Hands Down The Best Cake Filling You'll Ever Eat
Cake Filling
Get ready.
Yes, I know the haters will say this is trash. HA! You make and decide, Boo!
As always, if you'd rather not read the jibber jabber, hit that "jump to recipe" tab and get to nomming.
Hands Down The Best Cake Filling You'll Ever Eat
I'm telling y'all (again!): this is hands down the best cake filling you'll ever eat!
I'm gonna need you to calm yerself before you gaze upon it's creamy light deliciousness.
Ready?
GO!
Don't you want to just grab a spoon and hide in a closet until yer done hoggin' all that cake filling goodness?
No?
WHAT?!
Come On, People - live a little!
It makes me giddy (not even kidding) ever time I see it.
The bonus is it tastes even better than it looks.
#pinkyswear
Let's take another peek:
There's only one problem with this recipe: I have amnesia.
I have where-did-I-find-this-most-amazing-recipe amnesia.
For that I am truly sorry, because whoever created this deserves a stinkin' cake-filling medal.
Cake Filling
Hands Down The BEST You'll Ever Eat!
Ain't even kidding!
Have you ever read a recipe and were all: Oh, man - I gotta try that.
Soon.
So you grab whatever scrap piece of paper is closest and scribble down the recipe, swearing you'll get to the store, grab the necessary ingredients, and make that bad boy tomorrow?
Yeah. Me too. Twinsies!
Except it took FOREVER before I found the scribbled recipe again and then actually got to the store, grabbed the ingredients and made it.
I had tucked it into my "recipe file" (a giant notebook haphazardly stuffed with scraps of paper) and had promptly forgotten about the nommy nom nom that awaited me.
Then one day, while rummaging through the ridiculously overstuffed notebook for a completely different recipe (and swearing for the thousandth time that I would organize that hot mess), I came across my barely legible chicken scratch on an old-looking piece of paper and pulled it from the abyss to decipher and make.
Lawsy.
Cake Filling Ideas
The Story Of This Life-Changing Cake Filling
To say that day changed my cake filling ways isn't hyperbole, it's the holy truth of what actually happened.
~ clouds parting - angels singing ~
Look at this lovely bowl full of fluffy cake-filling nirvana:
~ mouth watering...must make again ~
We'll just cut the chit-chat and get right to it, shall we?
Here's the true lowdown on what happened...
Cake Filling Flavors
Not only is this filling delicious on its own, it's ripe for change.
As soon as I made the cake filling, and knew it was gold, my brain immediately started to play around with it for modifications:
- Cut up fruit and add to filling.
- Add mini chocolate chips.
- Flavors, so many flavors of pudding available to try!
- One flavor filling to fill the cake - another to top the cake.
- Use on cupcakes!
- Pancake, waffles and French Toast filling!
- Make and hide in the back of your fridge - for your spoon only!
How Cake Filling Changed My Baking Life
* Years ago, I found a filling that spoke to me on paper, but I never got around to making it. I copied it and tucked it away, until now.
* I had a new cake recipe that I wanted to try.
* I thought I'd try the filling too.
* Turned out the filling was so good that I didn't frost the cake, I simply used the filling to fill and top the cake.
* We almost fainted from the sheer joy and deliciousness.
Full Disclosure: We didn't come near to fainting, but if I could have, I would have.
* After I filled and topped the cake, we licked the container clean that held the filling.
Like kids. I had it on my fingers and face and shirt.
I ain't ashamed.
* We ate a piece of cake each and fell in love. With the cake-filling. Cause we're already in love with each other.
Just thought I should clarify.
But, totally feed this to someone whose affection you seek.
It should do the job.
[Tweet "Yep. Cake filling. I'm practically hyperventilating over cake filling. "]
Picky Eaters
This Amazing Cake Filling Concoction For Other's Joy.
My MIL is a picky picky sweets eater and in her later years has taken to a softer foods.
Enter the best cake-filling modified as her fav: banana pudding.
I simply make use the vanilla pudding mix, then add banana slices and finely crumbled vanilla wafers as a topping.
