin: This gives the candy its signature strawberry flavor and beautiful pink color. You can find this in the baking aisle of most grocery stores.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: This helps to give the candy a slightly firmer texture and adds just the right amount of sweetness.
• 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed: These add an extra burst of strawberry flavor and a bit of texture. You can usually find freeze-dried fruit in the snack aisle or near the dried fruit. This is my secret ingredient that adds that extra zing to the Strawberry Cool Whip Candy!
• 1/4 cup sprinkles: These are optional, but I love to add them for a little extra fun and color. I usually choose pink or red sprinkles to complement the strawberry theme.

For my Strawberry Cool Whip Candy, I always use name-brand Cool Whip. I’ve tried the store-brand versions, and they just don’t seem to whip up quite as nicely. It is just the key to the recipe! When making Strawberry Cool Whip Candy, you can find freeze-dried strawberries at most grocery stores or online. They might be a bit pricier than fresh strawberries, but they pack a ton of flavor and don’t add any extra moisture to the candy.

Here’s a Strawberry Cool Whip Candy trick I learned: lightly grease your pan with coconut oil before pouring in the mixture. This will prevent the candy from sticking and make it super easy to remove once it’s frozen.

For busy families, I recommend using pre-crushed freeze-dried strawberries to save time. You can also buy the Cool Whip already thawed – yes, it exists! For a cost-saving tip, buy gelatin in bulk if you plan on making this candy often. You can store leftover Cool Whip in the freezer for up to two weeks, just make sure to thaw it completely before using it again. Just be sure that it will be used for baking after it has been frozen, as it won’t have the same consistency.

Now that we have everything prepped and ready to go, let’s head on to the instructions! I bet you’re eager to dive into this easy strawberry candy recipe! Before we get started I would like to share this Easy Strawberry Candy – Kitchen Divas link, as they also have some great tips.

Alright, friend, let’s get our hands dirty! Don’t worry, this Strawberry Cool Whip Candy is so easy, it’s practically foolproof. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Combine the gelatin and Cool Whip: In a large bowl, gently fold the strawberry gelatin into the thawed Cool Whip until evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix, or you’ll deflate the Cool Whip. I learned the hard way with Strawberry Cool Whip Candy that overmixing results in a less fluffy final product. It’s still tasty, but not quite as dreamy!
2. Add the powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until just combined. Again, be gentle!
3. Stir in the freeze-dried strawberries: Gently fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries. This is where that extra burst of strawberry flavor comes in.
4. Pour into a pan: Pour the mixture into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish. I like to use a glass dish, but any baking pan will work.
5. Sprinkle with sprinkles (optional): If you’re using sprinkles, now’s the time to add them!
6. Freeze: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until solid. In my kitchen, Strawberry Cool Whip Candy usually takes about 5 hours to fully freeze, but it depends on your freezer.
7. Cut and serve: Once the candy is frozen solid, remove it from the freezer and cut it into squares. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Don’t worry if your Strawberry Cool Whip Candy looks a little messy when you cut it. It’s all part of the charm! While the Strawberry Cool Whip Candy is freezing, I usually clean up the kitchen and maybe catch up on a book. You could also prep dinner or even sneak in a quick nap! The best part of this recipe is that it doesn’t require constant attention.

I also like to taste the Cool Whip before freezing it to ensure I added the right amount of gelatin to the Strawberry Cool Whip Candy. It gives me peace of mind! I learned the hard way with Strawberry Cool Whip Candy that not letting it freeze for the right amount of time can ruin the entire batch, so I always set timers and check on it periodically.

Your Strawberry Cool Whip Candy should smell like sweet strawberries and a hint of creamy vanilla. That’s how you know you’re on the right track! Add some fun to the recipe by adding multi-colored sprinkles. This is a big hit with kids, especially when they are helping me make the dish.

Looking for more amazing Cool Whip recipes? Check out these Christmas Cool Whip Candy ideas.

Okay, so you’ve made your Strawberry Cool Whip Candy—now what? Well, the obvious answer is to devour it immediately! But here are a few more serving suggestions to take this simple treat to the next level:

My family loves this Strawberry Cool Whip Candy when I serve it as a light dessert after a summer barbecue. It’s cool, refreshing, and not too heavy. It’s also a big hit at kids’ birthday parties. I often cut the candy into fun shapes using cookie cutters to make it extra festive.

