Today I want to share a little something sweet that’s become a go-to recipe in our family. You know how sometimes you just want a quick treat that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? This Cool Whip Candy is just that! It’s super easy to whip up and does not need any fancy baking skills. I remember the first time I made this for my kids; their faces lit up like Christmas morning. It’s the kind of treat that makes you feel like a superstar chef, even if you’ve only spent a few minutes mixing and melting.
Now, let me tell you, not only is this candy a hit with kids, but adults love it just as much! You know how it is—sometimes you just need a sweet fix after a long day or a little pick-me-up during your afternoon slump, and this candy fits the bill perfectly. And here’s the kicker: it’s incredibly versatile! You can tweak it based on what you have at home or what you’re craving that day. Plus, it’s really fun to make together as a family. My kids love helping out, especially when it comes to dipping the candy in the melted chocolate. It gets a little messy, but that’s part of the fun, right?
The beauty of this recipe is that it looks impressive, but don’t worry—it’s simple! You won’t need any complicated gadgets or baking skills, just a few bowls and some good old-fashioned mixing. And with only a few ingredients, you’ll find it unexpectedly budget-friendly. I often bring it to potlucks and get-togethers, and you wouldn’t believe how quickly it disappears! So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into making this delightful Cool Whip Candy.
How to Make Cool Whip Candy
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Ingredients
- 2 bags of Milk Chocolate chips (11 oz each)
- 1 tub of Cool Whip, thawed (8 oz)
- 24 oz of Ghirardelli dark chocolate melting wafers
Directions
- First things first, grab a microwave-safe bowl and throw in the chocolate chips. Heat them in the microwave for about a minute. Give it a good stir, then pop them back in for another 30 seconds. Keep stirring until it’s silky and smooth. If it’s still chunky, don’t hesitate to give it a quick 15-second zap in the microwave. Let the melted chocolate cool for around 20 minutes—patience is key!
- While you’re waiting, line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. This is where all the goodness will come together, so make sure it’s ready!
- Now, in a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the cooled chocolate and the Cool Whip. Don’t worry if it seems to clump; that’s part of the charm! Keep folding until everything’s nicely blended. Once you’ve got a smooth mixture, pour it into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly.
- Next, pop that dish into the freezer for 30 minutes. After it’s set, take it out and cut the candy into 36 delightful squares. Transfer those squares onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and return them to the freezer for another 30 minutes.
- Now, onto the dark chocolate! Melt those wafers according to the package directions. Once your candy squares are properly chilled, dip each one into the melted chocolate, making sure they’re fully coated. Place them back on the parchment paper for the chocolate to set.
- When you’re ready to enjoy, keep your delicious creations in the freezer until it’s time to share! They’re best served cold and can last for up to 30 days, just waiting to be devoured.
Storing Suggestion
Keep your Cool Whip Candy in an airtight container in the freezer for optimal freshness. It can be stored for up to 30 days. Just take out what you need when you’re ready for a treat!
Cooking Tips
If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made chocolate shell instead of melting dark chocolate wafers. It saves a step and gives a similar delicious finish. You could also test out other flavors of chocolate chips, like peanut butter or white chocolate, for an exciting twist!
Serving Suggestions
These candy squares are perfect for serving at parties. You might consider garnishing them with a sprinkle of sea salt before the chocolate sets. For an added touch, serve them alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas, or pair them with a scoop of ice cream for a delicious dessert platter!
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have Cool Whip on hand, you can substitute it with whipped cream or make your own whipped topping. For a healthier option, use Greek yogurt, although it may alter the texture and flavor slightly.
Seasonal Variations
As the seasons change, feel free to get creative! In spring, add in crushed peppermint candy for a minty finish. During fall, mixing in crushed pumpkin spice candies or butterscotch chips can deliver a cozy flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy from the chocolate chips and Cool Whip. If you need a dairy-free option, look for non-dairy chocolate and coconut-based whipped topping, which can work just as well and still provide that creamy sweetness without the dairy!
FAQ
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can mix and match your favorite chocolate chips. Semi-sweet or dark chocolate works best, but feel free to experiment with white chocolate or even flavored varieties. Just keep in mind that the melting times may slightly vary.
How can I make this recipe more festive?
You can easily give this candy a holiday touch by adding sprinkles, crushed nuts, or seasonal spices like peppermint during the coating process. It’s a little touch that goes a long way in making your treats feel special for any occasion!
Is there a way to make this healthier?
While this candy is definitely a sweet treat, you can attempt to cut down on sugar by using dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content. You might also look into low-calorie whipped toppings or even make your own to better control the ingredients.
Can I use this recipe to create different shapes?
Yes! If you have cookie cutters, you can press the mixture into any shape you like. Just make sure to create the candy layer thick enough so that it holds when cut out. This can be a fun creative exercise with kids!
Do I need to thaw the Cool Whip before using?
Yes, it’s best to thaw the Cool Whip completely before using it in the recipe. This ensures that you can mix it smoothly with the melted chocolate, providing that delightful creamy texture throughout your candy.
How should I serve this candy?
This candy is best served straight from the freezer. It adds a refreshing bite, especially during warm days! Consider serving with coffee or milk for a satisfying treat that pairs well with flavors. Additionally, you can plate it decoratively for parties or gatherings, making it look even more tempting!
Cool Whip Candy
Ingredients
- 2 bags (11 oz each) Milk Chocolate chips
- 1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed
- 24 oz Ghirardelli dark chocolate melting wafers
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips for one minute. Stir them up and pop them back in the microwave for another 30 seconds. Keep stirring until it's nice and smooth. If it's still a bit chunky, give it another quick 15-second burst in the microwave. Let the melted chocolate cool to room temperature for about 20 minutes.
- Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, gently fold the cooled melted chocolate into the Cool Whip. Don’t worry if it starts to clump up; that’s totally normal! Just keep folding until everything is blended well. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish.
- Pop it in the freezer for 30 minutes. Once it's set, take it out and cut it into 36 squares. Place the candy pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and put them back in the freezer for another 30 minutes.
- Melt the dark chocolate wafers according to the package instructions.
- After the candy has chilled, dip each square into the melted chocolate. Place them back on the parchment paper and let them set.
- Store your delightful candy in the freezer until you’re ready to share or enjoy. It’s best served cold and can be kept for up to 30 days.