Add a spoon and she's in!
Currently, this is her all time fav sweet to eat.
People. Try this filling. DO IT!
I soooo want to link where I found this bit of cake-filling nirvana, but I don't know to whom the credit belongs.
THANK YOU, ANONYMOUS STRANGER!
If y'all will excuse me, I need to go make filling.
No cake.
Just filling.
Sweet sweet filling of the cakes!
Go on now - get to whippin' and stirrin' and lickin' of the spoonin's!
Easy Cake Filling
How Easy Is It To Make This Cake Filling?
Can your pour?
Can you stir?
Can you fold in one more ingredient?
Yes, to all?
That's how easy it is to make.
Let's quit messin' around and get to pouring, stirring and folding.
Custard Cake Filling
Do You Love A Custard Cake Filling?
Have you ever made custard for filling a cake?
There's the heating of milk and carefully adding the eggs - don't add too fast! Do you want to ruin it and have to start all over again?! Sheesh.
There's the constant stirring and babying the mixture.
While the finished product is delicious, you may not have time for the drama, mama!
Honestly, this is as close as you'll get with minimal time and mess.
Let me backtrack just a hair - have you ever had a giant Costco custard filled sheet cake?
You know the ones. They could feed a village and you could still send everyone home with leftovers.
Oh, momma!
I tell anyone who will listen (THAT'S YOU!) that I could eat that filling straight from the vat.
For my next birthday, y'all can skip the cake (SACRILEGE!) and simply bring me a spoon and a tub o'filling from Costco!
It's addicting.
It's lip-smacking.
It's spoon licking goodness.
As. Is. This. Best. Cake. Filling.
You know you can trust me on this.
Vanilla Cake Filling
Use The Vanilla As A Chocolate Cake Filling
I've used this filling, the vanilla flavor, mostly in my chocolate cakes; the light flavor and texture is perfectly paired with a robust and dense chocolate cake.
Witness:
This is one of the most simple and, dare I say, elegant ways to present a cake.
Simply fill in between the layers and then top cake with filling.
For a fun splash, you can top the cake with anything your imagination offers.
Nothing on a cake says OH MY GOSH, THIS IS GONNA BE GOOD! like a sprinkling of, well, sprinkles.
For my chocolate cakes, I like the delicious crunch and fun appearance of jimmies.
JIMMIES! (Commonly Known As Sprinkles)
Who doesn't love jimmies? WHO?!
Honestly, when I was research I was surprised to learn this fact; I thought the term belonged to the South.
Alrighty, y'all - enough jibber-jabber: To the recipe!
Note: I have included a printable recipe card below for yer stuff-and-forget into your "recipe file" needs. Aren't I swell?
Hands Down the Best Cake Filling You'll Ever Eat
Ingredients:
- 1 3.9 ounce box vanilla instant pudding mix.
- 1 cup of milk (use only half the milk called for on box)
- 1 ½ – 2 cups Cool Whip or whipped heavy cream
Instructions:
- Whisk pudding mix with milk.
- Place in fridge for about 5 minutes to set.
- Fold in Cool Whip or whipped heavy cream (I used 1 ½ cups Cool Whip - one normal-sized tub)
- Makes enough to fill and top a two-layer cake.
Note:
Once cake is filled and topped, eat immediately - or - cover and refrigerate.
Hands Down The Best Cake-Filling You'll Ever Eat
Hands down the best light and fluffy cake-filling I've ever made or eaten. Get ready for a cake-filling, cupcake-topping, spoon-eating recipe to end all recipes.
Ingredients
- 1 3.9 ounce box vanilla instant pudding mix.
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 ½ – 2 cups Cool Whip or whipped heavy cream
Instructions
- Whisk pudding mix with milk.
- Place in fridge for about 5 minutes to set.
- Fold in Cool Whip or whipped heavy cream (I used 1 ½ cups Cool Whip - one normal-sized tub)
- Makes enough to fill and top a two-layer cake.
Notes
Once cake is filled and topped, eat immediately - or - cover and refrigerate.
Options:
* Cut up fruit and add to filling.
