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Home » Recipes

2 Ingredient Vanilla Mousse (aka Whipped Pudding)

Modified: Jan 25, 2025 · Published: May 19, 2022 by Marni Katz · This post may contain affiliate links ·

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pin for pinterest for vanilla mouse

Vanilla mousse may not be something you’ve heard of before, but I’m here to tell you it's a life changing dessert hack.  Make this two ingredient no bake dessert in just 5 minutes and become the a hero in your house!

whipped vanilla pudding on a beater

“This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using this link.”

Two Ingredient Vanilla Mousse is so versatile!

This easy vanilla mousse is great in so many different desserts.  You can make it in just five minutes after dinner when you just need something sweet, right now OR, make it in advance to serve on it’s own at a party.  

Served on it’s own, it’s a decadent dessert, that you can top with sliced fruit, crushed cookies, or chocolate shavings depending on the occasion.  Want to mix healthy with a treat? Try using this on top of my healthy apple donuts in place of the peanut butter...double yum!

vanilla mousse on a tray with toppings

Vanilla mousse is similar to a vanilla pudding filling in pies, and can be used as a custard cake filling or as a whipped frosting on simple cupcakes.  This mousse recipe’s versatility is one of the reasons I love it so much!

But really the best part is just how quickly and easily you can make it.

Ingredients

ingredients for vanilla mousse

A few notes on the ingredients:

  • Instant Pudding:  I have only tested this recipe with Jell-o instant vanilla pudding.  Other vanilla pudding mixes will likely work, but be sure they say “instant”, not “cook & serve”.  Also, pay attention to the size of the box.  This recipe is written for instant pudding mixes that are 3.4-3.9oz boxes, the little ones, not the big ones.
  • Heavy whipping cream:  It’s a must.  No substitutions this time.

How to make vanilla mousse (step by step instructions)

To make things even simpler, here are step-by-step photos to help you every step of the way.

This two ingredient dessert has easy to find ingredients and the directions to make it are just as easy.

Pour the instant vanilla pudding mix in a medium sized mixing bowl.  To that, add the heavy whipping cream.

cream being added to pudding mix in glass bowl

With a hand mixer, start mixing slowly at first (so you don’t get pudding mix powder everywhere) and then once the two ingredients are combined, beat until you get a light and fluffy whipped pudding mixture.

pudding being mixed in a glass bowl with heavy cream

The consistency should be close to a thick buttercream frosting.  Once you are done mixing it’s ready to use.  If you aren’t enjoying it right away, store in the fridge until you are ready to eat.

whipped vanilla pudding on a beater

For all measurements and full directions, check out the recipe card at the bottom of this page.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do you serve vanilla mousse?

I like to serve vanilla mousse in small ice cream dishes and then put out toppings for people to customize.  It’s a fun way to let people feel included in the process.  Toppings like crushed graham crackers, crushed sandwich cookies, fresh or frozen fruit, even granola or fun cereals all work as topping ideas.

What else can you make with vanilla mousse?

Vanilla mousse is a great substitute for a quick vanilla custard filling for cakes and cupcakes.  If you add some other fun toppings to it and make a double recipe, the mousse works as a no- bake pie filling as well.

How to store the mousse for later

This quick vanilla mousse recipe is great to make ahead of time.  Mix it all up and then put into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to one week.  I like to use glass containers when I store this recipe.  It keeps the vanilla flavor pure and these containers tend to keep their seal a little bit tighter than some of the plastic ones.

To keep a film or crust from forming on the top, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the whipped pudding for best results.

Another storage trick is to grab mason jars in the size you want to serve from and then portion out the mousse before you store it. Saves a ton of time and clean-up on the day you want to serve them. Or use this tip as simple portion control 😉. I like the 4 oz size for this recipe.

One more simple tip

This 2 ingredient vanilla mousse recipe makes a great filling for homemade donuts!  I know, who knew?  You’ll want to make the mixture a little bit thinner than a frosting, so it’s simple to pipe into the center of your donut. 

Do this by simply adding a bit more heavy cream as you are mixing it up. It’s the perfect solution for a quick donut filling when you are short on time.  Looking for a good donut recipe? Check out this one from my friend Anita, at Wild Thistle Kitchen.

Looking for more simple dessert recipes?  Try these:

  • Puppy Chow
  • No Churn Mint Chip Ice Cream
  • Apple Donuts

When you try this recipe and love it 😍 let me know by leaving a comment below or 5 ⭐ rating!

