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Cotton candy cake with pink and blue frosting, topped with fluffy cotton candy and colorful sprinkles.

Cotton Candy Cake

Cherish
Learn how to make a cotton candy cake with this easy recipe! Perfect for birthdays or parties, this whimsical dessert is flavorful, fun, and beginner-friendly.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups 315g all-purpose flour – Gives the cake structure and softness.
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder – Ensures a light fluffy texture.
  • ½ tsp salt – Enhances the overall flavor.
  • 1 cup 225g unsalted butter, softened – Adds moisture and richness.
  • 2 cups 400g granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake while helping with its soft crumb.
  • 4 large eggs at room temperature – Provides stability and a tender texture.
  • 1 tbsp cotton candy flavoring – The star ingredient for that nostalgic sweet taste.
  • 1 cup 240ml whole milk – Keeps the batter smooth and creamy.
  • Pink and blue food coloring – For the signature cotton candy pastel layers.

For the Frosting:

  • 1 cup 225g unsalted butter, softened – Creates a smooth, creamy base for the frosting.
  • 4 cups 500g powdered sugar – Adds structure and sweetness to the frosting.
  • 2-3 tbsp heavy cream – Helps achieve the perfect spreadable consistency.
  • 1 tsp cotton candy flavoring – Ties the frosting’s flavor to the cake layers.
  • Optional: Edible glitter or sprinkles – For decoration and extra whimsy.

Optional Toppings:

  • Cotton candy pieces – A fun and fluffy garnish.
  • Candy pearls or stars – Adds texture and visual appeal.

Tips for Success:

  • Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth batter and even baking.
  • Opt for gel food coloring to get vibrant pastel shades without thinning the batter.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to ensure the layers release easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together:
  • 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons of baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon of salt
  • Set the bowl aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat together:
  • 1 cup (225g) of softened unsalted butter
  • 2 cups (400g) of granulated sugar
  • Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step ensures your cake will have a tender texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavoring

  • Add 4 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Stir in 1 tablespoon of cotton candy flavoring for the cake’s signature taste.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with 1 cup (240ml) of whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
  • Mix on low speed until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.

Step 6: 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.
  • Gently fold the colors into the batter until they are fully incorporated.

Step 7: Bake the Cake Layers

  • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

  • In a large bowl, beat together:
  • 1 cup (225g) of softened butter
  • 4 cups (500g) of powdered sugar, added gradually
  • 1 teaspoon of cotton candy flavoring
  • Add 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. Beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes for a fluffy texture.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake

  • Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of frosting evenly across the top.
  • Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly for a smooth finish.

Step 10: Decorate

  • Use edible glitter, pastel sprinkles, or candy pearls to add a magical touch.
  • Add cotton candy pieces on top just before serving to keep them fluffy and fresh.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
  • Calories: 380
  • Total Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
    • Sugar: 42g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
Keyword birthday cake, Cotton candy cake