Kool Whip

Ok, I have already done a search so forgive me if this has been covered (which I am sure it has) but does anyone have any suggestions on what to use as Kool Whip is not available here?  I know you can make your own whipped topping and I have done so with other desserts but it just ends up melting into a mess anyway.  Even when MIL (who has been a cook for years) does it, it ends up melting. I need something that is going to hold the way kool whip does.  I know you can get the stuff in a squirty can but it just doesn't taste sweet enough.  Any suggestions would be great! I am meeting another american for 4th of July BBQ and really wanted to do a dessert that had kool whip.

Don't they have a powdered whipped topping in stores here?  Like Dream whip?  That might work.. .. I just can't think of the name right now..

Is angel delight the stuff that's like powdered whipped topping?

No, Angel Delight is like a pudding/mousse type thing.
I think the topping might actually be called Dream Whip. (Ive never used it).

Have you tried double cream, whipped and then folding some icing sugar into it?  That usually helps to hold the shape.

In Germany there is a product that you can mix into the whipped cream to make it stiffer.  I think I've seen it here, it comes in little packages.

I googled a copycat recipe for Cool Whip:

http://www.healthycookingrecipes.com/copy-cat-recipes/cool-whip-copycat.htm

Dream whip actually isn't that bad. I've found using VERY cold milk in a stainless steel bowl (helps keep the milk cold) helps make this the closest equivalent to Cool Whip I could find. That recipe seems like it would work but a packet of mix under a £ is easier at the end of the day

Have you tried double cream, whipped and then folding some icing sugar into it?  That usually helps to hold the shape.

In Germany there is a product that you can mix into the whipped cream to make it stiffer.  I think I've seen it here, it comes in little packages.

I haven't tried the double cream whipped yet.  But think I might give it a go. Seems to be a bit easier. DH says he doesn't like Dream Topping but he may just end up having to deal with it if I nothing else works! I have a friend in Germany so I might ask her about that product.  If you end up thinking of the name of the product would mind letting me know? cheers!

It's called "sahnesteif" and is made by Dr. Oetker. 

Another name for it may be whipping cream stabilizer, but I think we would be talking about specialty shops catering to restaurant or shop owners. 

It basically keeps the whipped cream in a cake or pastry or whatever from going watery, yellow or not lasting as long as you might like.  It doesn't have any taste.

Try the double cream whipped though, it is fantastic.