* Add mini chocolate chips.
* Flavors, so many flavors of pudding available to try!
* One flavor filling to fill the cake – another to top the cake.
* Use on cupcakes!
* Pancake, waffles and French Toast filling!
IMPORTANT: The nutritional info does not take into account how much per spoonful you sneak.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
Wilton Angled Spatula, 9", 9 inch, Black -
American Metalcraft SSB1300 Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl, 16" Diameter, Silver, 13-Quart -
Set of 3 Stainless Steel Whisk 8"+10"+12", Kitchen Balloon Hand Stainless Whisk Set for Blending Whisking Beating Stirring by Ouddy -
Cake Carrier Holder Cover by Sweet Course Official Large Round Container with Collapsible Handles
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1 slice cakeAmount Per Serving: Calories: 97Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 55mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 0gSugar: 4gProtein: 2g
Nutrition information can vary.
Original Post: October 2, 2017. Updated: May 2, 2025
Tired of searching for a popular OMT! recipe?
Rest yer weary fingers.
Except to click on the image.
You still have enough strength for that.
COME ON!
YOU CAN DO IT!
If you liked this cake filling post, here are three others you might like!
The Best 1-2-3-4 Cake Recipe You’ll Ever Make
The 1 2 3 4 Cake is an American classic. If you've never tried it, you're missing out on cake history!
The Best Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake
Truly a Texas classic. This cake cures homesickness, soothes a broken heart, and is offered at every event imaginable in the South.
Doesn't hurt that it's addictive!
Manhattan Cheesecake is the Last Cheesecake Recipe You'll Ever Need
Folks in New York love this cheesecake and now you can too. It's our family go-to for birthdays.
It takes a bit of time to make, but it's not difficult (hardest part is letting it sit in fridge overnight for the flavors to marry).
Now you have four great recipes to try!
Thank you for reading and trying this recipe: Hands Down The Best Cake Filling You'll Ever Eat
Tell me what you think!
Oh what a fun post - I am sooooooooooooooo going to make this, how can I not, right????
Thanks for the inspiration! Bet it'd be good with cinnamon and nutmeg for a bit of fall flavor.
How can you not!! Enjoy!
This is super good with the addition of cream cheese
1 box instant vanilla or white chocolate pudding (large box)
3 cups milk
8 oz cream cheese softened
Oh, momma!
You bet!! I was scrolling
Down the page to say this very thing!! LoL. You beat me to it ?
@SUSAN SMITH,
Can this one be pipped on a letter cake?
@SUSAN SMITH, what process would you use for this? Beat the cream cheese, whisk the milk and pudding together to set and then mix it all together?
I bet it would be amazing with pumpkin pie pudding on top of a spice cake
That sounds awesome!!!
Every time I eat it, I think: THE BEST FILLING EVAH!
This sounds like I would eat it right from the bowl! Did you refrigerate the cake? If there were leftovers.
Yes, you'll want to eat it buy the bowlful! and yes, IF there are leftovers, overnite in fridge.
@Patti Tucker, has anyone tried it with banana pudding?
I haven't, but I would so do it!
It may have come from a recipe that I found and use all the time except, you add sliced strawberries, and use it as a filling for cinnamon/sugar and buttered baked tortillas. You just roll the filling up in them. I found them kind of messy for my kids to eat, due to the yummyness squishing out both ends, so I cut the tortillas into strips with my pizza cutter. I then, fry them in a thin layer of oil, in the frying pan until just starting to turn golden. I have a gallon zip lock bag with cinnamon and sugar ready. I just put them in the bag after I let some of the oil drip off, and shake. I then place them in a bowl and have my yummy strawberry cream dip ready and we can eat them like they are chips and dip. Sooooo good!!☺ Great for Get-togethers too!
CAMI!!! I die! That sounds soooo good!!!
I first encountered it when the Jello Pistachio pudding first hit the market. There was a dessert called Watergate cake which was all the rage and would make an appearance at nearly every pot luck or party for well over 2 years.
I have used the formula in many variations; my favorites are vanilla and chocolate though. This makes a wonderful frosting for coconut cake!
