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Cotton Candy Cake: A Dreamy Dessert That Brings Back Childhood Joy


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  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Description

This Cotton Candy Cake is a whimsical delight, featuring pastel swirls, light and fluffy layers, and a sweet cotton candy flavor. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a touch of nostalgia and magic!


Ingredients

For the Cotton Candy Cake:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cotton candy flavoring
  • 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
  • Fuchsia, sky blue, and violet gel food coloring

For the Cotton Candy Buttercream:

  • 6 large egg whites
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring

For Assembly & Decoration:

  • Additional fuchsia, sky blue, and violet gel food coloring
  • Fluffy cotton candy for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake Layers:
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease cake pans.
    • Mix the dry ingredients and set aside.
    • Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy.
    • Add eggs, cotton candy flavoring, and milk, mixing until combined.
    • Divide the batter into three bowls and color each portion with food coloring.
    • Swirl the colors together in the cake pans and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
    • Let cakes cool completely before assembling.
  2. Make the Buttercream:
    • Heat egg whites and sugar over a double boiler until sugar dissolves.
    • Whip into stiff peaks, then gradually add butter and cotton candy flavoring.
  3. Assemble and Decorate:
    • Stack and frost the cake with the cotton candy buttercream.
    • Blend gel colors onto the frosting for a watercolor effect.
    • Top with fluffy cotton candy just before serving.

Notes

  • Customization: Try different pastel color combinations for unique themes.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Serving Tip: Add cotton candy right before serving to prevent melting.
  • Alternative Flavoring: Use a mix of vanilla and raspberry extracts if cotton candy flavoring is unavailable
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American