For side dishes, I recommend pairing this Strawberry Cool Whip Candy with fresh berries. A bowl of sliced strawberries or raspberries complements the strawberry flavor of the candy perfectly. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is also a great addition.

This Strawberry Cool Whip Candy is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or any occasion where you need a quick and easy dessert to share. It’s also a great make-ahead treat for holidays. I often make a batch a few days in advance so I have one less thing to worry about on the big day.

For presentation tips, I like to arrange the Strawberry Cool Whip Candy squares on a pretty platter and garnish them with fresh mint leaves. You can also drizzle a little melted white chocolate over the top for an extra touch of elegance.

If you have extra Strawberry Cool Whip Candy, you can store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week. However, I doubt you’ll have any leftovers! I’ve tried seasonal variations by adding a few drops of peppermint extract during the holidays or a splash of lime juice in the summer. Both are delicious!

Friends always ask for this Strawberry Cool Whip Candy recipe whenever I make it. It’s just one of those dishes that everyone loves. Plus, it is easy to make!

Craving more Candy recipes? Here are some ideas for Candy Corn Pretzel Bites.

Okay, let’s tackle some of the most common questions I get about this Strawberry Cool Whip Candy.

• Can I use a different flavor of gelatin? Absolutely! While strawberry is classic, you can experiment with other flavors like raspberry, cherry, or even lemon. Just make sure the flavor complements the other ingredients. I once tried orange gelatin and it was not a hit!
• Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried strawberries? You can, but I don’t recommend it. Fresh strawberries contain a lot of moisture, which can make the candy too soft and icy. If you do use fresh strawberries, be sure to drain them well and chop them very finely. But for that strawberry flavor in every bite, dried strawberries are the key to Strawberry Cool Whip Candy.
• Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes, you can! Simply substitute the Cool Whip with a vegan whipped topping and use a vegan gelatin substitute. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different.
• My candy is too soft. What did I do wrong? The most common reason for soft candy is not freezing it long enough. Make sure to freeze it for at least 4 hours, or until solid. Also, avoid overmixing the ingredients, as this can also result in a softer texture.
• My candy is too hard. What did I do wrong? Overfreezing can make the candy too hard. If this happens, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting and serving.
• Can I add other mix-ins? Of course! Feel free to get creative and add other mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or mini marshmallows. My kids love it when I add chopped Oreos!
• How long will the candy last in the freezer? The candy will last for up to a week in the freezer, but it’s best to eat it within a few days for the best flavor and texture.

You know what I do when my Strawberry Cool Whip Candy isn’t freezing fast enough? I stick it in the coldest part of the freezer and resist the urge to check on it every five minutes!

Want to learn some new ways to utilize your favorite Cool Whip? I highly recommend this Facebook group; What is the recipe for a dessert made with angel food cake ….

This Strawberry Cool Whip Candy recipe holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of simpler times, when my kids were little and we were all stuck inside on a snowy day. It’s a reminder that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create something truly delicious and memorable. And that sometimes, the best recipes are the ones that are born out of necessity.

My Strawberry Cool Whip Candy Pro Tips:

• Don’t skip the freeze-dried strawberries! They really do make a difference in the flavor.
• Grease your pan well! This will prevent the candy from sticking and make it easier to remove.
• Have fun with it! This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to experiment with different flavors and mix-ins.

Over the years, I’ve tried several variations of this Strawberry Cool Whip Candy with my family. We’ve added chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and even a swirl of peanut butter. My son, Leo, loves the version with mini marshmallows, while my daughter, Sofia, prefers it with extra sprinkles.

I hope you make this Strawberry Cool Whip Candy your own and create some sweet memories with your family and friends. Experiment with different flavors, add your favorite mix-ins, and don’t be afraid to get creative.

And remember, cooking is all about having fun and enjoying the process. Don’t stress about making everything perfect. Just relax, put on some music, and let your creativity flow. And of course, share the results with the people you love. I hope you enjoy making this Strawberry Cool Whip Candy as much as I do! For another wonderful alternative recipe check out this one here: Looking for a snack that’s as easy as it is delicious? Hack these viral ….

Happy cooking, friends!