Watergate cake! lol! I can hardly convince myself to make a buttercream filling since I've made this one. Soooo good!
I first found this recipe in a Jello Pudding recipe book, maybe 40 years ago. Can make it low calorie using sugar free pudding mix. Pudding mix whipped with 2 cops heavy cream makes a delious, super easy mousse.
I love mousse or a moose - either way!
You took the words right out of my mouth Clarie Wood. I've made this combo years ago with the Watergate cake also. It's good no matter what combination you use it. I've also made the instant pudding mixed with the whole box of Dream Whip. I'm not even sure they make that anymore. It was just like instant pudding the way you would make it but it tasted like an imitation cool whip/whipped cream. I never tasted it by itself only mixed with the pudding mix. Thanks for the memories. I haven't thought about this is a long time. I'm going to have to whip up a batch for old time sakes LOL.
Can this filling be frozen in the cake layers, ahead of time?
I have been making a coolwhip icing that came from the coolwhip container many years ago. The only difference is the recipe adds 1/4 cup of confectioners sugar tot he pudding mix and uses 1 cup of milk and the whole cool whip container. The chocolate pudding icing is amazing. My family likes it on chocolate cake. I agree it is amazing.
Just reading your comment makes me want a bowl for breakfast...right now!
Same recipe I got out of a magazine many years ago. Beat together the pudding, milk and sugar for one minute, fold in the Cool Whip (no need to refrigerate the pudding first) and fill & frost the cake immediately, then refrigerate. That's the original recipe; it was called Smooth 'n Creamy Frosting
It's very close!
Will the cake have to be refrigerated? Because of the milk/whipped topping that's in this filling?
I have refrigerated the leftovers. Store waaaaay back, behind all the other stuff, so only you know where it is. 😉
I used this filling last night for a cake for hubby's birthday. I just got a phone call from my 5 year old daughter to ask if she could lick some of the cream (cake filling) in the bowl in the fridge ... " it's sooo yummy".
I will never steer you wrong - especially when it comes to anything cake related! So happy she loved it!
Sounds wonderful as a cake filling! Will have to try. I have previously made a very simple slice. Beat together a packet of vanilla pudding mix with a carton of thickened cream and put it between two layers of Lattice biscuits in a slice tin to set! Divine!! Lattice biscuits in Australia are a flaky pastry cookie with a sweet glaze on the top. Yum!
You had me at cookie! Yours sounds perfect!
If anyone has ever made dirt, you use vanilla pudding n cool whip for that recipe. You don't half the pudding though. To make you crush Oreos. The crushed Oreos resemble dirt. You put a layer of the pudding/cool whip mixture, then a layer of the crushed Oreos. They repeat the layers again ending w the crushed cookies. Yumminess!!! You can place in 13x9 cake pan n decorate w gummy worms coming out for kids, or for a bridal shower, place in a new pretty decorative planter (you can line with plastic first if u want) then place artificial flowers in the top. It will look like a plant. Everyone will b surprised when u then grab a new spade, I guess you call it, tool u use to dig out the dirt to plant a flower. You actually use the spade as a serving spoon. Very cute. Then the bride gets to keep the planter n spade to either use again for dirt or as a real planter. Very cute n very yummy. Oh and I've seen it used for Halloween w cookies made to look like gravestones. I also made in 13x9 for my sister baby shower. She was expecting a boy. I placed a boy doll sitting in the dirt n placed matchbox size cars around... bulldozer etc. very cute. Have fun w it! : )
I remember dirt from my youth! (both kinds are edible, right?!)
I agree with you that this is excellent AND it also makes a VERY good fruit salad base. Just make it the way you suggested and throw in what ever canned (drained) fruit and/or fresh fruit and adjust amounts for the amount of fruit you're using. I make this as a treat at holidays 🙂
Another delicious variation. Nom.
I use this filling to fill my mini Cream Puffs. Yum!!
YUM!!! The uses are endless.
Using lemon pudding mix is wonderful in cream puffs!
Oh, man - sounds delicious!