19 Top-Notch Treats To Make With Instant Pudding Mix

We’re willing to bet you have a box of instant pudding mix hiding somewhere in the pantry. Consider this your sign to break it out and whip up something delicious! While pudding mix may seem like a basic boxed item, it’s actually your secret weapon for top-notch baking. Because it contains sugar, cornstarch and flavorings, it can lend so much to a variety of desserts, contributing to moister cakes, chewier cookies, and fluffier whipped cream. You can see it for yourself with this banana pudding-inspired cake. The cornstarch and sugar in the pudding mix make the cake moist and tender. Plus, it sweetens the frosting without requiring any additional sugar and keeps it particularly light and fluffy. The result is a truly delicious snacking cake with a uniquely pudding-like frosting that’s a cinch to make.

Adding pumpkin spice pudding mix to the batter not only adds a wonderful flavor but also makes the pancakes fluffy and custardy on the inside. We save a tablespoon of pudding to add to whipped cream for an extra bit of spice and to keep it fluffy longer. While this recipe is perfect for the fall seson, you'll be making these pancakes all year round!

This no-bake layered dessert has all the trappings of a classic strawberry shortcake. Crunchy shortbread cookie crumbs stand in for the crust. Layers of creamy filling, fresh strawberries and pudding take it to another level.

The secret to these blondies may be hiding in your cabinet—butterscotch pudding mix. This shortcut ingredient gives the brownies subtle butterscotch flavor and a tender, chewy texture. Crunchy cashews and a sprinkling of flaky salt help to balance the sweetness of the blondies. Feel free to bump up the butterscotch flavor by adding butterscotch chips or keep it mellow with just the contrast of your favorite chocolate chips.

A ring of caramelized bananas adds a bit of flair to this crust-less version of a classic banana cream pie. Thanks to banana pudding mix, this dessert is quick and easy! Scoop it up with vanilla wafer cookies to add some crunch.

Calling all lemon lovers! Kardea says, "I love my Aunt TC's Lemon-Lime Soda Cake, so I thought it would be fun to make my own pound cake to share with her. Instant lemon pudding mix is the key to making this pound cake extra moist, and the lemon drizzle on top adds another layer of citrusy goodness."

These sugar cookies are the chewiest you will find, and they're gluten free to boot! Rather than subbing all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, we used instant pudding mix (and rice and coconut flours) to give these cookies their gooey texture. You can even swap out vanilla for your own favorite pudding flavor, such as chocolate or caramel.

This take on Thai iced coffee is perfectly spiced and creamy, just like the real thing. A cardamom-spiked pudding mixture makes both the filling and the frosting for this creamy cake! Use chocolate-covered espresso beans as a fun topping for this coffee-lovers delight.

Who says pudding mix doesn't belong in cookies?! Michael uses a chocolate mix to add rich flavor and a chewy texture to his decadent dessert. Mix in pretzels for a sweet-and-salty treat!

Pineapple upside-down cake meets piña colada: Say hello to your new favorite drunken cake. It's the best of both worlds in one dessert! Vanilla pudding plays a big role here: the mix is prepared and combined with coconut extract, then piped into the cake itself and in the center to ensure a cake that's flavorful, fun, and the furthest thing from dry.

Rich and creamy, Kardea's no-bake pie is the perfect treat for any chocolate lover. Chocolate pudding mix serves as the filling for this pie, which gets even better when topped with whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate. With chocolate sandwich cookies as the crust and garnish, this is truly an easy and sweet treat.

Easy, no-bake and delicious—what more can you ask for?! This delightful dessert is a combination of creamy cheesecake and key lime pie. To really get that key lime flavor, combine vanilla pudding mix with lime juice!

Chocolate and cherries are a magical combination. Here, we amp up the cherry flavor by using cherry cola in the cake batter. For a boost of chocolate flavor, we use chocolate pudding mix in the cake itself, which makes it extra rich!

The secret to Valerie's signature love cake? Pudding mix, which she combines with mascarpone to make a rich, creamy frosting. While slightly less sweet than a traditional buttercream, the extra sugar won't be missed!

Vanilla pudding mix serves as the base for Ree's five-star pie. Plus, you don't need to prepare the pudding first! Simply combine the mix with yogurt, raspberries and heavy cream for a delicious filling that's smooth and creamy.

Dump eggnog, cake mix and a few other ingredients into your cake pan and you’ll achieve something magical: a supremely easy dessert with a custardy vanilla top and crumbly cake bottom. Made with pudding mix and cake mix, it comes together in the blink of an eye! For an extra-festive presentation, serve it topped with ground nutmeg, whipped cream and caramel sauce.

Talk about chocolate overload! Ree uses chocolate cake mix and chocolate chips to create a moist, rich cake, which gets even better when topped with a chocolate pudding-based frosting. To quote one reviewer, "It's what chocolate dreams are made of!"

This poke cake is spiked with the flavors of Irish coffee for an easy adult dessert that will feed a crowd. To make it, you'll combine vanilla pudding mix with sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and Irish cream liqueur. The mixture will be poured over a chocolate cake and rest so the cake infuses plenty of favor and moisture.