Cotton Candy Cake Recipe

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

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and cotton candy flavoring.
5. 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

1. Divide the batter evenly into two bowls.
2. Tint one bowl with pink food coloring and the other with blue food coloring. Stir gently to combine.
3. Pour the batters into the prepared cake pans, swirling gently with a knife for a marbled effect (optional).
4. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. 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

1. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy (about 2 minutes).
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed.
3. Pour in heavy cream and cotton candy flavoring. Beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
4. Divide the frosting into two bowls and tint one pink and the other blue.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of pink frosting evenly.
2. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with the blue frosting.
3. Optional: Use both frosting colors in a piping bag for a swirled effect.

Step 5: Decorate!

1. 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!)
2. 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!