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Cotton Candy Cake Recipe

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This Cotton Candy Cake is a whimsical and colorful dessert inspired by the sweetness and light texture of cotton candy! With layers of pastel-colored cake, a fluffy cotton candy-flavored frosting, and a touch of edible glitter, this cake will bring a magical vibe to any party. It’s a sweet, airy treat that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious, making it the perfect showstopper for birthdays and special occasions.

Ingredients

  • For the Cake:
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cotton candy extract (optional for more cotton candy flavor)
  • 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra tenderness)
  • Food coloring (pink and blue for pastel colors)
  • For the Frosting:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cotton candy extract (or more to taste)
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (adjust for consistency)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Food coloring (pink and blue)
  • For the Garnish (optional):
  • Cotton candy (for topping)
  • Edible glitter (optional)

Instructions

  • For the Cake:
  • Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  • Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
  • Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then stir in the vanilla extract and cotton candy extract, if using.
  • Add dry ingredients and milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  • Color the batter: Divide the batter evenly into two bowls. Add a few drops of pink food coloring to one bowl and blue food coloring to the other. Stir gently to incorporate the color.
  • Layer the cake: Layer the pink and blue batters in the prepared cake pans, alternating colors. Swirl the colors together with a knife or skewer for a fun marbled effect.
  • Bake the cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • For the Frosting:
  • Beat the butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
  • Add powdered sugar and flavor: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated. Add the cotton candy extract, salt, and milk or cream. Beat on high for 2-3 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
  • Color the frosting: Divide the frosting into two bowls. Add pink food coloring to one and blue food coloring to the other. Mix until the colors are vibrant.
  • Frost the cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one cake layer with pink frosting. Add the second layer and frost with blue frosting. Repeat with the third layer. You can also pipe the frosting for a decorative effect.
  • To Assemble:
  • Layer the cake: Place the first layer of cake on a cake board or serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then add the second layer of cake. Repeat with the third layer and finish with frosting on top and around the sides.
  • Decorate: For the finishing touch, top the cake with cotton candy and edible glitter (if using) for a magical, colorful look.

Notes

  • Cotton Candy Flavor: If you can’t find cotton candy extract, you can try using a cotton candy-flavored syrup or a small amount of vanilla extract mixed with a drop of pink food coloring.
  • Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Remove the cotton candy topping before refrigerating, as it will melt.
  • Customization: Feel free to get creative with your cake colors and frosting! You can use other pastel shades like lavender, mint green, or yellow for a different look.

Find it online: https://yumfamilyrecipes.com/cotton-candy-cake-recipe/