📖 Recipe

whipped pudding in a glass bowl

2 Ingredient Vanilla Mousse

Marni Katz
This simple dessert recipe is great on it's own or as a base for many other desserts. Two ingredients and just 5 minutes from start to finish.
4.22 from 113 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
Prep Time 2 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 7 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 334 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package instant vanilla pudding (3.4-3.9 oz package)
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream

Instructions
 

  • Pour the instant vanilla pudding mix in a medium sized mixing bowl.  To that, add the heavy whipping cream.
  • With a hand mixer, start mixing slowly at first (so you don’t get pudding mix powder everywhere) and then once the two ingredients are combined, beat until you get a light and fluffy whipped pudding mixture.
  • Once you are done mixing it’s ready to use.  It should be the consistency of a thick buttercream.
  • If you aren’t enjoying it right away, store in the fridge until you are ready to eat.

Notes

You can make the whipped pudding thicker or thinner depending on how much heavy whipping cream you add. If you are looking for a thicker consistency (to eat with a spoon, or use as a cake filling), add a little less heavy cream.
If you want to use it as a donut filling, use a little more, so that it’s easily pipeable.
Pay attention to the size of the box of pudding. You are looking for the little guys (3.4 - 3.9 oz) not the bigger ones.

Nutrition

Calories: 334kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 2gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 109mgSodium: 132mgPotassium: 63mgFiber: 1gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 1166IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 52mgIron: 1mg
Keyword 2 ingredient dessert, vanilla mousse, vanilla pudding, whipped pudding
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About Marni Katz

Marni Katz is the recipe developer, photographer and writer behind Simple Gray T-Shirt. She wants to help people keep things simple in the kitchen. With simple recipes, easy menu ideas and plenty of tips and tricks along the way, she wants getting a meal on the table to be as simple as putting on your favorite gray tee!
"I want to inspire you to get back in the kitchen and do this, because you can!"

Comments

  1. Tammy Kadari says

    August 13, 2024 at 9:43 pm

    Ooh they all loving it wow it's delicioso delicious I will definitely save this recipe and make it again and suggest it to friends my mouth is still smiling 😊😁

    Reply
  2. Rita Williams says

    November 13, 2023 at 12:51 pm

    5 stars
    I added some coffee to it and used it as a filling for a 3 layer chocolate cake with coffee icing and coffee filling. It was delicious and light.

    Reply
  3. Leanna says

    July 26, 2023 at 7:40 pm

    I did this but I used pistachio instant pudding and sprinkled pistachios on top and it was FANTASTIC and so easy!

    Reply
  4. Leya says

    May 08, 2023 at 9:22 am

    How many days is this good in the fridge for?

    Reply
  5. Michelle M says

    March 05, 2023 at 1:00 pm

    5 stars
    I added chopped bananas, and crushed graham cracker to the top, and it was a delightful dessert for the family!

    Reply
  6. Louise says

    November 22, 2022 at 5:15 pm

    Can you add raspberry flavoring?

    Reply
    • Marni Katz says

      December 11, 2022 at 11:12 am

      I'm sure you can...if you can find raspberry flavored pudding you could also use that instead of the vanilla pudding 😉

      Reply
  7. Jessica says

    October 06, 2022 at 9:31 pm

    Can this be used as filling for my 8 in cake? And is it stable enough to sit out for few hours during party? Thx

    Reply
    • Marni Katz says

      October 12, 2022 at 10:15 am

      Yes, it can definitely be used in a filling for a cake. It should be stable enough for 2-3 hours at room temp if it's not too hot 🙂

      Reply
  8. T. Pollet says

    September 10, 2022 at 3:40 pm

    5 stars
    Used this recipe today with chocolate pudding mix, added creamy whipped topping and a chocolate hazelnut rolled wafer for decoration. Perfect for home date night. Thanks for sharing! Will be looking forward to trying new flavors.

    Reply
  9. Yvonne says

    June 30, 2022 at 3:20 pm

    I actually made this recipe today 😊😊😊!!!....this is amazing! I'm using it for fruit dips at our yard party this summer!!!...oh my!😃...your recipe is a keeper!👍🏾❤️❣️

    Reply
    • Marni Katz says

      July 06, 2022 at 12:40 pm

      I'm so glad you loved it! It's a perfect fruit dip...I hope all your friends and family enjoy it 🙂

      Reply
  10. Veronica kucic says

    October 27, 2021 at 1:38 am

    I just like to know if I can add cacao powder with vanilla instant pudding n cream to whip up together

    Reply
    • Marni Katz says

      November 17, 2021 at 1:29 pm

      Veronica - That should work just fine. Can also use chocolate instant pudding 🙂

      Reply
4.22 from 113 votes (110 ratings without comment)

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As a busy mom of three, I believe in keeping recipes simple. 7-ingredients or less is my goal, and everything is kid-tested and approved!

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