Fluffy, Sweet, and Perfect for Celebrations!
If you love the light, nostalgic flavor of cotton candy, this cake is a dream come true! With layers of pastel-colored vanilla cake, cotton candy-flavored frosting, and a whimsical cotton candy topping, it’s the ultimate treat for birthdays, parties, or any sweet occasion.
📌 Recipe Overview
🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes
⏳ Cook Time: 25 minutes
❄️ Cooling Time: 30 minutes
🎂 Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
👩🍳 Servings: 12 slices
🎀 Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- Pink and blue food coloring
For the Cotton Candy Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring
- Pink and blue food coloring
For Decoration:
- Cotton candy (store-bought or homemade)
- Sprinkles (optional)
📖 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and cotton candy flavoring.
- Reduce mixer speed to low and alternately add the flour mixture and milk, starting and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined.
Step 2: Add the Colors & Bake
- Divide the batter evenly into two bowls.
- Tint one bowl with pink food coloring and the other with blue food coloring. Stir gently to combine.
- Pour the batters into the prepared cake pans, swirling gently with a knife for a marbled effect (optional).
- Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Cotton Candy Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy (about 2 minutes).
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed.
- Pour in heavy cream and cotton candy flavoring. Beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
- Divide the frosting into two bowls and tint one pink and the other blue.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of pink frosting evenly.
- Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with the blue frosting.
- Optional: Use both frosting colors in a piping bag for a swirled effect.
Step 5: Decorate!
- Right before serving, place cotton candy on top of the cake for a magical touch. (Do not add it too early, or it will dissolve!)
- Add sprinkles for extra fun.
🌟 Pro Tips for the Best Cotton Candy Cake
✅ Use high-quality cotton candy flavoring for the most authentic taste.
✅ Do not refrigerate the cake after adding cotton candy—it melts with moisture!
✅ For extra fluffiness, sift the flour before mixing.
✅ Store the cake without cotton candy at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
🍭 Variations & Fun Twists
✨ Unicorn Cake: Add pastel purple and yellow colors for a magical effect.
✨ Cotton Candy Cupcakes: Bake in cupcake tins and frost individually.
✨ Extra Sweetness: Fill the cake with marshmallow fluff or white chocolate ganache.
🧁 Nutrition (Per Slice)
- Calories: ~450
- Carbs: ~60g
- Fat: ~20g
- Sugar: ~45g
(Estimated, varies by ingredients used.)
🎉 Final Thoughts
This Cotton Candy Cake is a showstopper—perfectly fluffy, sweet, and fun! Whether it’s a birthday, baby shower, or special treat, this cake will make everyone smile. Try it today and bring some carnival magic to your kitchen! 🍰✨