Cotton Candy Cake Recipe

Cotton candy cake is a delightful and whimsical dessert that combines the fluffy, sugary goodness of cotton candy with the rich, moist texture of cake. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a touch of magic, this cake is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this enchanting treat.

Ingredients

• For the Cake:
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• Pink and blue food coloring
• For the Frosting:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Cotton candy flavoring (optional)
• Pink and blue food coloring
• Cotton candy for decoration

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

1. Color the Batter:

• Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. Add a few drops of pink food coloring to one bowl and blue food coloring to another, leaving the third bowl plain. Mix each bowl until the color is evenly distributed.

1. Bake the Cakes:

• Pour the batters into the prepared pans, spreading them out evenly. Bake 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 them to a wire rack to cool completely.

1. Prepare the Frosting:

• In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and cotton candy flavoring (if using). Beat until fluffy.
• Divide the frosting into two bowls. Add pink food coloring to one bowl and blue food coloring to the other. Mix until the colors are evenly distributed.

1. Assemble the Cake:

• Place one layer of the cake on a serving plate. Spread a layer of pink frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and spread a layer of blue frosting. Place the final layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, alternating colors as desired.
• Decorate the cake with cotton candy, gently pressing it onto the frosting just before serving to prevent it from melting.

Fun Facts and Tips

• Cotton Candy: Cotton candy, also known as fairy floss or candy floss, was invented in the 19th century. Learn more about cotton candy on Wikipedia.
• Food Coloring: Using gel food coloring can give more vibrant colors without altering the consistency of the batter or frosting.
• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If decorated with cotton candy, it’s best to add it just before serving to keep it from melting.

This cotton candy cake is a colorful and fun addition to any dessert table. Its light, sweet flavor and eye-catching appearance make it a standout treat that everyone will love. Enjoy baking and indulging in this whimsical cake!